Higher Convictions and Fewer Dismissals Reflected in Shelby County Data : December 2025 data shows more convictions and fewer dismissals than prior administration

(Shelby County - TN) —The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office released new data showing more convictions and fewer dismissals in December 2025 compared to the previous administration's 2019 data.

The analysis follows a recent local report examining December 2025 case disposition data, which raised questions about dismissal and conviction rates.

The comparison uses December 2019 as a baseline—a period prior to both the current administration and the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted court operations, case flow, and prosecution timelines—allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison.

In December 2025, the office convicted 61% of cases and dismissed 39% of cases. (“Dismissed” here refers both to times when the prosecutor voluntarily dismissed a case and when the judge dismissed a case without the prosecutor agreeing.) That compares favorably to December 2019, when the office convicted 54% of cases and dismissed 46% of cases. Looking just at violent cases, the conviction rate rose from 56% to 67% from 2019 to 2025, while the dismissal rate dropped from 44% to 33%.

The 2025 data is generally consistent with corresponding dismissal rates from large urban jurisdictions—e.g., Ft. Lauderdale, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. Cases can be dismissed for many reasons, including a defect in the arrest warrant or procedure; a lack of evidence; lack of victim or witness cooperation; as part of a “global settlement” where the defendant pleads guilty to other offenses; or, in some low-level cases, as a matter of judicial economy.

The data comes from the District Attorney’s Office case management system, which tracks each case from intake through disposition and is used for internal oversight.

“We’re not speculating—we’re looking at the data,” said DA Steve Mulroy. “We see more convictions and fewer dismissals compared to my Republican predecessor, who never received this type of criticism from Republican politicians.”

The data reflects continued efforts to strengthen case preparation, support victims and witnesses, and ensure cases are positioned for successful outcomes—advancing accountability and public safety across Shelby County.