Jasmine Crockett says people who steal out of desperation shouldn’t be labeled as ‘criminals’

Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett has caused widespread discussion with her recent comments distinguishing between committing crimes and being a criminal. The Democratic congresswoman, who previously worked as a public defender, appeared on the Getting Better podcast with Jonathan Van Ness to share her views on crime and criminal justice reform.

Crockett argued that people who commit crimes out of desperation should not always be considered criminals. She emphasized that her experience working with indigent clients in Texas has shaped her understanding of what leads people to criminal behavior. According to Crockett, this insight directly informs her legislative work as she seeks to address root causes rather than simply punish offenders.

According to Fox News, the congresswoman stated that when it comes to crime being out of control in American cities, she agrees there is a problem but blames different perpetrators. “It’s the MAGA gang,” Crockett declared during a separate MSNBC appearance, arguing that white supremacists who have descended upon places like Springfield, Ohio are the real issue, not illegal immigrants as some claim.

Her background as a former public defender

Crockett’s perspective comes from her experience as a public defender in Bowie County, Texas, where she represented clients who couldn’t afford legal representation. She later started her own criminal defense firm, handling car accident lawsuits and taking pro bono cases for Black Lives Matter activists. Her work defending vulnerable populations led her to understand what she calls the difference between criminal behavior and criminal identity. The congresswoman, who has become known for her sharp rhetoric against political opponents, applies this same direct approach to criminal justice issues.

The congresswoman explained that being a criminal is about mindset, while committing crimes can happen for many different reasons. She cited examples of people stealing basic necessities like diapers or food when they have no other options, describing these as crimes of survival rather than criminal behavior driven by malicious intent.

Van Ness agreed with this concept during their podcast discussion, contrasting survival crimes with what he called a “criminal mindset” involving tax evasion, corruption, and repeated harmful actions without attempts to improve. Crockett has also referenced Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, who has stated his office would not prosecute low level theft cases involving basic necessities. The Texas representative has frequently called out MAGA supporters over what she sees as their selective outrage on various issues.

Critics have challenged Crockett’s distinction, arguing it blurs the line between criminal behavior and personal identity. The congresswoman has also faced controversy for other statements, including her claim that law enforcement’s role is to solve crimes rather than prevent them, which drew criticism from law enforcement officers and officials across the political spectrum.