Biography - Mike Easley [Image] [Image] [Image] ATTORNEY GENERAL AND HEAD OF NC'S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE In 1996, Michael F. "Mike" Easley was re-elected as North Carolina's Attorney General. Easley was the state's top vote-getter, receiving nearly 60% of votes cast. He was first elected to the state's top law enforcement position in 1992 when he recorded the highest-ever vote total for any North Carolina candidate. Easley's major accomplishments as head of the North Carolina Department of Justice include: * Spearheading efforts to reach a national tobacco settlement. When it became clear that several states were taking action to sue the tobacco industry, Attorney General Easley quickly stepped in to make sure that North Carolina's interests were protected. He played a pivotal role in brokering a $206 billion dollar deal - the largest financial recovery in history - and brought nearly $5 billion in revenue to North Carolina. The settlement promises to bring much needed stability to the tobacco industry and the tobacco farmers. * Successfully challenging the federal court order that limited the State's prison population. The removal of this prison "cap" kept more than 4,000 violent criminals behind bars, and, combined with the new structured sentencing law, has resulted in a doubling of the average time served by violent felons. In 1996, the violent crime rate declined 7%, dropping to its lowest level since 1989. * Launching a Safe Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) to help communities attack violent and juvenile crime. SNI teaches community policing techniques and other innovative methods to assist both rural and urban neighborhoods across the state. * Creating the Citizens' Rights Division within the Department of Justice to work on child abuse, elder abuse and victims' rights issues. The Division also contains a "Sunshine Office" focused on ensuring that government operations are open to all North Carolinians. * Elevating the Environmental Section of the Justice Department to Division status. As Attorney General, Mike Easley has placed an emphasis on catching environmental criminals. He also created an Environmental Crimes Task Force to prosecute those who intentionally pollute our air, soil or water. * Leading an aggressive fight against consumer fraud. Soon after taking office, Easley established the Partnership for Consumer Education which uses consumer education outreach programs to stop scams before they start. He began a public service announcement campaign which has resulted in a dramatic decrease in telemarketing complaints. In the wake of Hurricane Fran, Easley quickly initiated the pursuit and prosecution of home repair scam artists. As Attorney General, Mike Easley has also chaired the Commission on Business Laws and the Economy and spearheaded the successful effort to create the nation's first Business Court. In addition, Easley has lead statewide task forces on School Violence and Church Burnings. He also established the Better Campaigns Commission and the Bail Task Force. Attorney General Easley's legislative achievements include pushing through the General Assembly new laws that create "weapon-free" school zones, remove the spousal defense for rape, ensure "truth in sentencing", attack telemarketing fraud and prevent youth access to tobacco products. He also advocated for the Victim's Rights Amendment ratified by North Carolina voters in November 1996. In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Attorney General Easley has received several awards including the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials' Humanitarian Award and the North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Excellence in Public Service for Children Award. District Attorney In 1982, Easley became District Attorney for the 13th Judicial District in Brunswick, Bladen and Columbus counties. At age 31, he was one of the State's youngest District Attorneys ever, and he used his youthful energies to battle drug trafficking along the District's coastline. Easley prosecuted South American drug kingpins and was recognized as one of the nation's top "Drug-Busters" by USA Today. While District Attorney, Easley achieved one of the highest drug conviction rates in the state. Easley also prosecuted numerous corrupt public officials. As District Attorney, Easley developed the first Rape/Child Abuse programs operated out of a District Attorney's office. He also helped the General Assembly create investigative grand juries, which he used to prosecute drug traffickers. He also helped to create the Fair Treatment to Victims Act. Easley has twice testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on drug interdiction and once before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Affiliations Easley is a member of the National Association of Attorneys General where he chairs the Corrections Committee and serves on the Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Health Care Task Force committees. He is past president of the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys and past president and Legislative Chairman of the N.C. District Attorneys Association. Education and Family Easley grew up in Nash County, just outside Rocky Mount. He is the second of seven children and graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1968. Easley received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina in 1972 with honors. Easley earned his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1976, graduating cum laude. He also served as Managing Editor of the Law Review. Easley and his wife, Mary, have one child, Michael, Jr., age 13 1/2. Easley is an avid hunter, sailor and accomplished woodworker. [Image] Justice Home Page | Department Overview