As part of NCABL’s Off the Record Series, which features NCABL members serving in elected office, we are proud to highlight Spencer Merriweather, District Attorney for Mecklenburg County.
District Attorney Merriweather has served as the chief prosecutor for North Carolina’s 26th Prosecutorial District since 2017, following his appointment by Governor Roy Cooper and subsequent election by the people of Mecklenburg County.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, District Attorney Merriweather earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. Prior to becoming District Attorney, he served more than a decade as an Assistant District Attorney in Mecklenburg County, where he prosecuted serious felony cases including homicide, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and domestic violence.
During his tenure as District Attorney, Merriweather has implemented a strategic and forward-thinking approach to prosecution, prioritizing the most serious and violent offenses while also advancing meaningful reforms. He established and expanded specialized units such as the Violent Crimes Team and the Special Victims Team, a trauma-informed unit focused on cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
He has also championed initiatives aimed at strengthening both public safety and fairness in the justice system. His office has worked to remove financial barriers to deferred prosecution programs, expand access to treatment courts, and support a “smart on crime” approach that balances accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation.
In addition, District Attorney Merriweather has been a leader in justice reform and community engagement. His office’s policies have been recognized as best practices by the Governor’s Task Force on Racial Equity in the Criminal Justice System, and he has worked to build trust through community outreach, including programs that bring prosecutors directly into neighborhoods to educate and engage residents.
He has also advocated at the General Assembly for resources to strengthen North Carolina’s court system and improve outcomes for victims and communities, while promoting a justice system that is both effective and equitable.
District Attorney Merriweather’s leadership reflects a commitment to public service, innovation, and integrity in prosecution. He exemplifies NCABL’s mission by using his legal training and elected office to enhance public safety, support victims, and build a more just and trusted legal system.
We are proud to highlight his service and celebrate the meaningful contributions NCABL members are making in elected office across North Carolina.
If you or someone you know is an NCABL member serving in elected office, we encourage you to share their information as we continue this spotlight series.
Please send a brief bio and headshot to info@ncabl.org with the subject line “NCABL Elected Officials Spotlight.”