Governor
Andrew Cuomo today launched the Campaign to Restore Fairness in New
York's Criminal Justice System. The campaign advances the Governor's
five-pronged reform package to overhaul the State's criminal justice
system. This comprehensive package—the most progressive set of reforms
in the nation—will guarantee fairness for the accused by reshaping New
York's antiquated bail system, ensuring access to a speedy trial,
improving the disclosure of evidence in the discovery process,
transforming asset forfeiture procedures and implementing new
initiatives to help individuals transition from incarceration to their
communities.
"For
too long, our antiquated criminal justice system has created a
two-tiered system where outcomes depend purely on economic status -
undermining the bedrock principle that one is innocent until proven
guilty," Governor Cuomo said. "This sweeping overhaul will transform our
criminal justice system by removing critical barriers, reaffirming our
beliefs in fairness, opportunity and dignity, and continue our historic
progress toward a more equal society for all."
The
Governor's legislation will: eliminate monetary bail for people facing
misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges; expand the discovery process
to include disclosure of information in a timely manner including
evidence and information favorable to the defense; intended exhibits;
expert opinion evidence; witnesses' criminal history information; and
search warrant information; reduce
unnecessary delays and adjournments in court proceedings, requiring
that people held in custody - not just their attorneys - consent to a
speedy trial waiver that must be approved by a judge and ensure that
defendants are not being held unnecessarily when the prosecution fails
to meet deadlines; limit asset forfeiture proceedings to cases in which a
conviction is obtained and enhance reporting requirements for local law
enforcement and District Attorneys; and improve the re-entry process
for individuals transitioning from incarceration to their communities
and reduce unnecessary barriers to financial stability after release.
Learn more and support Governor Cuomo's criminal justice package here.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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