Bail Reform A Hot Button For State Government
Governor Cuomo Feels The Heat
Speaking in New York City on Monday, January 6, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called the new criminal justice reforms that went into effect on January 1, “a work in progress.” The Governor and the state legislature have been heavily criticized by law enforcement, district attorneys and state residents from all political walks of life for instituting what some have labeled a “catch and release program.” As the law now stands, judges lack discretion to set bail for someone deemed to be a threat to the community, including crimes up to and including some counts of manslaughter. Admitting the law needs to be revamped, Governor Cuomo said “We’re going to work on it because there are consequences we have to adjust for.”
As the 2020 session of the state legislature is slated to start this week, there are several pieces of legislation set to be introduced that either amend or repeal the reforms, including one from 107th District Assembly member Jake Ashby, whose district covers most of Rensselaer, as well as portions of Washington and Columbia counties. Mr. Ashby tells The Eastwick Press “The recent changes to our criminal justice system were done irresponsibly and have put New Yorkers at risk. Providing a healthy and safe environment is one of the most critical functions of our State and as such I voted against these flawed policies and am joining with my colleague Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh in sponsoring legislation to enact a moratorium on these changes.”
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly has also come out strongly in opposition to the bail reforms. She tells The Eastwick Press “my office is already seeing the effects of these reforms in the first week of the New Year. We are dealing with the reality that dangerous criminals are being released into our communities with no bail set to motivate their return to court. At the same time, we are also working tirelessly to meet the requirements of the discovery mandate. While the County has budgeted in excess of $400,000 to assist us in compliance, there has been no allocation whatsoever from the State. We are hopeful that law makers in Albany will hear our concerns and work with us to amend these laws with a focus on public safety.
Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo labeled it “a bad idea right from the start,” and added that just one week into the reform package, we already seeing the repercussions.
Rensselaer County Legislator Bruce Patire echoed the Sheriff’s comments, telling The Eastwick Press “We just had a situation in Hoosick Falls where a repeat offender was arrested for smashing a car windshield with an ax while a woman was inside; he was released by the judge. These reforms have stripped judges of the ability to use their discretion, and consider a suspect’s previous criminal record. The State should allow judges to judge each case individually.”