NYC the “Marijuana Arrest Capital of the World”

February 16, 2011

The title is nothing to brag about but it’s official, with recent numbers stating the Big Apple gets about 15% of its arrests from marijuana offenders, the city is officially the “marijuana arrest capital of the world,” according to the Drug Policy Alliance.

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Federal Judge Overturns NY Man’s Arson/Fraud Convictions

February 4, 2011

Citing prosecutorial misconduct and insufficient evidence a federal judge has reversed convictions against an Oneida man. The business owner was initially convicted of urging his son to burn down the family business in order to collect insurance money. But due in part to the prosecutor’s show at trial, the man is now free.

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“Castle” In West Harlem Offers Rehabilitation Post-Incarceration

January 25, 2011

It’s ironic that many people convicted for felonies and sent to prison don’t get the chance to truly rehabilitate until there are released. But, it’s a fact. And while many aren’t afforded this chance either, one place is working to ensure at least some former prisoners are given a running start when the “touch down” [...]

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Only Half of NY Insider Trading Charges Result in Incarceration

January 24, 2011

A lengthy new report from Bloomberg reveals just how beneficial cooperating with the prosecution can be in white collar crime cases. According to the article, nearly half of all those defendants sentenced in Manhattan federal court over the past several years avoided prison time by working with the prosecutors.

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NY Lawmaker Wants Breathalyzers in All Cars

January 13, 2011

A New York State Assemblyman is advocating for breath test devices to be standard equiptment in all vehicles, in an effort to prevent drunk driving (DWI).

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NYC Panel To Examine Crime Stats

January 12, 2011

NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced last week a panel of former prosecutors will be analyzing the collection of crime statistics in the midst of accusations that the force has manipulated numbers for their benefit. Commissioner Kelly hopes the panel will be able to restore integrity to the department’s internal crime-reporting system, according to the NY [...]

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Beacon NY Police Six-Year Brutality Investigation Wrapped Up

December 29, 2010

The Beacon police department has come to an agreement with the feds regarding an in depth investigation into the town’s numerous lawsuits involving police brutality. Though the U.S. District Attorney’s Office states it found no laws were violated by police they are recommending the Beacon PD implement several reforms.

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NY Bail Fees For Minor Crimes Create Debtor’s Prison

December 8, 2010

In a report released last week from Human Rights Watch and profiled in the New York Times, the country learned what many within the city already knew—if you’re poor, you’re more likely to be in jail. The courts have created a situation where people are sent to jail and unable to raise even a $1,000 [...]

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New NY Law Supports Incarcerated Parents and Children

November 30, 2010

The average prison sentence for a woman in New York is 36 months. Prior to June’s passing of the Adoption and Safe Families Act Expanded Discretion Bill a mother or father automatically lost their parental rights after 15 months of continuous incarceration. Now, that isn’t necessarily the case.

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Feds Say NYPD Falls Short on Interpreters

November 23, 2010

If you’re reading this in its original context, you likely speak English. But in New York City, there are millions of people who don’t. So shouldn’t the NYPD provide an adequate number of interpreters to best serve and protect their people?

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