In his annual State of the Judiciary speech, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman was very critical of New York’s bail system and called for significant changes. He said, much in agreement with reforms happening across the country, that the system is biased against the poor and simultaneously often fails to keep the general public safe. Continue reading “NY Bail System is Expensive and Senseless”
New NY State Office to Review Possible Wrongful Convictions
The Conviction Review Board, created by New York State attorney general Eric T. Schneidermann marks the first law enforcement effort at examining questionable convictions in the state. According to the NY Times, the new board will address possible wrongful convictions, working on the leads of several senior lawyers lead by one assistance attorney general. Continue reading “New NY State Office to Review Possible Wrongful Convictions”
In NYC, Pot Possession Has Many Potential Repercussions
The NYPD has lightened enforcement of marijuana laws when it comes to personal possession. But not everyone is on the same page. As this article in the New York Times shows, parents are losing their children to the foster care system on allegations of neglect, often when they were found with a trivial amount of marijuana. Continue reading “In NYC, Pot Possession Has Many Potential Repercussions”
New NY Law Supports Incarcerated Parents and Children
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. Continue reading “New NY Law Supports Incarcerated Parents and Children”
Panel to Address New York Sentencing Laws
A “blue ribbon” panel is being assembled to take a look at New York’s aging sentencing laws. The most in depth analysis these laws have seen in 40 years will involve judges, defense lawyers, and even victims, all weighing in on the current laws and what could be done to improve them. Continue reading “Panel to Address New York Sentencing Laws”