Senator Fuschillo Applauds Signing Of New Law To Keep Dangerous Sex Offenders Off The Streets

State Senator Charles Fuschillo (8^th District) today praised the signing of a new law he cosponsored that will allow the state to confine sexually violent predators who are likely to commit another sex crime in secure treatment facilities after they’ve completed their prison sentence. This "civil commitment" law will help protect the public from criminals likely to commit repeated acts of sexual violence.

"We cannot put people in danger by allowing a sex offender, who trained professionals believe is likely to commit another sex crime, to walk the streets," said Senator Fuschillo. "Under this new law, sex offenders who are likely to strike again will be sent to a secure facility where they can continue to receive treatment once their prison term expires. New York State has now taken a giant step forward in protecting the people of our communities from sexual predators. "

Under the law, sex offenders will be referred to a case review team to determine if they are likely to commit another sex crime. If so, the case will go the Attorney General to file a petition for confinement in the county of incarceration. If after a trial, a jury confirms the findings of the case review team, a judge will determine the most appropriate course of action, either confinement for the most dangerous offenders or a program of strict and intensive supervision for those who pose a lesser risk. The offender will then be reevaluated periodically.

In addition, the law also does the following:

- Mandates treatment for all sex offenders, during incarceration and after their release;

- Increase periods of parole supervision for sex offenders;

- Establishes a new crime of "sexually motivated felon;" and

- Creates a new Office of Sex Offender Management in the State Division of Criminal Justice Services to develop comprehensive policies and standards for the evaluation, treatment, and management of sex offenders.

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