Padavan Introduces "Career Criminal Crackdown" Legislation

New York State Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) re-introduced legislation today in the state Senate that would significantly increase criminal penalities for chronic repeat criminal offenders in New York State. The legislation known as the “Career Criminal” bill will once again be a key criminal justice initiative for Senator Padavan during the 2009 Legislative Session.  
 
“This is a common sense legislative measure that will be instrumental in the fight against crime and put those who make a career out of repeated criminal acts behind bars,” Padavan said. “While we have been able to reduce crime to record low levels, we are still seeing cases of criminals with lengthy wraps sheets. By enacting this legislation we would be able to give courts and law enforcement officials in New York a powerful tool to combat crime on our communities.”  

The bill (S.2632) establishes the new crime of aggravated criminal conduct and strengthens the state Penal Law to mandate that any person who commits three or more Class A misdemeanors or felonies within a ten year period be punished as a Class E felon and face up to four years in state prison. Class A misdemeanors include criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, assault in the third degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree and resisting arrest.

The bill has passed in the State Senate over the past four consecutive legislative sessions; however the legislation (A.4438) has languished in the Assembly Codes committee despite being sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Westchester). 

“I am hopeful that this legislation will once again receive significant support by my Senate colleagues,” Padavan said. “This legislation is far too important for the safety and well being for all New Yorkers to be stonewalled again from become law.”