Ritchie Joins Colleagues in Speaking Out Against Proposed Criminal Justice Reforms

Senator Patty Ritchie joined her colleagues and a bipartisan group of district attorneys and county sheriffs at the Capitol Wednesday to voice concerns over a number of recent criminal justice proposals that would favor criminals over the law abiding citizens of New York State.

“The unfortunate truth is that the proposals discussed today do more to protect criminals than protect the rights—and the safety—of people across our state,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am hopeful that in light of the facts and information shared today that these proposals will be reconsidered. It is my hope that a better, more comprehensive and more thoroughly researched criminal justice plan that puts the rights of law abiding citizens first will be put forth.”

Criminal justice reforms proposed by Senate Democrats include:

• “Cashless Bail,” a measure that could allow violent offenders to be released without serious consequences and to potentially commit more crimes, ignoring the real concerns of law enforcement officials and crime victims. Another serious worry of public stakeholders is the potential increase in flight risk; and
• “Criminal Discovery Reform,” a measure that would require all evidence to be turned over to defendants within 15 days, including who witnesses are and where they live. This proposal could lead to an uptick in witness intimidation and tampering, endangerment of law enforcement officials, and even compromise successful prosecutions. It would also create an unfair, unfunded mandate on local governments.

In past years, the Senate has approved multiple measures to reform the criminal justice system, which were not acted on by the Assembly. Proposals included:

• Tougher penalties for repeat violent criminal offenders;
• More resources for Upstate and Long Island communities where crime is a serious and growing problem;
• Tougher enforcement tools to use on major drug dealers and traffickers who are targeting children and other vulnerable citizens with heroin and other illegal substances; and
• Parole reform legislation that puts crime victims and their families first.