Senator Bailey and members of the committee, thank you for holding this hearing on the implementation of pre-trial discovery reform. It is important to have this discussion to adequately prepare for the sweeping changes that will take effect on January 1, 2020.
“We hope that Attorney General Barr and other national leaders will understand what facts, data and lessons learned from the past have taught us as we work to wisely use limited criminal justice resources to promote safer and stronger communities.”
Effective February 1, 2018, our office no longer prosecutes the overwhelming majority of subway theft of services cases. The office released statistics pertaining to the first 18 months of the policy.
Effective August 1, 2018 our office no longer prosecutes most marijuana smoking and low-level marijuana possession. The office released statistics pertaining to the first year of the policy.
“There’s no reason a conviction for smoking or possessing marijuana should follow New Yorkers for life. I was honored to work with defense providers to seal these records and remove unnecessary obstacles to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities for hundreds of New Yorkers.”
