LEAKED TAPE: NY passed historic, common sense bail reform last year. Instead of preparing to comply w/ the new law, prosecutors around the state are getting trained on tricks & loopholes “to jail people that otherwise would be released under the new law.”cityandstateny.com/articles/polit…
In addition to preparing to undermine the law, NY prosecutors & police are coordinating to weaponize tragedies & blame future violence on the bail changes. Using the same cynical tactics that pro-carceral forces used to create mass incarceration through 60s-90s to perpeatuate it.
Some examples. Under new law, people who dont show up (usually inadvertently) can be jailed only if they dont come back for 30 days. Courts/police can help. But training: “Tell police: Dont be their Uber. Wait 30 days, & then you’ve got your bail jumping charge waiting for them.”
Another “trick.” People can be jailed if they “persistently & willfully fail to show up.” The prosecutor trainer’s tip: Request the judge to require daily phone check-ins. That way there are increased chances people will slip up and allow for their arrest under the new law.
The trainer is Jed Painter. A prosecutor & General Counsel to Nassau County DA Madeline Singas, one of most ardent opponents of the bail changes & overhaul of NY’s archaic discovery laws (1 of worst in country) allowing prosecutors to withhold most info until after trial began.
Painter & Nassau DA’s office is on defensive. Spokesperson claims “The office supports the goals of the legislation & has worked diligently to prepare for implementation.” But DA Singas just slammed the law in a debate & told voters she was 1 of the law’s “most vocal opponents.”
Things will only get more desperate as the law goes into effect. I fear their cynical efforts to make the law fail will work. Don’t let them. Tabloid ready crimes will happen. They do now before the bail law. Call them out when they try to blame it on bail. Give change a chance.
