This NY lawmaker didn’t fearmonger after Harvey Weinstein was released on bail he could afford. But for mostly Black & Latino people jailed pretrial, charged w/ far less—misdemeanors & nonviolent felonies—unable to buy their freedom, he’s started a petition to keep them caged.
The truth about the system Karl is now fighting to perpetuate:
87% cant afford bail set
89% on Rikers are Black/Latino
100% jailed too poor to buy freedom
95% of people return w/o bail
$828/nt cost of Rikers
$300k/yr per person
9x more likely to plead
87% cant afford bail set
89% on Rikers are Black/Latino
100% jailed too poor to buy freedom
95% of people return w/o bail
$828/nt cost of Rikers
$300k/yr per person
9x more likely to plead
In 2020, common sense laws begin in NY that are no more than a continuation of the measured, steady decline in those detained pretrial. Ending cash bail for misdemeanors & non-violent felonies. Early, automatic evidence disclosure. These reforms save lives & money& make NY safer.
Miguel was locked up on $1500 bail for a suspended license. Lost job. Suffered horrors of Rikers. Once out couldn’t find another job, afford rent. Had to move out of NY w/ his family. Thanks to bail changes in 2020, this won’t ever happen to someone again.
Paul was jailed for 20 days on bail he couldn’t afford. “I lost all my stuff. Me & my son, we struggling. I had a job. Now I don’t. He just recently had a birthday. I couldn’t buy him nothing.” In 2020, new bail laws will stop this from happening again.
Tammy, struggling w/ addiction, pled guilty 16x to crimes on *same day of arrest* fearful bail might be set. Come 2020, no one will have to make the decision again at first appearance whether to plead guilty just to avoid jail time. They’ll be released.
Prosecutors, police, & Lawmakers like @KarlBrabenec are fearmongering about common sense bail & discovery reforms. Not bc the status quo is fair or deters “crime.” Doesnt. Costs a fortune, separates families, & increases recidivism. They fight change bc it threatens their power.
This “petition” is despicable & desperate attempt to maintain a costly & unjust system that doesn't make the public safer. Does just the opposite.
Nothing more than "A Sad Last Gasp Against Criminal Justice Reform."nytimes.com/2019/11/17/opi…
Nothing more than "A Sad Last Gasp Against Criminal Justice Reform."nytimes.com/2019/11/17/opi…
