Modified: February 12, 2019 10:08am
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Last week, the Erie Count y Legislature unanimously passed a resolution asking New York State to retain bail procedures for individuals charged with domestic violence crimes, including charges which are considered non-violent, such as stalking, harassment, and menacing.
Bail reform is expected to be part of the New York State Legislature’s agenda this year, which would eliminate cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent crimes. Additionally, some of the most significant reform is expected to eliminate the use of bail as a requirement for pretrial release for certain charges.
Legislator Lynne Dixon said, “According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report having experienced rape, physical violence, and or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many of the individuals who commit these crimes, even if they are considered non-violent, become repeat offenders. Our resolution seeks to retain the standard bail procedure for those charged with domestic violence crimes in hopes it will prevent them returning to hurt their victims again.”
Legislator Joe Lorigo said, “Our resolution aims to support victims of domestic violence. If released early, an accused abuser could end up committing additional crimes. It is important to keep those individuals off the streets and away from their potential victims.”
Legislator Ed Rath said, “As New York state moves toward bail reform, we must consider the potential consequences of early release for individuals accused of domestic violence crimes. According to statistics, it is not unusual for those individuals to commit future attacks. The state needs to prioritize the safety of domestic violence victims.”
Legislator John Mills said, “Early release of an individual accused of a domestic violence crime could allow that person to seek revenge against a victim or commit further acts of violence after they have been charged. If the series of proposed bail reforms passes the Legislature, New York State should not allow those charged with domestic violence crimes to fall under those reforms.”
A copy of the resolution can be found here.