Monroe Co. DA Says NY Bail Reform Will Lead to "Catch and Release"

(excerpt from Spectrum News Aug 6 2019)

Local governments across  New York State are preparing for bail reform arriving in January that will bring sweeping changes to how low-level felonies and misdemeanor crimes are prosecuted.

It begins with eliminating bail for what are known as non-qualifying offenses, which include misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Those will include forms of robbery, including a bank robbery in which a weapon is not displayed.

Advocates say they will make the criminal justice system more fair for people who come from poverty and lead to fewer people in jail. Judges will be able to establish bail, or place the accused in jail without bail for qualifying offenses which include violent felonies.