This bill modifies New York's parole decision process by updating the factors parole boards must consider. It requires boards to evaluate an incarcerated person's institutional record, release plans, victim input (including statements about post-sentencing threats), deportation status, sentence length, and prior criminal history. The bill replaces the term "inmate" with "incarcerated person" throughout the law and mandates toll-free victim access and written reports for victim statements. It takes effect immediately, focusing on concrete procedural changes to parole assessments.
This bill creates a new legal pathway for people wrongfully convicted of crimes to seek compensation from the state. It allows individuals who were pardoned for innocence, had convictions reversed, or had charges dismissed (specifically on grounds like DNA evidence or constitutional violations) to file claims. To qualify, claimants must prove they didn't commit the crime and weren't responsible for their conviction, with claims involving DNA evidence given court priority. If successful, claimants receive compensation of at least $1 million per year of wrongful imprisonment, plus reasonable attorney fees.
This bill allows victims of certain misdemeanor offenses to make statements at sentencing. Specifically, it applies when a defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor related to a vehicle traffic offense that originally involved a felony charge resulting in serious physical injury to the victim. Victims must request this statement at least 10 days before sentencing, and the court must notify the defendant at least 7 days in advance. If the defendant doesn't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not apply to all misdemeanors, only those tied to specific traffic-related felony charges with serious injury.
Bill S 7972 allows victims of crimes to submit impact statements during parole revocation hearings for the individual who committed the crime. It amends current law to enable victims to provide written, audiotaped, or videotaped statements, or to meet personally with the presiding officer. Upon a victim's request, the department must inform them of the hearing details. If the presiding officer finds a parole violation, they must then inform the victim of their right to submit such a statement. This bill directly affects crime victims and individuals facing parole revocation.
Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.
Provides that any person interested in the grant or denial of discretionary release shall have the right to submit a written statement of views in support of or in opposition to the granting of discretionary release which the parole board may consider.
This bill, "Emma's Law," allows victims of misdemeanor crimes to speak at the defendant's sentencing hearing. It requires courts to notify defendants at least seven days in advance if a victim plans to speak, and gives defendants the option to request a delay if they don't receive timely notice. The law applies specifically to misdemeanor cases and clarifies that family members or legal representatives may speak on behalf of victims who are unable to attend. The bill takes effect immediately but expires two years after enactment.
Requires the prosecution to disclose to defense counsel certain information relating to jailhouse informants; requires prosecutors to notify victims of the informant's crimes if the prosecutor has offered the informant a benefit in exchange for testimony or other cooperation.
