News Scan

Problems Emerge With NY Bail Reform:   A New York law which took effect on January 1, to eliminate cash bail for a long list of so-called low level crimes is already coming under fire.  NBC News reports that pressure is mounting in the state’s Democrat controlled legislature to change the new law to give judges the discretion to require bail for some arrestees.   Even Governor Cuomo, who promoted the law, is open to changing it after a New York Judge cited the new law to release a female anti-Semite, arrested for attacking three Jewish women, without bail.  The woman was arrested the next day when she punched a 35-year-old in the face.  Noah Adamitis of Clarion News reports that shortly after the law took effect a judge released a man arrested for bank robbery without bail.  Other crimes requiring the defendant to be released without bail include:  manslaughter, vehicular homicide, assault, criminal possession of a firearm,  promoting child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender among others.   Last year law enforcement leaders warned  legislators that the new law would require the release of criminals who should be held until trial, resulting in increased crime.