Congressman Lawler Demands Governor Scrap Disastrous Criminal Justices Policies Endangering New Yorkers

By Rockland Daily Staff

Congressman Mike Lawler sent a letter today to Governor Kathy Hochul demanding the scrapping of New York's dangerous criminal justice laws. 

Specifically, Congressman Lawler took aim at cashless bail, the lack of a dangerousness standard or judicial discretion in bail hearings, and the release of cop killers by the New York State Board of Parole.

Additionally, Congressman Lawler urged the Governor to support the enactment of a new law mandating life without the possibility of parole, pardon, or clemency for killing a law enforcement officer, first responder, corrections officer, or court officer. As a New York State Assemblyman, Lawler had authored a bill requiring this.

"Cashless bail has proved disastrous for public safety, allowing violent criminals to roam freely. Since cashless bail took effect, over 40% of individuals released on non-monetary bail for violent felonies have been rearrested while their charges are pending. Too many tragedies have been a direct result of this policy, and it is abhorrent to keep it in place," Congressman Lawler says. "Along with the repeal of cashless bail, enacting a dangerousness standard and providing judges with judicial discretion when setting bail is crucial. It is critical that judges have the flexibility to consider community safety when calculating risk of release. If a violent offender is determined to pose a danger to New Yorkers, they must be held while awaiting trial. It is simply beyond comprehension why this is not the case today.