Too Far, Too Fast: Curran Responds To Bail Reform Petition

HICKSVILLE, NY —Less than a week after New York's bail reform law officially went into effect Jan. 1, Nassau County legislator for the 17th District, Rose Marie Walker, isn't mincing words. On Monday, she took to her official Facebook page to call out the new law — which doesn't require setting bail for some crimes — as being "a dangerous change to the criminal justice system."

"Under this 'reform,' many who are charged with committing high level crimes CANNOT be held on bail, and will be released back into the streets within a matter of hours," Walker said. "This has already caused problems as those released have gone on to commit more crimes. This needs to end."

Supporters of the new law argue it will prevent poor people from sitting behind bars for low-level crimes while their cases work through the system. The overhaul of the state's criminal justice system is a progressive step forward in the right direction, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"For too long, our antiquated criminal justice system has created a two-tiered system where outcomes depend purely on economic status - undermining the bedrock principle that one is innocent until proven guilty," Cuomo has said. "This sweeping overhaul will transform our criminal justice system by removing critical barriers, reaffirming our beliefs in fairness, opportunity and dignity, and continue our historic progress toward a more equal society for all."

Opponents, like Walker, however, believe the changes will put the public at risk. That's why she along with fellow other Nassau County lawmakers launched an online petition, which calls on Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to oppose the new law and work with state leaders to change it. Legislators William Gaylor, John Ferretti, Steven Rhoads, James Kennedy and Thomas McKevitt all support the petition and have also shared it with their constituents.

"It is my duty to do everything in my power to keep our communities safe," the petition reads. "While at the county level, we obviously cannot change New York state laws, I feel when one as heinous as bail reform is hoisted upon Nassau County, it is my responsibility to speak out against it and apply pressure on the New York State representatives to change it."

Prior to the law officially taking affect, Curran told WLNY-TV about 175 inmates would be released starting Dec. 31.

In a statement to Patch, Curran responded to the online petition with the following:

“While I’ve seen press conferences and public posturing on criminal justice reform from GOP legislators, I am still waiting to receive a single call from any of them to actually discuss the topic. As Nassau County executive, my priority is keeping our residents safe. The fact is that although some reforms of our criminal justice system were needed, the reforms passed by the state went too far and too fast. This week I am heading to Albany, where I will advocate for necessary amendments to the law.”

To view the petition, click here.

Now it's your turn to weigh in. Do you agree with the petition? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.