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Monday, February 9, 2004
The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Guy Velella (R-C, Bronx/Westchester), designed to enhance public safety and increase criminal penalties for those who repeatedly commit misdemeanor crimes.
"Right now, criminals have a blank check when it comes to their number of misdemeanor convictions. If you think about it, it is the individual who commits a minor crime which usually has the biggest impact on our daily lives. Worst of all, they tie up our criminal justice system, and their "less-serious" crimes often eventually escalate to more significant ones. That is why legislation such as this is needed, to stop them early on," said Senator Velella.
The bill (S.5555) establishes the crime of "aggravated criminal conduct." Any offender who commits his or her fourth misdemeanor after having been previously convicted of three or more misdemeanors within the previous ten years will be punished as a Class �E� felon and face up to four years in state prison.
Just recently, New York City police arrested a man believed to be responsible for five sexual assaults and robberies on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The suspect, Kevin White, had 27 additional arrests on his record for crimes ranging from selling marijuana to weapons possession but never spent more than six months behind bars. White plea bargained the misdemeanor charges and received sentences ranging from conditional discharge to 60 days in jail.
"For too long, New Yorkers have been forced to walk the streets with individuals who have repeatedly broken the law and endangered the well being of many," said Senator Martin Golden (R-C, Brooklyn), a sponsor of the bill. "As one who has fought crime firsthand on the streets of New York, I know that it is our criminal justice system that has at times failed victims and has allowed for the endangerment of others. How many crimes can we allow one to commit before we say enough is enough?"
"Law-abiding citizens should not be forced to endure the crimes of chronic misdemeanor offenders," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. "This legislation will not only make our streets safer but will also serve as an appropriate punishment for those who continue to plague our communities by engaging in repeated criminal activity."
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
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