Learn more about people with COVID-19 behind bars.
We need the Governor to grant clemencies and for the legislature to pass parole reform and protect bail reform to protect vulnerable New Yorkers in jails and prisons.
What's happening with criminal justice reform in New York
New York legislators passed a package of pretrial reforms that will eliminate money bail and mandate pretrial release for those charged with most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. This long fought for legislation moves the Empire Sate towards a system that prioritizes pretrial freedom, significantly reduces the number of legally innocent people held in jail, and brings many people home to await their day in court with their families and in their communities where they belong.
But the fight isn’t over. We must keep pushing to end money bail entirely and end the criminalization of poverty once and for all.
The Case for Criminal Justice Reform in New York
Fighting for New York Families
Last year, New York passed a historic package of pretrial reforms. Watch three New York families explain how money bail harmed their families and how they fought for change.
Why New York’s Bail Reforms Didn’t Go Far Enough
Last session, New York took a giant leap towards ending the criminalization of poverty and delivering New Yorkers the pretrial justice they deserve. — but we still have work to do.
The Need to End Money Bail
Listen to Mary, a Long Island resident and member of JustLeadershipUSA, on the need to end money bail.
