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WGRZ 2 On Your Side recently aired a report in response to outcry in the community regarding the status of an investigation involving a fatal car crash that occurred approximately two months ago.

In October, a Toyota was struck by a Maserati on Seneca Street in South Buffalo. Two passengers in the Toyota died as a result of the crash. WGRZ reports that they have heard from many in the community who want to know why charges have not been filed in the crash and why authorities have not revealed the identity of the driver of the Maserati involved in the crash.

In response to these questions, WGRZ interviewed Erie County District Attorney John Flynn for an update on the case.  Attorney Barry Covert was also interviewed to provide legal analysis for the report.
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New York State’s new criminal justice reform is continuing to capture media attention.  Attorney Barry Covert was interviewed by WGRZ 2 On Your Side to provide legal analysis for their latest report on the new law.

As detailed in a previous post, New York State will enact new prison bail reform, which will eliminate cash bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses.  The criminal justice reform bill passed both houses of the state legislature, was signed in to law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and is schedule to take effect on January 1, 2020.

However, the new bail reform has generated criticism from law enforcement and elected officials in New York State.  Although the changes have created push back from law enforcement, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has defended the reform.
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A new bill was recently signed in to law, which makes acts of cruelty to animals a federal crime. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act was signed in to law by President Donald Trump on Monday, November 25^th.  The bill, which was passed unanimously by the House and Senate, classifies acts of animal cruelty as a federal felony offense with a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

WGRZ 2 On Your Side reported on the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, with anchor Maryalice Demler interviewing attorney Barry Covert to provide legal analysis on the new law. Read below for attorney Barry Covert’s comments to WGRZ on the new federal animal cruelty law. You can also click the video below to watch WGRZ’s full report, which includes Barry Covert’s legal analysis.
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