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Gov. Andrew Cuomo Addresses Concerns Over New York State Bail Reform

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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Legal Analysis of New Federal Animal Cruelty Law

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 25th.  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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New York State Upcoming Prison Bail Reform

New York State will enact new prison bail reform next year. The reform, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, will eliminate cash bail as well as pretrial detention for misdemeanor and non-violent offenses. In addition, it is reported that the reform will result in the release of hundreds of inmates.

WGRZ 2 On Your Side recently reported that there is some push back and criticism of New York State’s upcoming prison reform. Specifically, President Donald Trump criticized New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo on Twitter regarding the prison reform.

WGRZ interviewed attorney Barry Covert to provide legal analysis on the prison bail reform. In addition, WGRZ’s story included comments from New York State Senators Patrick Gallivan and Tim Kennedy, who have opposing viewpoints regarding the upcoming reform.
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