Republicans slam New York Attorney General James over openness to amend bail reform again
Republicans are crying foul over Attorney General Letitia James’ openness to amending New York’s cashless bail system
In a recent interview, Letitia James confirmed that she’s not against the idea of state lawmakers revising the bail reforms causing controversy. Polls show crime is among New Yorkers’ top concerns.
“We need to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to looking at bail reform,” James said earlier this week. “I understand the concern that individuals have. I understand the fear that they have, but we’ve got to work together and not politicize this very important issue.”
This is not the first time James who is a Democrat has expressed support for amending the bail overhauls first passed by the Dem-controlled State Legislature in 2019.
“Letitia James has proven again that she only cares about herself and her political career,” said Republican Michael Henry.
In recent years, the cashless bail system in New York has been amended twice already and has remained a prominent in Empire State politics.
James had earlier in 2020 voiced opinions on criminal justice reforms. Changes were made, some months later, to the laws increasing the number of situations in which judges can impose cash bail.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and lawmakers again amended the bail laws this past April which grants judges more discretion in determining who should be detained pre-trial. It also expands bail for gun charges and gives prosecutors more leeway when handing over evidence.
However, Republicans have continued to slam Democrats over the issue as they link the bail laws to upticks in violent crime.