Bill > A04155

This bill introduces several key changes to New York's criminal procedure law, focusing on judicial discretion, pre-trial detention, discovery timelines, and appearance procedures. Specifically, the bill allows judges to consider an individual's potential danger to the community when issuing securing orders (court-mandated restrictions), which now includes the option of committing a defendant to sheriff's custody for up to 90 days for misdemeanors or 180 days for felonies if deemed a potential risk. The legislation extends the discovery period for prosecutorial evidence from 20 to 45 calendar days when a defendant is in custody, and from 35 to 60 days when not in custody, providing more time for evidence gathering and sharing. Additionally, the bill permits immediate issuance of a bench warrant for individuals charged with hate crimes who fail to appear in court, and places new restrictions on when police can issue appearance tickets, such as prohibiting their use for individuals with recent similar offenses or convictions. These changes aim to enhance public safety, provide more judicial flexibility, and streamline criminal case management while balancing defendants' rights with community protection considerations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4155