Bill > A10024

This bill allows for certain guilty pleas to be entered, even if they would normally be prohibited by existing law, provided that both the court and the prosecution agree and believe the plea is in the interest of justice. This means that a defendant, with the court's permission and the prosecutor's consent, can plead guilty to a lesser offense or receive a sentence that wouldn't typically be allowed, especially in cases involving repeat offenders (referred to as "predicate felons" or "predicate violent felony offenders"). The decision to allow such a plea must be based on a review of the crime, evidence, and the defendant's background, and the reasons for this decision must be recorded, though failure to do so won't invalidate the plea. This change aims to provide more flexibility in plea negotiations when it's deemed just and appropriate.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10024