Fiscal Year 2018 starts on October 1, 2017, and with that, comes a new budget for the state of New York. Included in that budget are a number of different changes regarding the way the state handles certain matters of criminal justice.
Raise the Age
New York State is joining 48 other states throughout the country in raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 years old. Beginning on October 1, 2018, all juvenile offenders that are 16 years old will be processed in a juvenile court. The following year, on October 1, 2019, the same will be true for juvenile offenders that are 17 years old. These juvenile offenders will be put in facilities only with other minors. Additionally, if a juvenile offender goes ten years after their sentence is over without committing a violent crime, they may have their record sealed.
Police Interrogations to be Recorded
Those who are accused of committing serious crimes will now have their police interrogations that occur at the time of custody recorded on a video. This will ensure that only those who are truly guilty will be convicted and will also hold interrogators accountable for any wrongdoings during the interview.
Witness Identification
Starting in FY 2018, juries will be permitted to use photo identifications to allow them to make more education decisions. The primary goal is to protect those accused of a crime from being wrongfully convicted.
If you have been convicted of a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in New York State, please contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. and we would be happy to assist you.
