The ‘trial penalty’ refers to the substantial difference between the sentence offered in a plea offer prior to trial versus the sentence a defendant receives after trial. This penalty is now so severe and pervasive that it has virtually eliminated the constitutional right to a trial. To avoid the penalty, accused persons must surrender many other fundamental rights which are essential to a fair justice system. [NYSACDL & NACDL] [Released March 2021]

Policies and rulings on lengthy imprisonment terms in New York.

 NACDL worked with state partners to advance discovery reform legislation in New York. 

New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, worked with state partners to successfully advocate for public access to law enforcement disciplinary records.

NACDL continues to work with a broad coalition of organizations to combat misinformation and pushback to key bail reforms enacted in New York.

NACDL's 19th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference
August 17-19, 2020 | Held Virtually
Lessons Learned: Combatting Misinformation Around Bail Reform- Case Study on the New York Bail Reform Pushback

See the various issues on which NACDL has conducted criminal justice advocacy in New York. NACDL is a member of New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), a coalition advancing reforms to New York's criminal justice system. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see active legislation in New York that NACDL is tracking.

New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, is working to reform the parole system in New York.

New Yorkers United for Justice (NYUJ), of which NACDL is a member, is working to reform the parole system in New York.

NACDL is working with coalition partners in New York to ban reverse search warrants. 

NACDL President Chris Adams' letter to the New York state legislature regarding proposals to truly implement review of excessive sentences, suppression rulings, and streamlining the assignment of counsel in appeals as outlined in A5687/S1280, A5688/S1281, and A5689/S1279, respectively (2021).

Information on the policy and history of recording custodial interrogations in New York.

Attorney-client communications federal caselaw and state-specific anecdotal data in New York

NACDL issued a groundbreaking new report on restoring and reforming the grand jury system. This research reflects an in-depth study of grand jury reform in two states – New York and Colorado – and produces with four reform recommendations. [Released November 2011]