How to resolve AdBlock issue? SARATOGA COUNTY — Victims of misdemeanors currently do not have the opportunity to make a statement at sentencing describing the impact they experienced as a result of the perpetrators’ actions.
This week, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) held a joint press conference with Queens Democrat Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Queens Democrat Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky to change the current statement status for victims of misdemeanors, and highlight legislation they introduced to strengthen the rights of crime victims in New York State overall.
Whereas the presenting of a victim impact statement at sentencing is permitted for felonies, victims of misdemeanors do not have the same opportunity. The bill sponsored by Woerner and Stavisky would permit the judge in a sentencing hearing to allow an impact statement from victims.
An additional bill introduced by Amato would require district attorneys to inform crime victims of their right to submit a victim impact statement to be placed in a perpetrator’s file for review upon application for parole and would also require that victims be informed of an impending hearing and the right to appear at that hearing.
“These bills give crime victims a voice,” Woerner said, in a statement “The effect of a criminal act, whether a felony or misdemeanor, can be profound and devastating, with far ranging physical, mental, and financial consequences for the victim. Victims of all crimes should have the opportunity to express how they were impacted by an individual’s criminal actions to those who will determine that individual’s punishment.”
Both bills are currently in the Assembly Committee on Codes.
