Town Hall Meeting On Feb. 27 Tackles New 'Cashless Bail Reform'

WANTAGH, NY—Legislator Steve Rhoads plans to hold a town hall meeting on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Wantagh High School to give an overview of the state's new cashless bail reforms that have recently taken effect across the state. Residents will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the new law.

He will be joined by Nassau County Sheriffs Corrections Officers Benevolent Association President Brian Sullivan, and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

When New York's bail reform law took effect in January of this year, it eliminated cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. It also prohibited judges from demanding bail for certain defendants or remanding them to jail. Instead, they must release the defendant on his own recognizance.

Judges, however, are currently able to set money bail in more serious cases, though they must weigh the defendant's financial resources and other forms of bail such as a bond.

The law, however, has been met by much criticism from the public.

The Nassau Legislature unanimously passed a bill recently, which would instruct police to make quarterly reports on the effects of bail reform.

SEE ALSO:

• Nassau Police Commissioner Ryder Blasts Bail Reform On Fox News
• Rep. Pete King Calls New York's Bail Reform Law 'Disastrous'
• New Nassau Law Calls For Bail Reform Reports