Law enforcement, GOP lawmakers call for changes to Bail Reform Law

A contingent of law enforcement and Republican Nassau lawmakers on Thursday called for state lawmakers to amend the newly enacted state Bail Reform Law before the end of the legislative session in June.
After the law goes into effect in January 2020, people charged with certain crimes -- like misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies -- will not have to post bail.
The bail bonds industry will also be greatly affected by the change. Michelle Esquenazi, president of New York State Bail Bonds Association, says lawmakers who supported the bill said it would keep low-income people who can't afford bail from languishing in jail. She says they offered a solution, to help finance some bail, but she says that was rejected.
Criminal defense attorney Brian Griffin says the Bail Reform Law is just and that judges will still be able to use discretion if they believe a suspect won't come back to court.
Republican state lawmakers say amending the law would require support from the Democratic majority.