New York’s so-called bail reform of two years ago has produced many horror stories, but few match the tale of a New York City man who was recently arrested for alleged shoplifting for the 129th time.
This enterprising individual was released each time on his own recognizance because prosecutors can only request bail in misdemeanor cases where no violence was involved if the defendant has other cases pending against him. Incredibly, this individual never had any cases pending against him because he was never brought to trial. He reportedly was previously convicted of two felonies and 29 misdemeanors, however.
It is noteworthy that even Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been roundly criticized for being soft on crime, has said that he would have requested bail or detainment for this guy but the bail law wouldn’t permit it.
While this case stands out because of the number of arrests and own-recognizance releases, shoplifting is rampant throughout the city and is the catalyst behind the closure of retail establishments that cannot sustain these losses and stay in business.
There are those who point to poverty and inequality as the culprits and maintain that incarceration may indeed fail to address root causes, but a society can only function when potential wrongdoers come to expect dogged apprehension and prompt punishment. Making a mockery of the criminal justice system can not be a good thing. It is time for the powers that be in Albany – even those in the thrall of the “woke” ideology – to do some serious soul-searching about the bail laws and what they are doing to us.
