Last month, the Majority Caucus of the Nassau County Legislature added amendments to the County Executive’s Budget to create an Office of Crime Victim Advocates to aid victims and witnesses of violent crimes in Nassau County. Today, the Legislature voted to officially establish the office before New York State’s criminal justice “reforms” will take effect. These new “reforms” will require to provide to the defendant their personal information and even access to their home.
Previously during budget hearings, Assistant District Attorney Jed Painter explained HERE the changes these new dangerous criminal justice reforms will have to witnesses and victims.
The Office of Crime Victim Advocate will have its own Executive Director, deputies, officers and employees empowered to assist with providing legal assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes in Nassau County.
“A government's first responsibility is to protect its citizens,” Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello said. “The Majority is proud to create a Nassau County Office of the Crime Victim Advocate to help protect witnesses and victims, against Albany’s new criminal justice “reforms” that will take effect January 1st. This office will provide victims and witnesses effected by violent crimes with the resources they need to protect their rights. I urge the County Executive to sign this important legislation immediately so that we can be ready for these dangerous “reforms” when they take effect. Victims shouldn't be victimized twice."