In April, Governor Paterson signed into law significant reforms to New York State’s draconian Rockefeller Drug laws. As a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and member of the New York State Commission on Sentencing Reform which provided the blueprint for these overdue changes, I welcome the progress that has been made on this important issue.
During the more than two decades I have been involved in sentencing issues, I have always been an advocate for moving toward a treatment model that protects public safety through rehabilitation where possible as opposed to a punitive model based on incarceration. I have seen first-hand the consequences of unduly harsh drug laws, which deprive judges and prosecutors of discretion in these matters, have perpetuated the cycle of crime, ruined families, and done nothing to treat the underlying problem of addiction. Furthermore, I have seen how these laws single out some communities more than others. Although there is scant difference in the rates of drug use between white communities and communities of color, 90% of our prison population is African American or Latino men, many in prison for drug offenses.
As District Attorney, I will continue to work with the Governor and State Legislature to ensure that our drug laws include statewide treatment options and re-entry programs that break the cycle of crime by changing behavior and strengthening families. Strong families create strong communities – the best bulwark against crime.
Equally important, I will fight to ensure that the treatment programs called for by the amended drug laws receive funding. Failure to fund treatment called for by new legislation is not acceptable and would amount to a betrayal of a commitment to provide meaningful sentencing reform of our drug laws.