June 9, 201511 yr What was in this backpack, money from a bank robbery? Why would he be sent to Rikers for a backpack theft? That is where the juvenile facility is.
June 10, 201511 yr Author I read today there are at least 6 people at Rikers who have been there 6 years without a trial. How is this possible?
June 10, 201511 yr I read today there are at least 6 people at Rikers who have been there 6 years without a trial. How is this possible? Enemy combatants? Sounds like little Gitmo
June 10, 201511 yr There was a series of articles about this situation a few months ago, I think from the NYT. I haven't had time to look for them, but there is a lot of info in that series about these cases and others.
June 10, 201511 yr Does anybody besides me think it is incredible that this was still happening as recently as 2014? Over a stolen backpack?! Wow. God bless this young man. I'm not surprised. I have a well stated opinion about the criminal justice system that includes treatment of those being held in county / community jails, the prosecutorial system and how we do or do not protect basic civil rights in this country once we have someone in custody. Overall I think the general population in America just assumes that if you are locked up, you deserve whatever you get, with no real idea what's going on behind the doors. Here's a hint: It ain't Mayberry no matter what jail it is... The system will continue to protect those in power and do little to defend those that can't defend themselves...I hate to see this but this is a population in America, by percentage, that are taken advantage of and underrepresented.
June 11, 201511 yr I agree. I am speechless as well. Maybe our congressmen should spend time worrying about issues like this instead of Steroids in sports. This seems a lot worse to me!!!
June 11, 201511 yr I'm am confused. Stealing a back pack if it's your first offense should be probation anyway unless there are gold bars in it.
June 12, 201511 yr I'm am confused. Stealing a back pack if it's your first offense should be probation anyway unless there are gold bars in it. I don't think it ever got to the sentencing stage, If I read it right he was still waiting trial after 3 years. I guess there was no one (family or friend) on the outside to post bond or even check on the progress of his case.
June 12, 201511 yr Under de Blasio’s proposal, all cases where defendants have been held for over a year – more than 1,500 people – will be put on the court calendar within 45 days. Officials think plea deals, convictions and exonerations can resolve half of the cases within six months. Additionally, the city is introducing an online tracking tool to monitor cases to prevent backlogs. 1500 held over a year without trial. 1500!
June 12, 201511 yr Officials think plea deals, convictions and exonerations can resolve half of the cases within six months. Additionally, the city is introducing an online tracking tool to monitor cases to prevent backlogs. So exonerations can help clear many of the cases?? That means they are acknowledging many of those have no reason to even be held there. How many lives have been ruined by rotting away in that hole for over a year, for what is no particularly good reason?? The prison system in this country is a mess.
June 12, 201511 yr Enlightening thread, and some absolutely excellent posts as well. Unfortunately, cases like this don't surprise me. Once charged with a crime, defendants often spend months and even years in jail awaiting trial. These are people presumed innocent by law, but still incarcerated either because they have no means to post bond or because no bond is set. It happens here in Kentucky, and with the population and backlog of cases in NYC, I can see how something like this happens. Not that I'm condoning any of it, mind you. Sitting in jail for six years awaiting trial absolutely slaps the right to a speedy trail right in the face. I can't imagine any circumstance that would make this okay.
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