Governor Hochul and District Attorneys Continue to Mislead About the True Impact of the Governor’s Discovery Rollback Proposal 

Bronx, NY – At a press conference today in New York City, Governor Hochul again pushed for changes to New York’s discovery reforms, known as Kalief’s Law. This comes after a series of press conferences the past few days, including public appearances by the Governor in the media, and an ongoing budget negotiation process that so far has not included any direct input from exonerees, defense attorneys, and other criminal legal reform advocates.  

The Bronx Defenders issued the following statement in response: 

“As reports out of Albany suggest that a framework on discovery has been reached, we condemn a process that has unfolded behind closed doors with full access only given to one side: the prosecutors. 

“This legislative process is playing out exactly like the courtroom dynamics it claims to reform: prosecutors are handed power, while the people whose lives are at stake are shut out. Despite what has been reported, the Governor has not invited a single impacted person or anyone from the defense bar to weigh in on the discovery negotiations. This will lead to rollbacks which will return New York to an era of coerced pleas, prolonged pre-trial detention, and wrongful convictions. 

“At a time when due process is under assault by our federal government, the Governor should not be trying to stifle meaningful debate in a style contemptuous of due process. There are sensible ways to strengthen discovery laws to improve the legal system through legislation or funding. We are ready and waiting to explore those options, if we are invited to the table.” 

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