The Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union have filed a class-action lawsuit against the governor and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in an attempt to reform a parole system that they deem irreparably broken. The civil rights lawsuit in New York stems from multiple individual cases concerning improper imprisonment of individuals before they were ever convicted of a crime.
Essentially, the civil rights lawsuit in New York claims that systematically jailing individuals for parole violations before they’ve even had a chance to defend themselves in a hearing is essentially illegal and unconstitutional.
An individual is innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, the way the system is practiced in the real world doesn’t often take into account that distinction. Indeed, many individuals have been unjustly dropped into jail cells while they await hearings for alleged parole violations-some of which are objectively minor in the first place.
The lawsuit goes on to state that the corrections system should immediately release the 1,000 or so individuals who are currently in the jail system in conditions that are inherently unsafe for the health and mental wellbeing.
The outcome of this case could radically shift the legal landscape in New York City and give individuals a powerful precedent that they can use to fight their own legal battles. But, if you’ve ever dealt with the legal system in any capacity at all, you know it’s not built to be challenged by single individuals. That’s why having an experienced New York City civil rights attorney on your side is not only a smart idea but one that could mean the difference between winning your case and getting financial compensation for the hardship you’ve been placed under, and having justice turn a blind eye.
If you’ve been wrongfully arrested and imprisoned or have been assaulted or abused by NYPD officers, or Rikers Island prison corrections officers, contact the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel today for a free consultation. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.