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BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 4, 2021. Contacts: Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org, 917-294-9348. Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***. Immigration Advocates Demand Release of People in Detention in Light of New ICEGuidance.
IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES June 9, 2021 . Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***For Immediate Release*** Brooklyn Defender Services Urges Governor Cuomo to Sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 4, 2021. Contacts: Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org, 917-294-9348. Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***. Immigration Advocates Demand Release of People in Detention in Light of New ICEGuidance.
IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES June 9, 2021 . Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***For Immediate Release*** Brooklyn Defender Services Urges Governor Cuomo to Sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Today, we celebrate the beginning of Black History Month 2021. Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honor, reflect, and pay tribute to the rich accomplishments and history of Black people who built this country, from ordinary people to historical icons. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES For the reasons set forth below, we strongly oppose adoption of the Matrix. Every year, Brooklyn Defender Services (“BDS”) represents nearly 30,000 people in the criminal, family, and civil court systems of Kings County. Many of the people we serve, primarily Black and brown New Yorkers, have experienced abuse and misconduct by the NYPD. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES NYIFUP DEMANDS ICE RELEASE IMMIGRANTS IN LOCAL JAILS AND HALT ALL ARRESTS DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO RESPOND ON CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. March 13, 2020. CONTACT: Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. Dan Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES JOINT STATEMENT FROM NYIFUP LEGAL PROVIDERS ON ALLOCATION OF $16.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES. BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, &Res. 0866-2019
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS provides innovative, multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration defense, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy, for 40,000 clients in Brooklyn every year. I thank the City Council for the opportunity to testify about the NYPD U Visa certification process. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS provides innovative, multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration defense, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy, for over 40,000 clients in Brooklyn every year. I thank the City Council Committee on Immigration, and in particular Chair Menchaca, for the opportunity totestify today
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 13, 2019. Contact: Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, 347-592-2579, dball@bds.org *** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *** Detained Immigrants and New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) Providers Sue U.S. Government over Refusal to Produce Detained Immigrants In-Person for Deportation Hearings BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES June 9, 2021 . Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***For Immediate Release*** Brooklyn Defender Services Urges Governor Cuomo to Sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 4, 2021. Contacts: Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org, 917-294-9348. Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***. Immigration Advocates Demand Release of People in Detention in Light of New ICEGuidance.
IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES June 9, 2021 . Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***For Immediate Release*** Brooklyn Defender Services Urges Governor Cuomo to Sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 4, 2021. Contacts: Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org, 917-294-9348. Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***. Immigration Advocates Demand Release of People in Detention in Light of New ICEGuidance.
IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES June 9, 2021 . Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***For Immediate Release*** Brooklyn Defender Services Urges Governor Cuomo to Sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Today, we celebrate the beginning of Black History Month 2021. Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honor, reflect, and pay tribute to the rich accomplishments and history of Black people who built this country, from ordinary people to historical icons. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES For the reasons set forth below, we strongly oppose adoption of the Matrix. Every year, Brooklyn Defender Services (“BDS”) represents nearly 30,000 people in the criminal, family, and civil court systems of Kings County. Many of the people we serve, primarily Black and brown New Yorkers, have experienced abuse and misconduct by the NYPD. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES JOINT STATEMENT FROM NYIFUP LEGAL PROVIDERS ON ALLOCATION OF $16.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES. BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, &Res. 0866-2019
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS provides innovative, multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration defense, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy, for 40,000 clients in Brooklyn every year. I thank the City Council for the opportunity to testify about the NYPD U Visa certification process. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS provides innovative, multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration defense, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy, for over 40,000 clients in Brooklyn every year. I thank the City Council Committee on Immigration, and in particular Chair Menchaca, for the opportunity totestify today
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Lora is a famous name in New York immigration courts. Thanks to a case Alex Lora and his legal team at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) and New York University School of Law (NYU) brought to challenge his immigration detention, since 2015, all immigrants detained for six months in the Second Circuit now have the right to a day in court where a judge can determine if their continued detention BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES February 13, 2019. Contact: Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, 347-592-2579, dball@bds.org *** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *** Detained Immigrants and New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) Providers Sue U.S. Government over Refusal to Produce Detained Immigrants In-Person for Deportation Hearings BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigration status. In these uncertain times, the need to pay for these fees is more urgent than ever. Donations to our Immigration Fees Fund help our clients break this barrier.IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSAMOS COHEN BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES COMMUNITY OFFICEBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FAMILY DEFENSE NYIFUP DEMANDS ICE RELEASE IMMIGRANTS IN LOCAL JAILS AND HALT ALL ARRESTS DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO RESPOND ON CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. March 13, 2020. CONTACT: Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. Dan Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services. 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700 info@bds.org. All Dates. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigration status. In these uncertain times, the need to pay for these fees is more urgent than ever. Donations to our Immigration Fees Fund help our clients break this barrier.IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSAMOS COHEN BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES COMMUNITY OFFICEBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FAMILY DEFENSE NYIFUP DEMANDS ICE RELEASE IMMIGRANTS IN LOCAL JAILS AND HALT ALL ARRESTS DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO RESPOND ON CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. March 13, 2020. CONTACT: Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. Dan Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services. 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700 info@bds.org. All Dates. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigration status. In these uncertain times, the need to pay for these fees is more urgent than ever. Donations to our Immigration Fees Fund help our clients break this barrier. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services. 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700 info@bds.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS’ Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation to parents in child welfare cases in Brooklyn Family Court. The mission of FDP is to protect the right to family integrity of low- income families, primarily families of color who are disproportionately affected by BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES JOINT STATEMENT FROM NYIFUP LEGAL PROVIDERS ON ALLOCATION OF $16.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES. BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, &Res. 0866-2019
INTERNSHIPS
Brooklyn Defender Services also offers full-time summer internships to law students who have completed their second year of law school and have a commitment to public defense. The internship program lasts eight weeks. Intern duties may include legal research and writing, representation of clients in arraignments (under supervision), court BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES My name is Jacqueline Caruana and I am a Senior Staff Attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS). BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration defense, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy, for over 30,000 clients in Brooklyn every year. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services. 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700 info@bds.org. December 15 2016. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a non-profit that provides legal representation at no charge to our clients. We will never ask for money for our services or anything related to our clients’ cases. Read our message about reported phone scams here. STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all court holidays. SUBWAY Hoyt St. stop on 2/3 trains, Hoyt Schermerhorn stop on A/C/G trains, Lawrence St. stop on the M/R trains. Hoyt St. stop on2/3 trains
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S June 18, 2020 ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DACA DECISION (BROOKLYN, NY) – Brooklyn Defender Services, a public defender office that provides immigration legal services to thousands of people each year, including many who are eligible for or have already obtained DACA status, released this statement following the Supreme BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES DONATE NOW TO HELP US MEET THESE IMMEDIATE NEEDS: While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigrationstatus.
IMMIGRATION
BDS’s Immigration Practice provides comprehensive and zealous representation to our clients, who face life-changing consequences at the intersection of the criminal justice system and the BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSAMOS COHEN BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES COMMUNITY OFFICEBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FAMILY DEFENSE March 13, 2020 . CONTACT: Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org Dan Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES JOINT STATEMENT FROM NYIFUP LEGAL PROVIDERS ON ALLOCATION OF $16.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES. BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, &Res. 0866-2019
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. STAFF - BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STAFF. Brooklyn Defender Services’ (BDS) diverse staff provides multi-disciplinary, and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration, civil legal services, social work support and advocacy in nearly 40,000 cases involving indigent Brooklyn residentsevery year.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. News June 10 2020. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Criminal Court is just two short blocks away, and Supreme Court is only four. We are a short walking distance from all the major subway lines that pass through downtown Brooklyn. ADDRESS 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201. CONTACT Tel (718) 254-0700 Fax (718) 254-0897 info@bds.org. HOURS Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday throughFriday.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigration status. In these uncertain times, the need to pay for these fees is more urgent than ever. Donations to our Immigration Fees Fund help our clients break this barrier.IMMIGRATION
Kentucky to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES ATTORNEYSAMOS COHEN BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICESBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES COMMUNITY OFFICEBROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FAMILY DEFENSE NYIFUP DEMANDS ICE RELEASE IMMIGRANTS IN LOCAL JAILS AND HALT ALL ARRESTS DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO RESPOND ON CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. March 13, 2020. CONTACT: Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org. Dan Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org. Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Brooklyn Defender Services. 177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700 info@bds.org. All Dates. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Never before in the history of our organization has police accountability been so prominently an issue of popular national importance. Just four years ago drag-net Stop & Frisk was being defended as an essential policing tactic, responsible for saving tens of thousands of lives despite research that questioned this causality and obvious constitutional concerns. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES DONATE NOW TO HELP US MEET THESE IMMEDIATE NEEDS: While BDS provides our clients with free legal services, many of them cannot afford to pay the exorbitant application fees to obtain lawful immigrationstatus.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES, INCLUDING CRIMINAL CASES SENT TO FAMILY COURT: The Criminal Court and the Criminal Term of Supreme Court are hearingcases by video.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES In New York City, as jail incarceration rates have decreased by 74% over the last 3 decades, from 21,674 in 1991 to 5,674 as of Jan. 21, 2020, major felony crimes have simultaneously dropped by nearly 82%.For years, Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has been practicing what the bail law now requires: consenting to release for most people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES BDS’ Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation to parents in child welfare cases in Brooklyn FamilyCourt.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on June 10th, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible.. This year, we celebrate 14 years of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & Our Pro BonoPartners
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES JOINT STATEMENT FROM NYIFUP LEGAL PROVIDERS ON ALLOCATION OF $16.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES. BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, &Res. 0866-2019
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES news december 11 2019. bds testifies before the nys assembly committee on codes and committee on correction hearing on sealing of criminalrecords
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES Letter to Speaker Mark-Viverito: NYC Must Reform High-Arrest Policies to Protect Immigrant NYers from Deportation. BDS Community Advocacy Coordinator Nick Malinowski Testifies before the New York City Council on Police Accountability and the Civilian Complaint Review BoardINTERNSHIPS
Law Student Summer Internships. BDS has many relationships with local educational institutions, including clinical study programs from New York University Law School (the Offender Re-Entry Clinic, the Family Defense Clinic and the Community Defender Clinic), the Youth Justice Clinic of Cardozo Law School, the Criminal Defense Clinic of St. John’s School of Law and the CUNY Law School Family* HOME
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COVID-19 INFORMATION Due to the ongoing emergency related to COVID-19, BDS’ physical offices are closed to visitors until further notice. Our staff is working and will continue to be in court to handle intake, arraignments, and emergencies. We understand that life circumstances are being dramatically altered due to COVID-19. We are available to help you. For available resources and services, please see our COVID-19 ResourceGuide
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MESSAGE ABOUT PHONE SCAMS Brooklyn Defender Services is a non-profit that provides legal representation at no charge to our clients. WE WILL NEVER ASK FOR MONEY FOR OUR SERVICES OR ANYTHING RELATED TO OUR CLIENTS’ CASES. Read our message about reported phone scams here.
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES IS A BROOKLYN-BASED PUBLIC DEFENSE OFFICE, REPRESENTING NEARLY 35,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR. We provide legal representation to individuals in Kings County who are arrested, or facing the loss of their children or deportation. More123
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177 Livingston Street 7th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 254-0700info@bds.org
* COVID-19 INFORMATION * COVID-19 INFORMACION * Brooklyn Defender Services* Practice Areas
* Board of Directors* Pro Bono at BDS
* History
* Partners and Supporters* Annual Report
ABOUT
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES, INCLUDING CRIMINAL CASES SENT TO FAMILYCOURT:
* The Criminal Court and the Criminal Term of Supreme Court are hearing cases by video. The only cases that are being heard in person are cases that are on the In Person DAT calendar and cases on the DAT-W calendar. Members of the public can go to the arraignment courtroom on the first floor of 120 Schermerhorn St. and watch the video arraignment. Arraignments of Adolescent Offenders in Youth Part 1 (YP1) at 320 Jay St. are also taking place by video. Family and other members of the public may go to Youth Part 1 (YP1) and watch the video arraignment. * If you have a court date, contact your attorney who will assist you in appearing in virtual court. * For questions about your case, if you already have your attorney’s phone number, reach out to them directly. If not, or for additional information, please call 718-254-0700 oremail bds@bds.org
* Note: If you know or have a loved one incarcerated who is feeling ill or having difficulty accessing medical care, please contact Jail Services at 646-787-3325 (English) or 646-971-2710 (Spanish). The person must be represented by BDS. FOR FAMILY COURT ACS CASES: * Please do not travel to the Family Court as the Family Court is operating digitally and is hearing cases by phone and video. If you are a BDS client, please contact your attorney or social worker for your next court date and to discuss any issues you have with yourfamily court case.
* If you cannot reach your BDS attorney or social worker, or have an emergency concerning the removal of children, please call 347-592-2500. If someone doesn’t answer, we will call you back as quickly as possible. ACS also has a hotline you can call to get information about where your children are located. The number is (646)935-1411.
* If you are not a current BDS client but you are being investigated by ACS, please call 646-974-9343 for immediate assistance. If someone doesn’t answer, we will call you back as quickly as possible. * If you are not a current BDS client, and are not being investigated by ACS, but have questions about how to access Family Court, please follow this link for more information: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/family/index.shtml FOR INTEGRATED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (IDV) COURT CASES: * IDV court is open for virtual appearances with Microsoft Teams. * If you have a court date you need to appear using Microsoft Teams. * IDV court is also able to hear emergency applications on custody and family offense cases. * If you have an order that is not being followed or need further legal relief, please contact your IDV attorney (A staff directory is listed at the top of this page) * Your attorney will call you or your family with your new courtdate.
FOR IMMIGRATION CASES: * To reach our immigration practice, please call: 718-564-6290 * For questions regarding DETAINED individuals ONLY: 347-768-3040 * ICE continues enforcement operations, including arrests at homes, places of business, and near courthouses. Know Your Rights by watching our video series: wehaverights.us * Until the close of business on July 1, 2020, all in-person reporting requirements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been suspended, and all appointments to report in person to ICE/ERO New York City, or any ICE sub-office (Central Islip and Newburgh) as well as to report in person to ICE contractors (BI) on ATD have been cancelled and will be rescheduled, or you will be contacted telephonically. Previously scheduled telephonic reporting has not been suspended. * Hearings for detained individuals are still occurring at the New York Varick Street Immigration Court; most are being conducted by video teleconference. * EOIR (Immigration Court): Non-detained hearing at 26 Federal Plaza and 290 Broadway in New York scheduled at least through February 19, 2021 have been postponed. Some other immigration courts have resumed non-detained hearings. * USCIS is reopening the local offices to the public for ceremonies on June 15, 2020 and will gradually schedule inter-views and appointments later in the month. (Additional information about details has not been provided). Applicants who are scheduled to come to the office will receive a notice and instructions in the mail. Individuals should check the USCIS website and read notices carefully regarding COVID-19 related precautions and requirements for in personappointments.
FOR HOUSING OR CIVIL CASES: * AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2020, THERE IS ANOTHER UNIVERSAL EVICTION MORATORIUM IN NYC. This moratorium started immediately and is set to last until FEBRUARY 26, 2021. Tenants affected by COVID can further delay impending eviction cases by filling out a Hardship Declaration and mailing to their borough housing court or dropping off at a drop box outside the courthouse: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/SSI/images/corona/HardshipDeclaration.pdf. Upon the court’s receipt of the Hardship Declaration, the tenant’s eviction proceeding is delayed until MAY 1, 2021.*
* CDC EVICTION MORATORIUM. On January 20, 2021, the CDC extended their eviction moratorium that prevents landlords from evicting tenants who have been financially affected by COVID-19 until at leastMarch 31, 2021.
TENANT SAFE HARBOR ACT * In June 2020, the governor signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act intolaw.
* The Tenant Safe Harbor Act is A LAW THAT STOPS TENANTS WHO EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 PERIOD FROM EVER BEING EVICTED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RENT THAT BECAME DUE DURING THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 2020, UNTIL THE STATE OF EMERGENCY ENDS. * Landlords may still start eviction proceedings over rent that became due after March 7, 2020, and tenants must raise financial hardship as a defense. * **Landlords can still obtain money judgments against their tenants for any unpaid rent that accrued during the crisis. * Money judgments can still be devastating as they can result in wage garnishment and frozen bank accounts.HOUSING COURT
* NYC Housing Court is not taking any action on non-payment or holdover cases until MARCH 1, 2021. * The only exception to this is any nuisance cases that were commenced pre-COVID. * If you were the tenant in a nuisance case that started pre-COVID, please keep an eye out for potential virtual court appearances. * PLEASE CONTACT 311 AND ASK TO SPEAK TO A LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER YOUR PRE-COVID CASE IS A NUISANCECASE.
* Landlords can file new eviction cases electronically or by mail, but the court will not accept the new filings without proof that they served the tenant with a hardship declaration. * FOR A TENANT TO FURTHER DELAY ANY ACTION TAKEN ON THEIR CASE TO MAY 1, 2021, THEY MUST SUBMIT A HARDSHIP DECLARATION TO THEIR BOROUGHHOUSING COURT.
* Tenants can also submit to their landlord, but the court must receive the declaration themselves in order for it to take effect. * Housing Court remains open for applications addressing post-eviction relief, illegal lockouts, and apartment repairs. * Tenants can file cases to compel their landlords to make repairs by going in person to the housing court in the borough in which they live or by using JustFix (an online application) NYCHA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS * NYCHA and other administrative hearings are still being postponed. FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT PUBLIC BENEFITS: * If your PA/SNAP case was due for recertification between January and March 2021 HRA will take no adverse action if you fail to complete recertification. If you receive any notice instructing you to recertify is still best to respond as instructed. * If you need to apply for public assistance or SNAP you can do so online or via the HRA Access app: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/.
* Most HRA offices are closed! If you must visit in person call 311 for available locations. * Food assistance is available at a food pantry near you. Call 311for locations.
* If you have questions, or would like to speak to the civil practice, please ask your attorney to make a referral or contact us at332-213-4193.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT * For the 2020-21 school year, the New York City Department of Education has opened its schools using a “blended learning” model, with a mix of in-person and remote learning.. More updates about the 2020-21 school year, including information about the enrollment processes and deadlines for the 2021-22 school year, can be found here.
* The DOE initially closed all school buildings to in-person learning when infection rates in the city reached 3%. However, elementary schools reopened for in-person learning on December 7, 2020, and District 75 schools reopened for in-person learning on December 10, 2020. All middle schools and high schools remain closed for in-person learning. * Individual schools may close to in-person learning due to COVID-19 infections within the school community. A map of schools with school or classroom closures can be found here.
* Families who have chosen blended learning can choose for their children to do 100% remote learning at any time by filling out thisform . There are
no official plans for families who have chosen fully remote learning for the school year to have another opportunity to choose blendedlearning.
* Many locations around the city are serving Grab and Go meals. Students and families can pick up meals at any school building between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Members of the community can pick up meals at various locations around the city between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. No registration, ID, or documentation is required to pick up these meals. People can find the closest location serving meals here,
or text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877 to find theclosest meal hub.
* If you or a family member are unable to work because of factors related to coronavirus, you may be eligible for immediate unemployment insurance, pandemic
unemployment assistance, various
forms
of paid leave
, worker’s
comp
, short
term disability
,
or a reasonable accommodationsuch
as working from home. You also have the right to work in safeconditions
and
have protections against discrimination.
* If you want more information about your child’s educational rights in this uncertain time, or what employment benefits you might be eligible for, contact us at education@bds.org, employment@bds.org, or call us at646-971-2722.
COMMUNITY OFFICE:
* Our community office is currently closed but we are working remotely and available to help. * If you have issues or questions about ACS, education, housing, employment benefits, re-entry services, criminal matters or general legal issues, please call 646-971-2722 or email us at communityoffice@bds.org. COVID-19 INFORMACION PARA TODOS LOS CASOS CRIMINALES, INCLUIDOS LOS CASOS ENVIADOS AL TRIBUNAL DE FAMILIA: * La Corte Criminal y el Tribunal Penal de la Corte Suprema están atendiendo casos por video. Los únicos casos que se atienden en persona son los casos que están en el calendario DAT y los casos en el calendario DAT-W. Los miembros del público pueden ir a la sala de acusación del tribunal en el primer piso del 120 de Schermerhorn St. y ver el video de la acusación. Los procesamientos de delincuentes adolescentes en Youth Part 1 (YP1) en 320 Jay St. también se están llevando a cabo por video. La familia y otros miembros del público pueden ir a Youth Part 1 (YP1) y ver el video de la lectura de cargos. * Si tiene una cita en la corte, comuníquese con su abogado, quien lo ayudará a comparecer en la corte virtual. * Si tiene preguntas sobre su caso, si ya tiene el número de teléfono de su abogad@, comuníquese con él o ella directamente. De lo contrario, o para obtener información adicional, llame al 718-254-0700 o envíe un correo electrónico a bds@bds.org * Nota: Si conoce o tiene un ser querido encarcelado que se siente enfermo o tiene dificultades para obtener atención médica, comuníquese con Jail Services al 646-787-3325 (inglés) o al 646-971-2710 (español). La persona debe estar representada por BDS. PARA CASOS DEL TRIBUNAL DE FAMILIA ACS: * Por favor, no vaya al Tribunal de Familia ya que el Tribunal de Familia funciona digitalmente y está atendiendo casos por teléfono y video. Si es cliente de BDS, comuníquese con su abogad@ o trabajador@ social para su próxima cita en la corte y para discutir cualquier problema que tenga con su caso en la corte familiar. * Si no puede comunicarse con su abogad@ o trabajador@ social de BDS, o si tiene una emergencia relacionada con el traslado de sus niños, llame al 347-592-2500. Si alguien no responde, le devolveremos la llamada lo antes posible. ACS también tiene una línea directa a la que puede llamar para obtener información sobre dónde se encuentran sus hijos. El número es (646) 935-1411. * Si no es un cliente actual de BDS pero está siendo investigado por ACS, llame al 646-974-9343 para obtener asistencia inmediata. Si alguien no responde, le devolveremos la llamada lo antes posible. * Si no es un cliente actual de BDS y no está siendo investigado por ACS, pero tiene preguntas sobre cómo acceder al Tribunal de Familia, siga este enlace para obtener más información: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/family/index.shtml PARA CASOS DE VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA INTEGRADA (IDV): * La corte IDV está abierta para comparecencias virtuales a travésMicrosoft Teams.
* Si tiene una cita en la corte, debe comparecer con MicrosoftTeams.
* El tribunal de IDV también puede atender solicitudes de emergencia en casos de custodia y delitos familiares. * Si tiene una orden que no se está siguiendo o necesita más ayuda legal, comuníquese con su abogad@ de IDV (el directorio del personal se encuentra en la parte superior de esta página) * Su abogad@ lo llamará a usted o a su familia con su nueva fechade corte.
PARA CASOS DE INMIGRACIÓN: * Para comunicarse con nuestra práctica de inmigración, llame al:718-564-6290
* Para preguntas sobre personas DETENIDAS ÚNICAMENTE: 347-768-3040 * ICE continúa con las operaciones de cumplimiento, incluidos los arrestos en hogares, lugares de negocios y cerca de los juzgados. Conozca sus derechos viendo nuestra serie de videos:www.wehaverights.us
* Hasta el cierre de operaciones el 1 de julio de 2020, todos los requisitos de presentación de informes en persona con el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) se han suspendido, y todas las citas para informar en persona a ICE / ERO de la ciudad de Nueva York, o cualquier sub- oficina (Central Islip y Newburgh), así como informar en persona a los contratistas de ICE (BI) sobre ATD, se cancelaron y se reprogramarán, o se lo comunicarán telefónicamente. No se han suspendido los informes telefónicos programadosanteriormente.
* Todavía se están celebrando audiencias para las personas detenidas en el Tribunal de Inmigración de Varick Street de Nueva York; la mayoría se llevan a cabo mediante videoconferencia. * EOIR (Tribunal de Inmigración): Se han pospuesto las audiencias de no detenidos en 26 Federal Plaza y 290 Broadway en Nueva York programadas al menos hasta el 19 de febrero de 2021. Algunos otros tribunales de inmigración han reanudado las audiencias de nodetenidos.
* USCIS está reabriendo las oficinas locales al público para las ceremonias el 15 de junio de 2020 y gradualmente programará entrevistas y citas más adelante en el mes. (No se ha proporcionado información adicional sobre los detalles). Los solicitantes que están programados para venir a la oficina recibirán un aviso e instrucciones por correo. Las personas deben consultar el sitio web de USCIS y leer atentamente los avisos sobre las precauciones y requisitos relacionados con COVID-19 para las citas en persona. PARA CASOS DE VIVIENDA O CIVILES: * A PARTIR DEL 28 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2020, hay otra moratoria de desalojo universal en Nueva York. Esta moratoria comenzó de inmediato y está programada para durar hasta el 26 de febrero de 2021. Los inquilinos afectados por COVID pueden retrasar aún más los casos de desalojo inminentes al completar una Declaración de Dificultades y enviarla por correo a la corte de vivienda de su condado o dejarla en un buzón fuera del tribunal: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/SSI/images/corona/HardshipDeclaration.pdf. Una vez que el tribunal reciba la Declaración de dificultades económicas, el procedimiento de desalojo del inquilino se retrasa hasta el 1 DE MAYO DE 2021. * MORATORIA DE DESALOJO DEL CDC. El 20 de enero de 2021, el CDC extendió su moratoria de desalojo que evita que los propietarios desalojen a los inquilinos que han sido afectados financieramente por COVID-19 hasta al menos el 31 de marzo de 2021. LEY DE PUERTO SEGURO PARA INQUILINOS * En junio de 2020, el gobernador promulgó la Ley de puerto seguropara inquilinos.
* La Ley de puerto seguro para inquilinos ES UNA LEY QUE IMPIDE QUE LOS INQUILINOS QUE EXPERIMENTARON DIFICULTADES FINANCIERAS DURANTE EL PERÍODO DE COVID-19 SEAN DESALOJADOS POR FALTA DE PAGO DEL ALQUILER VENCIDO DURANTE EL PERÍODO COMPRENDIDO ENTRE EL 7 DE MARZO DE 2020, HASTA QUE FINALICE EL ESTADO DE EMERGENCIA. * Los propietarios aún pueden iniciar procedimientos de desalojo por alquiler que haya vencido después del 7 de marzo de 2020, y los inquilinos deben presentar prueba de dificultades financieras comodefensa.
* ** Los propietarios aún pueden obtener juicios monetarios contra sus inquilinos por cualquier alquiler impago que se haya acumuladodurante la crisis.
* Los juicios monetarios aún pueden ser devastadores, ya que pueden resultar en embargos salariales y cuentas bancarias congeladas. TRIBUNAL DE VIVIENDA * El Tribunal de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Nueva York no tomará ninguna medida en casos de impago o remanente hasta el 1 DE MARZO DE2021.
* La única excepción a esto son los casos de molestias que se iniciaron antes de COVID. * Si usted fue el inquilino en un caso de molestias que comenzó antes de COVID, esté atento a posibles comparecencias en la cortevirtual.
* COMUNÍQUESE CON EL 311 Y PIDA HABLAR CON UN PROVEEDOR DE SERVICIOS LEGALES SI TIENE ALGUNA PREGUNTA SOBRE SI SU CASO ANTERIOR A COVID ES UN CASO DE MOLESTIAS. * Los propietarios pueden presentar nuevos casos de desalojo electrónicamente o por correo, pero el tribunal no aceptará las nuevas presentaciones sin prueba de que entregaron al inquilino una declaración de dificultades. * PARA QUE UN INQUILINO DEMORE AÚN MÁS CUALQUIER ACCIÓN TOMADA EN SU CASO HASTA EL 1 DE MAYO DE 2021, DEBE PRESENTAR UNA DECLARACIÓN DE DIFICULTADES A LA CORTE DE VIVIENDA DE SU CONDADO. * Los inquilinos también pueden presentarse a su arrendador, pero el tribunal debe recibir la declaración ellos mismos para que entreen vigor.
* El Tribunal de Vivienda permanece abierto para solicitudes relacionadas con el alivio posterior al desalojo, los cierres patronales ilegales y la reparación de apartamentos. * Los inquilinos pueden presentar casos para obligar a sus propietarios a hacer reparaciones yendo en persona al tribunal de vivienda en el municipio en el que viven o usando JustFix (una solicitud en línea). PROCEDIMIENTOS ADMINISTRATIVOS DE NYCHA * NYCHA y otras audiencias administrativas continúan pospuestas. PARA PREGUNTAS SOBRE BENEFICIOS PÚBLICOS: * Si su caso PA / SNAP debía ser recertificado entre enero y marzo de 2021, la HRA no tomará ninguna medida adversa si no completa la recertificación. Si recibe algún aviso que le indique que debe volver a certificarse, es mejor responder según las instrucciones. * Si necesita solicitar asistencia pública o SNAP, puede hacerlo en línea o mediante la aplicación HRA Access: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/. * ¡La mayoría de las oficinas de la HRA están cerradas! Si debe visitar en persona, llame al 311 para conocer las ubicacionesdisponibles.
* Hay asistencia alimentaria disponible en una despensa de alimentos cercana. Llame al 311 para conocer las ubicaciones. * Si tiene preguntas o le gustaría hablar con la práctica civil, pídale a su abogado que lo recomiende o comuníquese con nosotros al332-213-4193.
PARA PREGUNTAS SOBRE EDUCACIÓN Y EMPLEO * Para el año escolar 2020-21, el Departamento de Educación de la Ciudad de Nueva York ha abierto sus escuelas utilizando un modelo de “aprendizaje combinado”, con una combinación de aprendizaje en persona y remoto. Puede encontrar más actualizaciones sobre el año escolar 2020-21, incluida información sobre los procesos de inscripción y las fechas límite para el año escolar 2021-22, aquí.
* El DOE inicialmente cerró todos los edificios escolares para el aprendizaje en persona cuando las tasas de infección en la ciudad alcanzaron el 3%. Sin embargo, las escuelas primarias reabrieron para el aprendizaje en persona el 7 de diciembre de 2020 y las escuelas del Distrito 75 reabrieron para el aprendizaje en persona el 10 de diciembre de 2020. Todas las escuelas intermedias y secundarias permanecen cerradas para el aprendizaje en persona. * Las escuelas individuales pueden cerrar el aprendizaje en persona debido a las infecciones por COVID-19 dentro de la comunidad escolar. Puede encontrar un mapa de los cierres de escuelas o aulas aquí.
* Las familias que han optado por el aprendizaje mixto pueden elegir que sus hijos realicen un aprendizaje remoto al 100% en cualquier momento completando este formulario. No hay planes
oficiales para que las familias que han elegido el aprendizaje completamente remoto durante el año escolar tengan otra oportunidad de elegir el aprendizaje combinado. * En muchos lugares de la ciudad se sirven comidas para llevar. Los estudiantes y las familias pueden recoger las comidas en cualquier escuela entre las 9:00 a.m. y el mediodía. Los miembros de la comunidad pueden recoger comidas en varios lugares de la ciudad entre las 3:00 p.m. y 5:00 p.m. No se requiere registro, identificación o documentación para recoger estas comidas. Las personas pueden encontrar el lugar más cercano que sirve comidas aquí,
o envíe un mensaje de texto con “NYC FOOD” o “NYC COMIDA” al 877-877 para encontrar el centro de comidas más cercano. * Si usted o un miembro de su familia no pueden trabajar debido a factores relacionados con el coronavirus, puede ser elegible paraSeguro de desempleo
, desempleo
por pandemia
, varias
formas
de vacaciones pagadas, compensación
de trabajadores
, short
term disability
,
o acomodación razonablecomo
trabajar desde casa. Usted también tiene derecho de trabajar en condiciones segurasy
tener protección contra la discriminación.
* Si desea obtener más información sobre los derechos educativos de su hijo en este momento incierto, o para qué beneficios laborales podría ser elegible, comuníquese a education@bds.org, employment@bds.org, o llámenos al 646-971-2722. OFICINA COMUNITARIA: * Nuestra oficina comunitaria está cerrada actualmente, pero estamos trabajando de forma remota y disponibles para ayudar. * Si tiene problemas o preguntas sobre ACS, educación, vivienda, beneficios laborales, servicios de reingreso, asuntos penales o asuntos legales generales, llame al 646-971-2722 o envíenos un correo electrónico a communityoffice@bds.org. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES The mission of Brooklyn Defender Services is to provide high quality legal representation and related services to people who cannot afford to retain an attorney. Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defender organization that represents nearly 35,000 people each year who are too poor to afford an attorney. Our staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are experts in their individual fields. Our staff are highly qualified and specially trained to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with a crime or facing child welfare proceedings. Every client receives the services needed to defend his or her case, including an investigator to track down witnesses or recover evidence, a social worker to improve the life circumstances of our client and an excellent attorney who will analyze the legal issues in the case, try to negotiate a fair resolution of the matter and will represent the client at a trial. BDS has many services for our clients on-site, including civil legal advocacy, such as assistance with educational needs of our clients or their children, housing and benefits advocacy and immigration adviceand representation.
People who are arrested face many obstacles, even if their case was resolved in their favor. Some examples are loss of employment, suspension from school, eviction from public or private housing, deportation, forfeiture of property and loss of licenses. Our goal is to help clients with these issues as they arise. We also work to change these systems by challenging their legality and advocating forchanges in the law.
Each year, there are 100,000 arrests in Brooklyn. Eighty-five percent of these arrests are for misdemeanors or a non-criminal offense. Ninety percent of the people arrested cannot afford an attorney. Brooklyn Defender Services staffs the court so that every person has an attorney as soon as they see the judge. One thousand families each year get a similar benefit—they too have an attorney waiting in the courtroom to help them on the very day that proceedings are filed for removal of their children. Many of our clients are people with a mental illness. Many of our clients are under the age of 18. A growing number are veterans facing difficulties in returning home. A large portion are suffering with drug addiction or alcoholism. It is only through a zealous voice advocating for those unable to speak for themselves that justice is done. BDS is that voice.PRACTICE AREAS
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE
The sixth amendment of the United States Constitution gives every person charged with a crime the right to an attorney. People who are unable to afford an attorney are provided one free of charge. This is the primary function of Brooklyn Defender Services. In Brooklyn, there are approximately 100,000 arrests per year. BDS represents about 40% of the total people arrested in Brooklyn. About 15% of those cases are felony charges, meaning that the person is accused of a serious matter such as robbery or burglary. In such cases, BDS attorneys interview the client to determine if he or she may be innocent or have a defense to the charges. We investigate and follow up every lead our clients provide. We also work to achieve release from jail for our clients while the charges are pending. Attorneys pursue legal issues that can work to the client’s benefit and attempt to negotiate a plea bargain that will be advantageous for the client, particularly in cases where the client does not have a defense and committed the act he or she is charged with. In many cases, even in such a situation, the client is eligible for drug or mental health treatment rather than a jail sentence. Other social issues may be apparent, such as: our client was a veteran, or was a victim of domestic violence or other trauma. Our many social workers help our clients by identifying issues that are not related to the case itself, but to the person who was arrested. Attorneys use this information to pursue better options for their clients. Eighty-five percent of our clients are charged with misdemeanor offenses, meaning that the charges are a crime but not the most serious type of crime. Such charges include shoplifting, marijuana possession, trespassing and assaults (like bar fights). In such cases, BDS attorneys work hard to pursue any legal or factual defense the clients may have, including by interviewing witnesses, as with felony matters. However, with less serious matters, much of the damage to the client’s life can come in the form of collateral consequences. For example, a person can face deportation, even if they only had a misdemeanor charge. People living in public housing can face eviction. Many clients have very low paying jobs and face termination for missing even one day of work or for getting a conviction. Some cases even threaten a parent’s right to keep their child or a person’s right to return to their home. BDS provides many resources to address these other issues because, in our experience, such matters are more harmful to our clients than the impact the criminal charge itself. In addition, the impact of these types of disenfranchising consequences to large numbers of people in small areas of Brooklyn such as Brownsville or East New York also profoundly impacts those communities. BDS’s clients reflect the demographics of the criminal justice system in which a majority of the people arrested are people of color. Twenty-four percent of our clients — about 10,000 — are youth under 21 years of age and at least 15% live in public or Section 8 housing. About 17% of BDS’s clients—7,600 per year—arenon-citizens.
SPECIALIZED UNITSFor many of BDS’s clients, poverty, trauma, mental illness, and alcohol or drug abuse are the driving forces behind their involvement in the criminal or family systems. In order to address the unique needs and barriers many of our clients face, BDS has a number of dedicated and specialized units which provide targeted services to adolescents, clients with mental illness, victims of trafficking, veterans and clients with overlapping criminal and family courtissues.
BROOKLYN ADOLESCENT REPRESENTATION TEAM BDS’s integrated adolescent representation team is comprised of ten attorneys working together with an educational attorney and a specialized team of social workersand advocates.
FAMILY/CRIMINAL INTEGRATED TEAM In 2002, BDS received funding from the City Council to initiate a pilot program in which BDS represented clients with pending criminal matters in their related Family Court proceedings. This was highly beneficial for the clients who were able to have one attorney fully familiar with the facts and circumstances of both cases, and could execute a coordinated legal strategy. For BDS, this allowed us to expand our legal and support services to the clients’ broader needs in a coherent and cost-effective manner. In 2007, the Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court was created to bring related Family, Criminal, and Matrimonial cases to a single judge who hears all aspects of a case. With the creation of this specialized court, BDS’s Family attorneys were able to transfer their expertise and experience to serving clients in the IDV court where they represent more than 400 clients per year. TRAFFICKING TEAM Our Trafficking Team is made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys who specialize in understanding and identifying the complexities related to human trafficking. They represent BDS’s clients in Brooklyn’s Human Trafficking Intervention Part, and are skilled in identifying collateral social and legal service needs – including issues of immigration, safety and trauma. Working closely with social workers, immigration attorneys, interpreters and other service providers, our trafficking attorneys seek to minimize the punitive nature of criminal justice contact and provide meaningful services for victims of trafficking who find themselves facing criminal charges. MENTAL HEALTH TEAM Brooklyn Defender Services represents many clients who have a diagnosed mental illness. Two specialized attorneys with dedicated social work support represent some clients. Our specialized attorneys represent mentally ill clients at competency evaluations, hearings and other court appearances during the pendency of their case. It is also part of our mission to insure that these clients not only receive a fair and just disposition but also the best care and treatment possible. Research has proven that clients with a mentally illness who are offered an opportunity to participate in mental health courts are significantly less likely to get re-arrested than similar offenders with mental illness who experience traditional courtprocessing.
Brooklyn Defender Services played an important role in the development and launch of the Brooklyn Mental Health Court over 10 years ago. Brooklyn Mental Health Court serves as the model for treatment courtsall over the world.
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FAMILY DEFENSE
BDS’ Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation to parents in child welfare cases in Brooklyn Family Court. The mission of FDP is to protect the right to family integrity of low- income families, primarily families of color who are disproportionately affected by the child welfare system. FDP’s interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff advance our clients’ due process rights in court while also helping them get the benefits and services they need to keep their families together. Because the needs of children are generally best met by their own families, our representation is designed to keep children out of foster care, or when we are unable to prevent their removal, to safely reunify families as quickly aspossible.
Each year, BDS’ FDP represents several thousand parents and caregivers in Article 10 cases and related custody, visitation, and termination of parental rights cases. We prevent children from entering foster care by advocating for families at Child Safety Conferences and litigating emergency hearings. Our interdisciplinary practice focuses on empowering our clients to help them to achieve their goals for their family. Many of FDP’s clients face complex and multi-faceted problems stemming from poverty and have difficulty accessing resources they need. Our clients’ representation benefits greatly from our collaborations with BDS’ other legal practice teams, including criminal, immigration, housing, education benefits and seamless internal referrals. FDP has a specialized Law and Appeals Unit, which handles complex motions and interim and final appeals. FDP also has supervisors and attorneys who specialize in custody, medically complicated, and termination of parental rights cases. Each year, students from New York University School of Law’s Family Defense Clinic are placed in our office. We also have a robust _pro bono_ program which partners with major New York City law firms and an Associates’ Advisory Board. BDS also assists about 100 parents each year in clearing their names from the State Central Register after their Family Court case is dismissed, removing barriers to obtaining employment in the future. Recognizing that the child welfare system is plagued by the effects of structural racism, sexism, and classism, FDP works for systemic change through legislative reform efforts, appellate advocacy, media, and informal advocacy with the Administration for Children’s Services. Our office regularly meets with important stakeholders and testifies before New York’s lawmakers to help amplify the voice the parents impacted by the child welfare system. FDP’s Parent Leadership Institute trains former clients to be parent advocates to help other child-welfare-involved parents and advocate for systemic change. We are very proud our model of representation has been recognized as the most effective for representation of parents in child welfare cases by the _Commission on Parental Representation_ in its interim report to Chief Judge DiFiore. A recent study commissioned by Casey Family Programs of the family defender offices in New York City concluded that our model of representation significantly reduced the time children spend in foster care.*
IMMIGRATION
BDS’s Immigration Practice provides comprehensive and zealous representation to our clients, who face life-changing consequences at the intersection of the criminal justice system and the immigration system. Since 2009, we have counseled or represented over 7,500 clients. The Immigration Practice is comprised of the Padilla, Youth & Communities Team and the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project(NYIFUP) Team.
Padilla, Youth & Communities The Padilla, Youth & Communities Team advises BDS criminal and family defense clients about the potential immigration consequences of criminal charges and family court proceedings, following our constitutional obligation under the Supreme Court’s holding in _Padilla v. Kentucky_ to provide competent advice to criminal defendants to help them make an informed choice about their cases. BDS has one of the largest Padilla practices in the country, as a quarter of BDS criminal clients are foreign-born. Padilla attorneys work closely with criminal and family defense attorneys and staff in an early intervention model, providing immigration-related advice as early as the client’s arraignment and coordinating with court staff, prosecutors, social workers, and client families to promote the best possible outcome for the criminal, family, and/or immigration cases. Padilla attorneys also represent individual clients in applications for immigration status or benefits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and in removal proceedings before the New York Immigration Court, helping clients stabilize their immigration status and seek safety from persecution, family re-unification, or benefits for victims of neglect, abuse, or violence. BDS’s Youth and Communities staff serve both BDS clients and Brooklyn community members by representing individual clients before USCIS, family court, and the New York Immigration Court, and have helped hundreds of clients secure permanent residence, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Temporary Protected Status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and other benefits. The Youth & Communities project has run and staffed many community clinics and presentations, for example, to help Brooklyn’s Haitian community secure Temporary Protected Status, to help young people apply for DACA, and to provide critical “Know Your Rights” information, partnering with community based groups, elected officials, churches, and social service providers. The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project is the groundbreaking, first-in-the-nation universal representation program for detained immigrants, funded by the New York City Council and created in partnership with BDS. BDS staff have provided deportation defense to over 750 detained immigrants on an assigned counsel model since NYIFUP’s inception as a pilot program in the fall of 2013. NYIFUP was created after studies showed that detained immigrants in New York rarely secured counsel and that detained, unrepresented immigrants lost their deportation cases 97% of the time, causing wrongful deportations of people who had strong defenses to removal and tearing apart families who were losing a spouse or parent. NYIFUP is a national model of access to justice for detained immigrants and has spurred replication efforts across the country. BDS’s NYIFUP Team intakes detained clients at the Varick Street Immigration Court in New York City and represents them in bond hearings, merits hearings on their defenses to removal, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). In addition, BDS has a highly successful in-house federal court practice, and has litigated dozens of habeas corpus petitions challenging the wrongful detention of immigrants, including the Second Circuit’s landmark decision in_Lora v. Shanahan
_.
BDS’s Immigration Practice is comprised of twenty-three full-time staff attorneys, a fully accredited BIA representative, five paralegals (two of whom are partially BIA accredited), two legal assistants, and a social worker. The Immigration Practice has hosted several Immigrant Justice Corps fellows and other post-graduate fellows.*
CIVIL JUSTICE
The Civil Justice Practice aims to reduce the civil collateral consequences for low-income clients who have had interaction with the criminal, family or immigration justice systems. Through legal advocacy in court and at various agencies, we assist people in remaining in their homes, maintaining their public benefits, staying in school, keeping their jobs, and protecting their consumer rights. In order to achieve these ends we practice in almost all of New York City’s courts at every level from trial to appellate courts. We also assist criminal defense attorneys and their clients by identifying potential civil ramifications of guilty pleas and strategizing ways to minimize the risk of eviction, loss of employment and educational consequences as a result of a criminal conviction. Philosophically, the unit hopes to help our clients mitigate the real life consequences of criminal justice system contacts by providing a multi-disciplinary help in various trouble areas. Finally, in addition to our in-house work, we will engage with the community and hold external educational clinics in close partnership with numerous community-basedorganizations.
HOUSING & BENEFITS TEAM Our Housing & Benefits Team has the goal of supporting the criminal practice by aiding to stabilize the living situation of our Brooklyn clients by representing clients in administrative proceedings, eviction proceedings, affirmative actions seeking repairs as well as advocate on their behalf for access topublic benefits.
* _Support During the Criminal Matter._ By identifying BDS clients from the different units (criminal, family, immigration and education) we can assist the stabilization of the family/individual and help advise the best resolution with a trained eye on the collateral consequences of the criminal matter, both in the realm of housing andpublic benefits..
* _Support for Eviction and Housing Proceedings._ As some clients face eviction, the housing unit can step in and defend them from the owner, be it NYCHA or a private landlord. Further, in cases where conditions in the apartment become a serious enough problem to have consequences, such as bar to reunification of a family, the unit can bring affirmative litigation against owners so that they fix these conditions and the obstacles can be removed for our clients. NYCHA often brings termination proceedings against entire families based on minor arrests of guests or occupants; we defend these types of administrative hearings in order to prevent displacement of entirefamilies.
* _Support for Termination or Denial of Public Benefits_. As some clients face a difficult time in applying for and maintaining public benefits, we represent our clients in challenging agency decisions. This type of income/essentials of life support helps ground our clients in a multi-disciplinary manner, as the problems they face do not exist independent of one another. These include challenges to decisions by the Human Resources Administration, the Department of Homeless Services, the Social Security Administration and other agencies in the denial of shelter allowance, health care benefits, and income supportive benefits. Our Public Benefits Team will also be involved in helping craft new regulations as part of city-wide committees seeking to engage the new administration in public benefitsreform.
* _Advocacy and Educational Outreach._ As a leader in the legal services community, BDS is involved in city-wide conversations about cutting edge housing issues. As such we engage coalitions and other groups that seek to protect the tenant housing rights. We educate both the general public and vulnerable populations as to what rights they have before they have become involved in the system. In order to promote this knowledge the housing unit will work closely with Brooklyn community-based groups as well as police precincts, churches, community centers, libraries, local political officials, and other organizations, such as the Brooklyn Tenant Lawyers Network. EDUCATION TEAM Our Education Project seeks to improve opportunities for young Brooklyn residents by advocating for their educational rights in formal proceedings against the Department of Education, as well as informally and in collaboration with school officials. Frequently, the young clients BDS serves in family and criminal proceedings are “overage and under-credited,” and confronting obstacles to completing their education including, among other factors, overly harsh disciplinary proceedings, inappropriate special education services, and difficulty accessing alternative educationoptions.
We work with our young clients to identify their educational goals, and then provide the necessary representation and advocacy to remove the identified obstacles. BDS’ Education Project endeavors to not only to improve dispositional outcomes for our clients, but also to maximize our unique entry point into our client’s lives and ensure they get the support they need to pursue their educational goals and remain in thecommunity.
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POLICY & ADVOCACY
BDS has been involved in dozens of court-based initiatives and special projects. Our staff participates in numerous court-improvement and bar association committees. One current project in which both our criminal and family practice staff is involved is the Center for Court Innovation’s “crossover” youth initiative, intended to address the issues that affect children who are both the subject of child welfare cases and have been arrested in either the juvenile or adultsystem.
Jail-Based Services
Nearly 80 percent of people in city jails are in pre-trial detention, meaning that they are unable to pay bail as they await the disposition of their criminal case. Only a small percentage of jail residents are actually serving time as a result of a conviction. The policy of pre-trial detainment means that many New Yorkers suffer serious collateral consequences simply as the result of an arrest – whether or not they are actually found guilty of the crime they have been accused of committing. These collateral consequences extend to every aspect of their lives, from parental rights, to employment, housing and educational rights and opportunities. Meanwhile the geographic isolation of Rikers Island, the largest collection of jail facilities in New York City, creates tremendous barriers for our clients in their efforts to maintain contact with their families, communities and attorneys while they are locked up. BDS launched Jail Services to mitigate the burdens that confinement creates for criminal defense and to protect our clients against these collateral consequences. Through our jail programming we are able to streamline our clients’ access to education, housing, family, immigration and re-entry services while attempting to meet their most immediate daily needs. Additionally, an established presence in New York City jails allows BDS to monitor and document the conditions New Yorkers encounter when incarcerated and advocate for the rights and welfare of our clients and other incarcerated people.Young New Yorkers
Young New Yorkers is a restorative justice, arts program for 16-and 17-year-olds who have open criminal cases. The criminal court gives eligible defendants the option to participate in Young New Yorkers rather than do jail time, community service and have a lifelong criminal record. The curriculum is uniquely tailored to develop the emotional and behavioral skills of the young participants while facilitating responsible and creative self-expression. Central to the curriculum is the concept of taking responsibility for past actions as a necessary step before becoming valued members and leaders of one’s community. Each workshop is framed by a relevant theme: community; choice; accountability; responsibility; contribution; leadership. These themes are explored, as they relate to each participant, in conversation with the group and through art exercises utilizing photography, video, illustration, and design. A series of six intensive, hands-on workshops prepares the participants to design a public art installation that expresses a positive social message of their choice. Local artists join each workshop and assist the participants in weekly art projects. The weekly artworks and the final installation design are then presented to the public at the Young New Yorkers Finale. The Finale allows the participants to experience themselves as worthy, creative contributors to their communities, rather than as undeserving and irredeemablecriminal actors.
Young New Yorkers is supported by Brooklyn Defender Services and administered through the ADP initiative at the Red Hook Community Justice Center. Upon completion of the Young New Yorkers workshops, the participants avoid serving any jail time and, in most cases, have their criminal charges dismissed and sealed, leaving their young lives uninhibited by an adult criminal record. For more information see www.youngnewyorkers.orgCommunity Projects
Our dedication to the needs of the Brooklyn community is evident in the projects we have created in response to those needs. Through private foundation funding, as well as support from individual City Council members and the Council’s Immigrant Opportunities Initiative, BDS has: * Partnered with the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer’s Project (VLP) to form community-based immigration clinics in Crown Heights for the Haitian community; * Created the Young Mothers Empowerment Project to meet the special needs of our teenage clients who are parents; * Developed a community model in Sunset Park to help young people apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an immigration status that makes undocumented young people eligible for school and work; and * Developed the Strengthening Families/Strengthening Communities project which holds community forums and Know Your Rights parent workshops throughout Brooklyn to inform communities about the child welfare system and discuss the impact of this system on low-incomefamilies.
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COMMUNITY OFFICE
All of our practices benefit from the opening of the BDS Community Office in East New York in August. The office allows BDS to better serve our clients living and working in the neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville in their community, so that they may access services, meet with their attorneys, attend Know Your Rights trainings, and seek legal advice. We look forward to working with all of our community partners to ensure that the office remains responsive to the needs of the community.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Snover, _Chairman of the Board_ Gregory Cerchione, _Secretary_ Cindi Elibott Giglio, _Treasurer_ Jason Starr, _Board Member_ Andrea Bonina, _Board Member_ Robert J. Gunther, Jr., _Board Member_ Jeffrey Rona, _Board Member_ Lisa Schreibersdorf, _Board Member and Executive Director_PRO BONO AT BDS
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is committed to high-quality and zealous representation on behalf of Brooklyn residents facing the criminal, family and immigration justice systems. As part of this mission, BDS strives to ensure pro bono partnerships leverage resources and provide critical support for our clients in and out of the courtroom to ensure our clients obtain the best result possible in court and, hopefully, a better outcome in their lives. BDS regularly partners with New York City’s major law firms, corporations and other members of the private bar on numerous cases from all of our practice areas. Our pro bono partners have worked on individual cases, filed complaints in federal courts, co-authored amicus briefs, co-counseled hearings, filed and argued appeals and conducted research on novel areas of law. BDS offers pro bono opportunities that not only present ideal opportunities for pro bono attorneys to get real courtroom experience and work with clients in need, but that result in just and better outcomes for our clients. BDS offers both short- and long-term projects and has flexible co-counseling arrangements. Additionally, we offer comprehensive training programs, mentorship and supervision that will provide a meaningful experience for the pro bono attorney and the client. LAW FIRMS, CORPORATIONS, LAW-FIRM ATTORNEYS, AND IN-HOUSE COUNSEL who are interested in joining Brooklyn Defender Services’ pro bono practice, please contact Molly Meltzer, Director of Pro Bono at mmeltzer@bds.org. RETIRED OR TRANSITIONING ATTORNEYS interested in pro bono opportunities are welcomed at Brooklyn Defender Services. Our organization is one of the host organizations of the Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) established by former New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. Please visit the NY Courts website to registerfor the
program and contact us at pbvolunteer@bds.org. INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS are incorporated into our practices on an as-needed basis. Please send a resume and cover letter indicating particular skills you have that are applicable to our work and your specific availability to pbvolunteer@bds.org.HISTORY
BDS opened its doors in 1996 as the first borough-specific public defender office in New York City, with 38 employees working around donated conference room tables out of office space recently vacated by the New York Telephone Co. That first year we lived rent-free, while the building was being renovated around us, and handled 10,000 cases. Today, BDS is one of the largest defender offices in the country, representing tens of thousands of clients in criminal, family, immigration and civil cases annually. Our staff of 300 includes 180 attorneys and 120 social workers, investigators, paralegals, re-entry specialists, jail liaisons, community organizers and policy specialists as well as dedicated advocates for youth, veterans and parents. Our specialized defense approach allows us to provide targeted services for clients with mental illness or developmental disabilities, adolescent clients, trafficking victims and veterans. PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS Our primary mission at BDS is to represent people facing serious accusations from the government. We recognize that our clients face many additional challenges and obstacles related to their poverty. As the largest Brooklyn-based legal services provider, BDS’s interdisciplinary staff provides supplemental legal and social services on site to our clients, including immigration attorneys, housing attorneys, an education attorney and social workers who specialize in areas such as mental health and youth advocacy.826NYC
ARISE (Action for Reform in Special Education) Attorney General Office Criminal Justice and Mental Health Roundtable Black Alliance for Just Immigration Brooklyn Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer’s Project Brooklyn Community Bail Fund Brooklyn Community Services Brooklyn Justice Corps Brooklyn Justice InitiativesBrooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association Brownsville Community Justice CenterCamelot
Caribbean American Center of New YorkCASES
Center for Community Alternatives Center for Court Innovation Center for Family Life Child Welfare Organizing Project Children’s Museum of the Arts Christ Church Fellowship Baptist Church Coalition for Effective Behavioral Health Reforms and Dignity inSchools Campaign
Common Justice
Drew House
& Project Greenhope
Esperanza
EXALT
Families for FreedomFamilies Rising
Fortune Society
Good Shepherd Services Haitian Centers Council Haitian Family Resource Center Haitian Legal Immigration Legal Assistance Program Health Home InitiativeLa Union
Lutheran Social Services Medgar Evers College Adult Education DepartmentMFY Legal Service
NAMI- NY
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers New York State Bar Association NY Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) Coalition with Legal Aid Society , Bronx Defenders , Make the Road New York , Center for Popular Democracy, Vera Institute
, Cardozo Law School & Northern Manhattan Coalition forImmigrant Rights .
NYU Law School
Osborne Association
P2PH
Parent Providers Coalition (Bronx Defenders , Center for Family Representation)
Pinkerton Fellows at John Jay College of Criminal JusticePro Bono Scholars
Ridgewood-Bushwick Young Adult Literacy Program Shorefront YM-YWHA, Brighton-Manhattan Beach, Inc.Shriver Center
STEPS
TASC, EAC-Link
YCP
Young New Yorkers
ANNUAL REPORT
Click to download Brooklyn Defender Services’ 2016 Annual Report.* Need Help?
* BDS Community Office in East New York* Media Requests
* For Clients, Families, and Community Members* For Attorneys
INFORMATION
NEED HELP?
If you are a Brooklyn resident and cannot afford an attorney, BDS will provide free advice. IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE ARRESTED IN BROOKLYN DURING THE PROTESTS AND NEED A LAWYER, call this number for legal assistance 240-531-1971. IN FEAR OF BEING ARRESTED? Call 718-254-0700 and ask for the operator. IN FEAR OF HAVING YOUR CHILDREN REMOVED? Call (646) 974-9343. BDS COMMUNITY OFFICE IN EAST NEW YORK Visit our Community Office in East New York, located at: 566 LIVONIA AVE. (BETWEEN ALABAMA & GEORGIA AVENUES)Brooklyn, NY 11207
(646) 971-2722
We accept walk-in consultations on a variety of legal issues including ACS/child welfare, housing, and criminal matters. The office also offers regular Know Your Rights workshops open to community members. Past training topics included education rights, seeking employment with a criminal record, and what to do when ACS knocks on your door. Current BDS clients, if you need to connect with your attorney or social worker, it is possible to arrange meetings to be held at thecommunity office.
The office also has a variety of informational material and community resources, including know your rights fact sheets, community events, and voter registration forms. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (646) 971-2722.MEDIA REQUESTS
Please direct all press inquiries to mediarequests@bds.org. FOR CLIENTS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS Know Your Rights Info CCI’s Reentry Guide Rikers Island Visitors’ GuideATTORNEY LOOKUP
Locate by name any attorney admitted to the New York State Bar and will supply you with address, firm and phone numbers, as well as date and department of admission.FOR ATTORNEYS
NY City Dept. of Corrections Inmate Lookup NY State Dept. of Corrections Inmate LookupWEBCRIMS
Repository for pending criminal cases in the five boroughs and several surrounding counties with information on adjournment dates, charges,attorneys, etc.
Brooklyn Defender Services Arraignment Schedule * Human Resources Analyst * Human Resources Generalist* Paralegal
* Spanish Interpreter * Social Worker, Immigration * Executive Assistant * Brooklyn Defender Services Family Defense Practice Seeks Experienced Staff Attorney * Administrative Assistant * Criminal Defense Unit –Arraignment Court Clerk Position * Criminal Defense Practice — File Clerk Position * Immigration Practice – NYIFUP Staff Attorney * Fellowship Opportunity Announcement* General Counsel
* Integrated Defense Practice Custody Attorney* Controller
* Office Manager
* Social Worker
* CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE LATERAL HIRES/PRACTICING ATTORNEYS* Social Worker
* New York State Public Defenders Career Fair * Attorney Training Program for New BDS Employees* Internships
OPPORTUNITIES
HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST Under the direct supervision of the Director of Human Resources, the HR Analyst performs a variety of system configuration, data analysis, and process analysis responsibilities to help the department operate more efficiently and effectively. See idealist.org for full job posting. HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST Under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources, the HR Generalist owns the HR onboarding, leaves of absence, accommodations, and offboarding processes. The HR Generalist applies subject matter expertise and empathy to help employees navigate the various policies, benefits, and resources available to them in timesof need.
See idealist.org for full job posting.PARALEGAL
Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor, the NYIFUP Paralegal works with attorneys and other staff to challenge the deportation of our noncitizen clients, secure their release from detention, and obtain immigration benefits for which they areeligible.
See idealist.org for full job posting.SPANISH INTERPRETER
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks an English-Spanish Bilingual Interpreter. Interpreters are responsible for providing critical interpreting and translation support to BDS staff in communicating with their clients. The Spanish Interpreter must be fully fluent in the Spanish language, and fully able to accurately interpret/translate all forms of verbal and written communications. See idealist.org for full job posting. SOCIAL WORKER, IMMIGRATION BDS’s Immigration Practice is a collaborative team of over 70 staff who advise criminal and family defense attorneys on immigration matters, and represent people in removal proceedings and complex applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. BDS is a pioneer in federal court habeas corpus practice and has a robust federal court and appellate immigration docket. We are committed to professional development, sustainability, and equity in this critical time to stand up for the rights of immigrants and communities ofcolor.
Since 2013, BDS has served as assigned counsel under the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP), a first-in-the-nation program that provides legal representation for indigent New Yorkers in detained and non-detained deportation cases. Our interdisciplinary legal teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff work at the intersection of immigrant rights and the criminal legal system and reunite people with their families andcommunities.
Under the direct supervision of a Social Work Supervisor, the Social Worker is an integral part of the NYIFUP defense team to advocate, both in and out of court, for clients facing deportation proceedings. See idealist.org for full job posting.EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
BDS has grown rapidly in the last 4-5 years and part of the Chief of Staff’s role is to support the Executive Director in setting up systems and structures that enable efficient and effective management of this larger organization. Rather than the traditional Executive Assistant position that provides administrative support to one executive, this new position will assist the Chief of Staff in implementing the meetings, processes, and systems that support improved communication and information flow among BDS’s management, and between management and staff. Under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Executive Assistant understands organizational priorities so as to anticipate needs, handles sensitive and confidential information, interacts with internal and external contacts at all levels, and regularly applies judgment with minimal guidance and supervision. See idealist.org for full job posting. BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES FAMILY DEFENSE PRACTICE SEEKS EXPERIENCEDSTAFF ATTORNEY
BDS’s Family Defense Practice (FDP) represents low-income parents in Article 10 (abuse and neglect) proceedings in Brooklyn Family Court. Our mission is to fight the removal of children from their families and advocate for families to be reunified as quickly as possible. FDP defends parents’ due process rights by fighting unwarranted state intervention in their lives. Using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, our teams of attorneys, social workers and paralegals help families obtain the benefits and services they need to keep their families safe and stable. The office also advocates for systemic change in the family court and family regulation systems. FDP is a client-centered practice which involves a great deal of contact with clients. Attorneys spend most of their time in court proceedings with frequent hearings and trials, often on an emergency basis. Staff attorneys are expected to provide high-quality and vigorous representation at all court appearances and throughout the course of a case. Our office takes a collaborative team approach to representation and attorneys work closely with supervisors, social workers, paralegals and our Administrative team to provide inter-disciplinary representation. Under the direct supervision of a Supervising Attorney, the Attorney will represent clients in Article 10 (abuse and neglect) proceedings in Brooklyn Family Court. See idealist.org for full job posting. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Immigrant Community Action Project (ICAP), which is a team of administrative professionals, paralegals, social workers, and attorneys, provides legal representation and social work supportive services for low-income noncitizens of New York City. Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor, the Administrative Assistant provides a wide range of administrative support to keep the ICAP team in the best position to maintain family unity and obtain lawful immigration status in the U.S. See idealist.org for full job posting. CRIMINAL DEFENSE UNIT –ARRAIGNMENT COURT CLERK POSITION Under the direct supervision of the Director of Administrative Support, the Arraignment Court Clerk provides support to attorneys in criminal arraignment court. Arraignment is the first appearance made before a judge after arrest. At that time, a BDS attorney will be assigned to interview and represent the clients. The Arraignment Court Clerk works alongside the attorneys in arraignment court to to help with the paperwork and coordination required to expedite the interviews, bail arguments, and release of as many people as possible. The ideal candidate is someone who works well with colleagues, can take responsibility for more than one task at once, and is comfortable working in an environment where requests often need to be fulfilled quickly. BDS will provide full training for this position on the specific tasks and systems used in this position. See idealist.org for full job posting. CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE — FILE CLERK POSITION The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested. Our staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrative professionals and clericalstaff.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Administrative Support, the File Clerk is responsible for management and maintenance of our client case files, both paper and digital. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, works well with colleagues, can take responsibility for more than one task at once, and is comfortable working in an environment where requests often need to be fulfilled quickly. BDS will provide full training for this position on the specific tasks and systems used in this position. See idealist.org for full job posting. IMMIGRATION PRACTICE – NYIFUP STAFF ATTORNEY Since 2013, BDS has served as assigned counsel under the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP), a first-in-the-nation program that provides legal representation for indigent New Yorkers in detained and non-detained deportation cases. Our interdisciplinary legal teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff work at the intersection of immigrant rights and the criminal legal system and reunite people with their families andcommunities.
Under the general supervision of a Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will represent NYIFUP clients before detained and non-detained immigration courts and agencies in New York and NewJersey.
See idealist.org for full job posting. FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT The Immigration Practice in Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks rising third year law students, judicial law clerks, and recent law school graduates to sponsor for post-graduate public interest law school-based fellowships. Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defender office that represents approximately 30,000 people per year who cannot afford an attorney in a variety of legal proceedings in Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. We represent and provide services to people who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted needs in a high volume and fast-paced setting. Our staff of 450 are attorneys, social workers, paralegals, investigators and administrative staff as well as the leadership of the organization. BDS’ Immigration Practice works at the intersection of immigration and criminal law. The Immigration Practice has three primary focus areas: ICAP, NYIFUP, and Padilla. • The Immigrant Community Action Project (ICAP) team provides a full range of immigration legal services to BDS clients and Brooklyn residents Attorneys represent noncitizens in non-detained removal proceedings and for affirmative immigration benefits such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), adjustment of status, and victim and trafficking visas. We identify clients in-house through our criminal and family defense practice and also participate in external clinics in partnership with numerous community-based organizations. • BDS serves as assigned counsel under the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP)—a first-in-the-nation program that provides legal representation for indigent New Yorkers in detained removal proceedings at the Varick Street Immigration Court and in non-detained removal proceedings if our efforts result in the clients’ release. NYIFUP attorneys provide ongoing representation to clients facing immigration detention and deportation on a wide array of defenses, applications, and other creative advocacy efforts. • Padilla attorneys work in close collaboration with BDS criminal defenders to avoid or minimize the negative immigration consequences of their noncitizen clients’ criminal cases, and to ensure clients are fully advised of those consequences pursuant to our obligations under the Supreme Court’s decision in Padilla v. Kentucky. Qualifications/Proposals BDS’ Immigration Practice is interested in sponsoring dynamic candidates to zealously represent and advocate on behalf of our noncitizen clients. Candidates must have a clear commitment to immigrant rights, criminal justice, and/or social justice issues. Applicants must be strong legal writers, clear communicators, team players, and have the strong organizational skills necessary to manage a fast-moving docket and high volume of cases. They must work effectively and respectfully with indigent clients, including clients experiencing mental illness, trauma and poverty. Fellows will have a diverse, challenging docket supported by close supervision and peer collaboration. Fellows will be fully integrated into one of the three practice areas depending on preference and needs. Fluency in Spanish or another second language is strongly preferred. Application Requirements To apply, please submit a cover letter including a statement of interest, resume, writing sample, and at least two references. Please indicate whether you have a preference for one of the three Immigration Practice areas and detail any requirements and timelines for your school-based fellowship. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference to those applying before May 1, 2021. Applications should be emailed to Sophie Dalsimer atsdalsimer@bds.org.
Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse work environment and supports a nondiscrimination policy in all employment practices. We are focused on equity and inclusion and thus strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, experiences, and other characteristics that make us different to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Director of Human Resources at cwallace@bds.org.GENERAL COUNSEL
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a General Counsel. BDS is a public defender office that represents approximately 30,000 people per year who cannot afford an attorney in a variety of legal proceedings, including criminal, family, and housing cases in Brooklyn and immigration cases in Manhattan. We represent and provide services to people who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted needs. Our staff of 450 are attorneys, social workers, paralegals, investigators, and administrative staff as well as the leadership of the organization, consisting of executives, finance, HR, contracting andother functions.
The General Counsel will work primarily with the Executive Director and senior leadership. See idealist.org for full job posting. INTEGRATED DEFENSE PRACTICE CUSTODY ATTORNEY Under the general supervision of the Attorney-in-Charge, Integrated Defense, the Custody attorney works alongside criminal defense attorneys, social workers, and paralegals to provide comprehensive legal representation to clients with open criminal court cases who are unable to see their children due to active Orders of Protection. See idealist.org for full job posting.CONTROLLER
BDS has experienced significant growth in recent years and annual revenue is now $65M. The Director of Finance is seeking a Controller to partner with him in improving standardization and controls across all finance processes. The ideal candidate is a practical systems thinker, with significant experience in non-profit finance management. Under the general direction of the Director of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for core accounting and control functions, including accounts receivable and payable, and the organization’s general ledger. The Controller will also support the Director of Finance in developing and implementing robust policies, procedures, systems, and controls for financial management. See idealist.org for full job posting.OFFICE MANAGER
Under the general supervision of the Director of Operations, and in collaboration with other management staff, the Office Manager will be responsible for the management of BDS’s five office spaces (currently four in Downtown Brooklyn, and a satellite community office in East New York). Specifically, the Office Manager will be responsible for assuring the efficient and effective functioning ofthe office.
See idealist.org for full job posting.SOCIAL WORKER
Under the direct supervision of the Social Work Director, Criminal Practice, the Social Worker is an integral part of the criminal defense team to advocate, both in and out of court, for clients with serious mental illness who are facing criminal charges. See idealist.org for full job posting. CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE LATERAL HIRES/PRACTICING ATTORNEYS The Criminal Defense Practice is currently accepting applications from practicing criminal defense attorneys who would like to continue their careers with BDS. Applicants must have an appreciation of, and ability to relate to, the obstacles faced by our indigent clients and be prepared to advocate on their behalf effectively and zealously. Candidates whose own background and experience reflect the diversity of Brooklyn’s communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should submit a current resume and a cover letter explaining their desire to join BDS and detailing their bar admission status, as well as their experience in criminal defense generally and public defense particularly. Attorneys who are currently under a commitment to their present employers should wait until their commitment is nearing completion to apply. Applications should be sent via email to rlafontaine@bds.org and addressed to Richard LaFontaine, Esq., Director of Recruiting, Brooklyn Defender Services, 177 Livingston Street, 7th Floor,Brooklyn, NY 11201.
SOCIAL WORKER
Brooklyn Defender Services is an interdisciplinary law office representing almost 30,000 indigent clients arrested each year with specialized legal services for young clients and those withimmigration issues.
The Criminal Defense Practice represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony cases in Brooklyn Supreme and Criminal Courts. BDS advocates for clients who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted needs in a very fast-paced setting. BDS seeks an energetic social worker to become an integral part of the criminal defense team to advocate for clients, both in and out ofcourt.
See idealist.org for full job posting. NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC DEFENDERS CAREER FAIR In April 2017, New York State enacted statewide reforms intended to improve the right to counsel for people charged with a criminal offense, who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Amendments to New York County Law § 722-e and the addition of Executive Law § 832 (4) enacted by New York State Governor Cuomo and supported by the NYS legislature encourages and enables each criminal defense provider of legally mandated representation to furnish high quality, effective representation for every client. These recent legislative reforms offer public defense providers across the state the opportunity to hire additional attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff and develop other resources to further their efforts in improving the overall quality of mandated representation. Persons eager to explore opportunities within the New York State public defense arena who seek a challenging work environment that promotes diversity, embraces change, and provides leadership opportunities are encouraged to participate in this Public DefendersCareer Fair
.
See here for more information. ATTORNEY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR NEW BDS EMPLOYEES CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE Brooklyn Defender Services’ intensive training program is designed for recent law graduates and attorneys who are new to the practice of criminal law in New York. Attorneys spend the first few weeks of their employment at BDS attending in-house lectures on various aspects of criminal defense, shadowing experienced attorneys and practicing their skills through simulations of various aspects of criminal practice. The Appellate Division has granted us a student practice order which gives us the right to have law students and law graduates working for BDS to appear in court even though they are not yet admitted to practice law. This allows our interns, fellows and recent law graduates to handle cases with supervision.INTERNSHIPS
LAW STUDENT SUMMER INTERNSHIPS BDS has many relationships with local educational institutions, including clinical study programs from New York University Law School (the Offender Re-Entry Clinic, the Family Defense Clinic and the Community Defender Clinic), the Youth Justice Clinic of Cardozo Law School, the Criminal Defense Clinic of St. John’s School of Law and the CUNY Law School Family Law Concentration Clinic. Brooklyn Defender Services also offers full-time summer internships to law students who have completed their second year of law school and have a commitment to public defense. The internship program lasts eight weeks. Intern duties may include legal research and writing, representation of clients in arraignments (under supervision), court appearances, client and witness interviews, trial preparation and investigation assistance. Our law student summer internship program is extremely competitive and positions are limited. We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2021 internships. * For the _Immigration Practice_ internship is no longer accepting applications for the Summer 2021 program. * For the _Family Defense_ _Practice_ internship, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Ambika Panday (apanday@bds.org) and Aisha Alleyne (aalleyne@bds.org). * For the _Civil Justice Practice_ internship, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lauren Price (lprice@bds.org). * The _Criminal Defense Practice_ is no longer accepting applications for the Summer 2021 program. All internships are volunteer positions. However, BDS will work with students to secure funding from outside sources or class credits whereavailable.
POSTGRADUATE LAW FELLOWSHIPS Brooklyn Defender Services hosts fellows to work in our office on special projects. Each year, we aim to identify law student fellowship applications that meet our mission of serving underprivileged clients in Brooklyn through innovative proposals. These include Equal Justice Works fellowships, Skadden fellows, and Soros fellowships among others. We additionally welcome law students from around the country whose law schools have fellowship placement options, particularly post-graduate fellowships. Applications for fellowships for the upcoming year are now closed. INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANT INTERNSHIPS BDS seeks undergraduates and recent college graduates with a commitment to social and criminal justice issues for our Investigative Assistant Internship. Investigative assistants locate, review, and download video surveillance; photograph and document crime scenes; and conduct background research on witnesses. They additionally provide administrative assistance to the investigations unit. While some of the investigative assistant’s work will take place in the office, much of it will be out in the field—in private homes, in local businesses, on the street and in the greater community. Ideal applicants should be comfortable working all over Brooklyn and should possess characteristics necessary to approach and interact with strangers about sensitive subjects. Candidates must be able to work in a collaborative setting and be able to produce high-quality writtenwork.
Required qualifications and abilities: – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – Interest in criminal defense and the rights of the accused – Fluency in another language is highly desired, but not required This internship is unpaid. We strongly encourage interns to apply to grants, fellowships or any other funding available through school or third-party organizations. Interns will be provided with unlimited monthly metro cards for the duration of their internship. We are not currently accepting applications for the investigativeinternship.
* Legislative Memos & One-Pagers * Letters and Testimony* Data and Reports
* Strategic Litigation* Advocacy
* Court Involved Youth * Immigration DefensePOLICY
LEGISLATIVE MEMOS & ONE-PAGERS _CRIMINAL LAW REFORM ISSUES_ADOLESCENT JUSTICE
* BDS Supports Raising the Age of Youthful Offender Status,A.4743B (PDF
__) – June 1, 2018 * Check out our one-pager on Raising the Age of YO here.
BAIL
* BDS supports the Assembly Bail Reform proposal, A.10137A (PDF __) – May 29, 2018 * BDS Supports Comprehensive Bail Reform, A9955 &S3579A/A5033A (PDF
__)-
April 16, 2018
* BDS Supports Reform of Laws Governing Charitable Bail Organizations, A4880A/S4776A (PDF__)
– February 9, 2017DISCOVERY
* BDS Supports Comprehensive Discovery Reform, A4360A, S7722/A10135,& S6848/A7292 (PDF
__)-
April 16, 2018
* Check out the Repeal the #BlindfoldLaw Coalition one-pager on the urgent need for discovery reform here.
DRUG ENFORCEMENT
* BDS Strongly Opposes Increased Penalties for Opioids & K2 (PDF__)
– March 26, 2018
EMPLOYMENT COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES * BDS Responds and Proposes Amendments to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Elimination of Parole Fee and Changes to Conviction-Related Barrier to Employment and Participation in Education Councils in the FY19 Executive Budget (PDF__) –
February 5, 2018
GRAVITY KNIVES
* BDS Memo of Support for Repealing Gravity Knife Law (PDF __)
– May 22, 2019
* BDS Sends Letter to Governor Cuomo Urging His Signature on Gravity Knife Reform Legislation (PDF __)
– October 11, 2017 * BDS Sends Letter to Governor Cuomo Urging His Signature on Gravity Knife Reform Legislation (PDF __)
– June 28, 2016
* Check out our infographic on gravity knives, “Why Are Carpenters Being arrested for Carrying Their Tools?” here.
* BDS Memos in Support of Bills to Decriminalize Possession of Common Workers’ Utility Knives, (A4821/S3675 PDF ) (A9042/S6483 PDF__
)
– March 1, 2016
* Memo of Support to End the Criminalization of So-Called “Gravity Knives” S3675/A.4821 (PDF __)
– April 23, 2015
IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS
* BDS Memo in Support of the Protect Our Courts Act, A11013A/S8925 (PDF __)
– June 14, 2018
JAIL AND PRISON CONDITIONS * BDS Supports Access to Feminine Hygiene Products in NYS Jails and Prisons, S6176/A588A (PDF __)
– June 14, 2017
POLICE ASSET FORFEITURE * BDS Response to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Changes to Asset Forfeiture in the FY19 Executive Budget (PDF__)
– February 5, 2018 PROSTITUTION AND TRAFFICKING * BDS Memo in Support for Expanding New York’s Vacatur Law for Survivors of Trafficking, S4997/A4540 (PDF__)
– June 1, 2018
* BDS Memo in Support for Repeal of New York’s Penal Law 240.37,S8107A/A9704A (PDF
__)
– June 1, 2018
SEALING
* BDS Memo in Support for Legislation to Seal Certain Criminal Convictions and “Ban the Box” on Job Applications, A2699/ S5593 &A2990/S2029 (PDF __
)
– June 12, 2015
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT * BDS Expresses Strong Support for the Humane Alternatives to Long Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act, A3080B/S4784A (PDF __)
– March 8, 2018
* BDS Memo in Support of Restricting Segregated Confinement for Juveniles and Special Populations, A1346A & A1347 (PDF __)
– April 3, 2015
SPEEDY TRIAL
* BDS Memo in Support of Speedy Trial Reform – Kalief’s Law, S7006B & A3055A (PDF __)-
April 16, 2018
* BDS Releases Statement in Support of Kalief’s Law, S5988A/A8296A(PDF __
)
– March 1, 2016
* BDS Expresses Strong Support for Kalief’s Law, S5988/A7841 (PDF__
)
– August 18, 2015
_CHILD WELFARE LAW REFORM ISSUES_ADOPTION SUBSIDIES
* BDS Supports Amendments to Monthly Adoption Subsidies to Foster Parents, S6518/A8313 (PDF__)
– May 30, 2017
FAMILY COURT ACDS
* BDS Joins in Memo in Support of Expanding Option of Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) & Suspended Judgments in Child Protective Proceedings in the Family Court, S.4767/A6837 (PDF __) –
April 16, 2018
* BDS Joins in Memo in Support of Expanding Option of Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) & Suspended Judgments in Child Protective Proceedings in the Family Court, S.4767/A6837 (PDF __) –
May 8, 2017
KINSHIP CARE
* BDS Joins in Memo in Support of Kinship Guardianship Assistance Legislation, S4833/A7554 (PDF __)
– May 30, 2017
POST-TERMINATION CONTACT * BDS Memo in Support of the Preserving Family Bonds Act,S4203/A2199 (PDF
__)
– April 2019
* Preserving Family Bonds Coalition Joint Memo in Support (PDF)
– April 2019
LETTERS AND TESTIMONYFEBRUARY 11, 2021
BDS sends coalition letter to Governor Cuomo and Democratic leadership outlining family defense legislative priorities for 2021 (PDF)
DECEMBER 26, 2020
BDS sends coalition letter to Governor Cuomo and Democratic leadership outlining criminal legal priorities for 2021 (PDF)
NOVEMBER 16. 2020
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction (PDF)
OCTOBER 28, 2020
BDS testifies before the New York City Council General WelfareCommittee (PDF
)
OCTOBER 19, 2020
BDS testifies before the The New York City Taxi and and Limousine Commission about proposed rule changes (PDF)
OCTOBER 16, 2020
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Health on Reopening NYC Public Schools (PDF)
OCTOBER 13, 2020
BDS submits Public Comment on Proposed Rule re Biometric DataCollection (PDF
)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Health and Hospitals about NYC’s COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing Program. (PDF)
SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYS Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections & Committee on Health about the impact of COVID-19 on prisons and jails. (PDF)
BDS submits letter to New York State Court’s Commission on Equal Justice in the Courts on structural racism in the Unified CourtSystem. (PDF
)
Report to the New York State Court’s Commission on Equal Justice in the Courts submitted by The Judicial Friends Association. (PDF)
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Criminal Justice & Committee on Hospitals about the Department of Correction and Correctional Health Services’ management of COVID-19 in jails. (PDF)
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on the exclusion of immigrants in COVID-19 relief. (PDF)
BDS testifies before the NYC Council about the looming eviction crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (PDF)
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on issues facing NYC renters, including discrimination against people who use housing vouchers. (PDF)
MAY 19, 2020
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committees on Criminal Justice & the Justice System Oversight Hearing on COVID-19 in City Jails and Juvenile Detention Centers.FEBRUARY 28, 2020
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committees on Immigration and Hospitals Oversight Hearing ICE’s Escalated Attacks on NYC Policies Protecting Immigrants.FEBRUARY 25, 2020
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Jointly with the Committee on Justice System Oversight Hearing DNA Collectionand Storage in NYC
.
)
FEBRUARY 24, 2020
BDS Testifies before NYC Council Committee on Justice System and Committee on Housing and Buildings Oversight Meeting and Introduction of Bills Int 1104-2018 and Int 1529-2019.
)
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Public Safety on Preventing Hate and Violence (PDF)
FEBRUARY 3, 2020
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Criminal Justice Oversight Hearing on Violence in City Jails)
JANUARY 21, 2020
BDS submits Public Comment on DHS and DOJ Proposed Rule Re: Procedures for Asylum and Bars to Asylum EligibilityJANUARY 13, 2020
BDS submits Public Comment on DHS Proposed Rule Re: Asylum Applications, Interview, and Employment Authorization for ApplicantsDECEMBER 30, 2019
BDS submits Public Comment on USCIS Proposed Rule of the USCIS FeeSchedule
DECEMBER 18, 2019
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on the POST Act)
https://bds.org/wp-content/uploads/2019.12.11-City-Council-Testimony-Day-Fines-and-Collateral-Consequences.pdfDECEMBER 11, 2019
BDS testified before the New York City Council Committees on the Justice System and on Government Operations about day fines and collateral consequences of drug arrests and conviction (PDF)DECEMBER 10, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYS Assembly Committee on Codes and Committee on Correction Hearing on Sealing of Criminal Records and Expansion of Youthful Offender Status (PDF)
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYS Assembly on family separation in the child welfare system and family court systemNOVEMBER 15, 2019
BDS submits Public Comment on USCIS Proposed Rules on Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions, 84 FR 55250.NOVEMBER 14, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYS Assembly on pre-trial services and ATI’s in light of the new bail statute (PDF)
NOVEMBER 12, 2019
BDS submits Public Comment on DNA-Sample Collection for Immigration Detainees 84 Fed. Reg 563973.OCTOBER 17, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Codes Hearing on Potential Legislative Changes to Section 50-a of the CivilRights Law
)
SEPTEMBER 23, 2019
BDS submits Public Comment on Department of Homeland Security “Notice on Designating Aliens for Expedited Removal 84 Fed. Reg.35409.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Immigration)
AUGUST 9, 2019
BDS testifies before the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids Addictionand Overdose (PDF)
JUNE 27, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Hearing on Ints. 0567-2018, 0635-2018, 1244-2018, 1553-2019, 1548-2019, & T2018-2223, & Res. 0866-2019.)
MAY 22, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on Implementation of Pre-Trial Justice Reforms Enacted by New York State (PDF)
MAY 1, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Criminal Justice Oversight Hearing on the Experience of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in NYC Jails (PDF)
APRIL 29, 2019
BDS joins the Bronx Defenders, the Legal Aid Society, Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem and NY County Defender Services in urging enactment of a slate of criminal justice reforms before session ends (PDF)
APRIL 10, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committees on Immigration and the Justice System Oversight Hearing on ICE Out of New York Courts Resolution 0828-2019 regarding Protect Our Courts Act (A.2176 / S.425).
)
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on General Welfare and Committee on Hospitals Joint Oversight Hearing on the Impact of Marijuana Policies on Child Welfare.
)
FEBRUARY 27, 2019
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committees on Public Safety, Justice System, Consumer Affairs & Business Licensing, and Civil & Human Rights Public Hearing on Marijuana Legalization.)
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Criminal Justice Oversight Hearing on Department of Correction Programming.
)
FEBRUARY 25, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on Family Separation in CriminalCases (PDF
)
FEBRUARY 4, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on General Welfare Oversight Hearing on Client Experience at HRA Centers.)
JANUARY 16, 2019
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Juvenile Justice Hearing on Evaluating Programs that Aim to Reduce Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Youth.
)
DECEMBER 19, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Immigration Oversight Hearing on the Need for Legal Representation in ImmigrationCourt Under Trump
.
)
DECEMBER 3, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committees on Criminal Justice and the Justice System Oversight Hearing: “Why Does the City Make it so Hard to Post Bail?” (PDF)
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committees on Justice System and General Welfare Oversight Hearing on Removals from Parents and Caretakers In Child Welfare Cases.)
BDS testifies before New York Senators Luis Sepúlveda and Gustavo Rivera’s Public Forum on New York State’s Parole Process, Structure of the Parole Board, and Data Indicating Systemic Bias inParole Decisions.
)
NOVEMBER 14, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Committee on Hospitals, Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction and Committee on Criminal Justice Oversight Hearing on Correctional Health)
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committees on Immigration, Health & General Welfare on the impact of the proposed “public charge”rule in NYC
)
NOVEMBER 14, 2018
BDS submits testimony to the NYS Assembly in support of guaranteed access to Medication-Assisted Treatment in New York’s prisons andjails (PDF
)
OCTOBER 25, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Governmental Operations and Committee on Immigration Oversight Hearing on Language Access Implementation Plans.)
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Justice System Oversight Hearing on Pay Hearing and Retention Rates for ADAs andPublic Defenders
)
OCTOBER 16, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York State Assembly on legalizing the adult use of marijuana (PDF)
Shakira Kennedy, an advocate and parent who is represented by BDS’ Family Defense Practice, testifies before the New York State Assembly on the harms of cannabis prohibition on New York’s racially and economically marginalized families (PDF)
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Education on employment and school transportation)
OCTOBER 3, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committees on Governmental Operations and Criminal Justice on voting rights for people on parole)
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on the Justice System Oversight Hearing on the Cost of Justice)
BDS testifies before the New York State Commission on Parental LegalRepresentation
(See PDF for attachments)
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Immigration and the Committee on Youth Services Oversight Hearing on LGBTQ immigrant youthin NYC
)
SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committees Immigration and Youth Services Oversight Hearing on Abolishing ICE)
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committees on Criminal Justice and Women Oversight Hearing Examining Sexual Abuse and Harassment in City Jails)
JULY 12, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Oversight Hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration Family Separation Policy in NYC)
JUNE 21, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on the Justice System Oversight Hearing on Addressing the Opioid Crisis in CriminalCourt
)
JUNE 13, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Oversight Hearing on NYPD’s Gang Takedown Effects)
JUNE 13, 2018
BDS Submits Comments to the NYS Dept. of Financial Services & NYS Dept. of State Listening Session on Abuses by the Bail Bond Industry)
MAY 2, 2018
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on the harm of the commercialbail bond industry
)
APRIL 24, 2018
BDS submits written testimony to the NYC Council Committee on Immigration Oversight Hearing on NYC Support for Immigrant Parents of Children Ages 0-5 Years (PDF)
APRIL 23, 2018
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Criminal Justice Oversight Hearing on Safety and Security in City Jails)
APRIL 18, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committee on Juvenile Justice and the Committee on Justice System Oversight Hearing on NYC’s Preparedness to Raise the Age and Reso. 0283-2018)
MARCH 26, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Budget Hearing onImmigration
)
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York City Council Committee on Justice System on Issues with Criminal Discovery Practices(PDF __
)
FEBRUARY 26, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York City Council in Support of Marijuana Legalization and, in the Interim, Immediately Ending Marijuana Arrests and Prosecutions (PDF__
)
JANUARY 11, 2018
BDS testifies before the New York State Assembly Hearing on Legalizing & Regulating Adult Sale and Possession of Marijuana and its Prospective Effects on Public Health and the Criminal Legal System__
)
DECEMBER 14, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Oversight Hearing on Examining Forensic Science Practices in the NYPD Crime Lab and OCME__
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DECEMBER 4, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Council Oversight Hearing on Progress inClosing Rikers
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NOVEMBER 28, 2017
BDS comments: Proposed state regulations on solitary confinement in local jails only codify the practice of torture (PDF __)NOVEMBER 21, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council on NYPD’s role in school safety and efforts to improve school climate(PDF __)
NOVEMBER 16, 2017
BDS, along with 100 community and advocacy groups across NYS, submit letter to Governor Cuomo with recommendations for changes to New York’s pretrial detention system __NOVEMBER 15, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council’s Oversight Hearing on the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD(PDF __)
OCTOBER 30, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYS Assembly Hearing on Healthcare in NYS Prisons and Local Jails(PDF __)
OCTOBER 26, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Juvenile Justice Hearing on Reentry Programs for Formerly Incarcerated Youth(PDF __)
OCTOBER 25, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council oversight hearing on violence incity jails
(PDF __)
OCTOBER 23, 2017
Do You Qualify to Have Your Criminal Record Sealed? A BDS One-Pager.(PDF __)
OCTOBER 16, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Public Safety(PDF __)
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee on Technology on Algorithm Transparency(PDF __)
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Council Oversight Hearing on Safe and Accessible Shelters for Homeless Youth(PDF __)
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Aging in support of Int. No. 1616–– a Local Law in relation to establishing a temporary task force on post-conviction reentry for older adults(PDF __)
SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Courts and Legal Services Hearing on New York’s Integrated Domestic Violence Courts(PDF __)
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
BDS testifies before the NYC Council Committee oversight hearing on Best Practices for NYC Agencies, Courts, And Law Enforcement Authorized to Certify Immigrant Victims for U and T Visas(PDF __)
SEPTEMBER 7, 2017
BDS testifies before NYC Council Committee on Public Safety & Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability Services joint Oversight Hearing on NYPD’s Responses to Persons in Mental Health Crisis(PDF __)
More
DATA AND REPORTS
Brooklyn Defender Services handles approximately 40 percent of the overall criminal cases for the Borough of Brooklyn, making our client profile indicative, if not entirely representational, of the wider law enforcement trends across the city, as they pertain to arrests, custody and court adjudication.More
STRATEGIC LITIGATION BDS’s Special Litigation Counsel works with BDS defenders and clients, outside counsel and activists, to identify systemic criminal justice deficiencies and constitutional violations that unjustly affect criminal justice outcomes for our clients. Once identified, special litigation lawyers strategically litigate those issues in State and Federal courts to improve both process and outcomes for all accused New Yorkers. From challenging unreasonable bail conditions when a case starts to overbroad barriers to re-entry when it’s over, BDS is striving to make the criminal justice system accountable to those it intends to serve through its growing impact litigationpractice.
ADVOCACY
Brooklyn Defender Services has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise on the complexities that inform our client’s lives and their involvement in the justice system. BDS works with each of the courts and other stakeholders to improve procedures and policies that affect our clients in each of the courts where we are the institutional provider. As zealous advocates for our clients and the communities we serve, it is also our duty to contribute to the larger conversations taking place within the criminal, family and immigration justice systems in order to facilitate meaningful changes. Through our presence on working groups and coalitions, the use of our external communications, position papers, blog, and other forums we seek to educate system players, legislators and community members about the critical issues facing our clients and give voice to some of New York’s most vulnerable populations. COURT INVOLVED YOUTH * Open Letter to Senate Democrats on ‘Raise the Age’__
* Legislative Memo: Raise the Age Reform Will Cause Additional Delays in Resolving Child Welfare Cases in Family Court__
* New York State Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Raise the Age Position Paper __ * ‘Raise the Age’ article in _Atticus Magazine_ from Staff Attorney Susannah Karlsson * Bringing the Best of Both Worlds: Recommendations for Criminal Justice Reform for Older Adolescents, Cardozo Law Review Article by BDS Executive Director Lisa Schreibersdorf __ * Getting it Right: Raising the Age and Justice System Reforms for Adolescents, Blog Post from BDS Executive Director Lisa SchreibersdorfIMMIGRATION DEFENSE
* A Right to Attorney in NYC Immigration Court * The New York Family Unity Project* Follow us ä
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* Policy and AdvocacyNEWS
News May 20 2021
NEW YORK IMMIGRANT FAMILY UNITY PROJECT URGES ENACTMENT OF THE DIGNITY NOT DETENTION ACT IN NYSMay 20, 2021
Contacts:
Alejandra Lopez, The Legal Aid Society, AILopez@legal-aid.org,917-294-9348
Daniel Ball Brooklyn Defender Services, dball@bds.org Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders, rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** _NYIFUP URGES ENACTMENT OF THE DIGNITY NOT DETENTION ACT IN NEW YORKSTATE_
_Proposed Legislation Would End Immigration Detention Contracts with ICE in New York State_ (NEW YORK, NY) – THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY, BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES, and THE BRONX DEFENDERS – New York City’s defender organizations providing free legal representation to detained immigrants through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) – today released a memorandum in support of THE DIGNITY NOT DETENTION ACT, sponsored by Assembly Member KarinesReyes _(__A.7099A_
_)_
and Senator Julia Salazar_ (bill no. pending),_ upon its introduction in the New York State Legislature. NYIFUP also released the followingstatement:
“ICE enforcement and detention is racist, inhumane, and a danger to us all. It separates families, subjects people to the extensive trauma and harms of incarceration, deprives people of basic human needs and rights, and has killed hundreds of people. Yet in New York State, numerous county and city jails are paid by ICE to incarcerate people solely because of where they were born. The Dignity Not Detention Act comes at a critical moment as the Biden Administration begins to reckon with the violence of the immigration detention system. Just today, ICE announced it will cut the contracts of two detention facilities, Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, and the Bristol County Detention Center in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The end of these contracts is an important first step in ending ICE detention nationwide, and it is time for New York to join this growing movement. The Dignity Not Detention Act will get New York State out of the immigrant detention business, putting an end to the inhumane and unnecessary incarceration of immigrants in New York jails and curtailing ICE enforcement by limiting its space to detain people. The deportation machine must end in all of its forms, and this legislation is one critical step New York can take to reduce its powerand scope.”
BACKGROUND: The New York Family Immigrant Unity Project (NYIFUP) is the nation’s first public defender system for immigrants facing deportation—defined as those in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Funded by the New York City Council since July 2014, the program provides a free attorney to almost all detained indigent immigrants facing deportation at the Varick Street Immigration Court in New York City.News May 19 2021
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES’ FAMILY DEFENSE BENEFIT 2021 We hope you can join us for Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice’s virtual fundraising benefit on JUNE 10TH, bringing together the families we represent, our valued partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible. This year, we celebrate 14 YEARS of keeping families together. Honoring: Young Parents Who Are Themselves in the Foster System & OurPro Bono Partners
For more information or to sponsor the event, please contact Lauren Shapiro at lshapiro@bds.org or Sabrina Paul at spaul@bds.org. Purchase tickets here.News May 3 2021
DISMISSAL OF LOITERING FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROSTITUTION AND PROSTITUTION BENCH WARRANTS On February 2, 2021 the New York legislature repealed the loitering for the purposes of prostitution statute, commonly called the “Walking While Trans Ban.” This means loitering for the purposes of prostitution is no longer a criminal offense in New York, and the records of past convictions will be sealed automatically. In response to the loitering repeal, prosecutors in New York City moved to dismiss and seal certain cases charging prostitution-related offenses as follows: BROOKLYN: On January 29, 2021 and March 24, 2021, open cases charging prostitution or loitering for the purposes of prostitution were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 1,119 cases were dismissed. QUESTIONS? Please contact the office who represented you: 1. If you have an open case or warrant for prostitution or loitering in New York City or an open case or warrant for unlicensed practice of massage in Manhattan and want to find out if your case was part of this mass dismissal, or 2. To confirm that your conviction for loitering has been sealed, or 3. To find out whether a conviction for prostitution is eligible to be dismissed or sealed. Contact Jillian Modzeleski at Brooklyn Defender Services:jmodzeleski@bds.org
Or
Leigh Latimer at The Legal Aid Society: lelatimer@legal-aid.orgNews April 23 2021
STATEMENT FROM LISA SCHREIBERSDORF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES, ON THE GUILTY VERDICT OF DEREK CHAUVIN “We fervently hope that the conviction this week of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, has brought some relief to George Floyd’s loved ones and people around the country who needed to see that it’s possible for a murdering police officer to be charged and found guilty. We understand acutely that the conviction of a single police officer does not address the pervasive corrupt, racist, dehumanizing systems of policing that allowed for the killing of George Floyd to happen in the first place. We must, as a national imperative, institute real changes that will protect all people from an unchecked police force that terrorizes our communities, specifically communities of color. Right here in NYC, the NYPD continues to employ officers who have committed countless acts of violence, ranging from traumatizing young people by taunting them, knocking down people’s doors and destroying their homes, employing negligent investigation practices that trample on peoples’ rights, overcharging people so they are forced to go to jail for minor infractions, to targeting and surveilling communities of color with theories that result in mass incarceration, separation of families through foster care, ICE enforcement, torture in jail and prisons, failing to provide needed health care to someone in custody and thousands of other symptoms of a system that is set up to ensure the systemic dehumanization of Black and Brown people. This calculated system built on white supremacy and anti-Black racism sets up a culture where violence by enforcement agents is inevitable. The police and other enforcement agencies, including prosecutors, are tied together in cultural values that allow and support each of these acts every day, by teaching officers to lie so they can get away with wrongful acts, to trying to hide information from the public, the disempowerment of the Civilian Complaint Review Board and affirmative violation of standards by the Department of Correction. Prosecutors play their part by declining to prosecute police for serious offenses and rarely holding officers accountable for perjured testimony, illegal searches and seizures, shoddy police work and improper treatment of individuals in their custody. As defenders who represent people arrested within these structurally racist systems, we advocate for policy and legislative change to dismantle the application of unfair procedures and harsh outcomes for individuals. As we at BDS continue to do our part to fight for a just future, we call upon our leaders to dramatically reduce governments’ reliance on policing and invest the public’s resources into people, families and communities.”News April 16 2021
DEFENDERS RESPONSD TO REPORTS THAT NYC FAMILY COURT CLERK USED RACIAL SLURS TO REFER TO 15-YEAR-OLDApril 16, 2021
Contact:
Alejandra Lopez
The Legal Aid Society917-294-9348
ailopez@legal-aid.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** _JOINT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS THAT NYC FAMILY COURT CLERK USED RACIAL SLURS TO REFER TO 15-YEAR-OLD_ (NEW YORK, NY) – THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY’S JUVENILE RIGHTS PRACTICE, THE BRONX DEFENDERS, BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES, NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM, NEW YORK COUNTY DEFENDER SERVICES, LAWYERS FOR CHILDREN AND CENTER FOR FAMILY REPRESENTATION issued the following joint statement in response to reports that a New York City Family Court clerk used racial slurs to refer to a 15-year-old during a virtual court proceeding: “White supremacy and violence fill every crevice of our criminal legal system. The killing of Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old child in Chicago, lays bare the impact of that racism and dehumanization at its most brutal. As the images of his death are still fresh in our minds, we are reminded of the insidious racism that Black and brown people experience inside New York courtrooms every single day. The use of racist slurs by court staff is part and parcel of the same system that allows police to repeatedly and disproportionately shoot Black and brown children, and we must seriously reckon with the ideology thatfuels both.
Racism within the court system has a long-standing history in our city as well. There is a direct link between the funneling of thousands of Black and brown New Yorkers into a system of punishment every year and the racist attitudes of the court staff within that system. Over the last year, multiple court staff have been disciplined for racist social media posts and for disparaging comments towards colleagues of color. An independent statewide review of state courts issued in October confirmed what our clients and staff experience daily: racial prejudice and other biases are very much embedded in our court system. Our court system must have zero tolerance for this egregious behavior, and OCA must swiftly implement the recommendations laid out in lastyear’s review.
OCA must also be held accountable for addressing the systemic racism that permeates the court system but the only way to truly confront the harm is by fundamentally shrinking the criminal legal system and stemming the endless tide of Black and brown people that the NYPD funnels into that system.”###
News April 7 2021
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON BROOKLYN DA’S VACATUR OF 90 CASES HANDLED BY FORMER NARCOTICS OFFICER JOSEPH FRANCOApril 7, 2021
CONTACT: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON BROOKLYN DA’S VACATUR OF 90 CASES HANDLED BY FORMER NARCOTICS OFFICER JOSEPH FRANCO (BROOKLYN, NY) – MARYANNE KAISHIAN, SENIOR POLICY COUNSEL WITH BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES’ CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE released the following statement in response to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s dismissal of 90 cases handled by former narcotics officer JosephFranco:
“The Brooklyn DA’s decision to dismiss prior cases handled by Detective Joseph Franco, who has been indicted for framing people in Manhattan for crimes they did not commit, was the correct one. But while the dismissals handed down today are a first step towards accountability, neither Franco’s indictment nor the dismissal of his prior cases will make his victims whole or address the ongoing abuse of New Yorkers in the name of narcotics enforcement. We have every reason to believe that Franco’s misconduct extends well beyond the instances where his lies were caught on camera, and the accounts we have heard from his victims are a powerful reminder that the harm he and his colleagues have caused is significant and lasting. This is not a case of a single bad actor. Franco was a member of NYPD units in multiple boroughs operating as a team. He rose through the ranks from an undercover narcotics officer in Brooklyn to a detective in Manhattan, his promotions establishing him as an example of valued police work. Other NYPD members facilitated his abuses, watched him harm New Yorkers, followed his orders, and learned from his conduct. It would be foolish to believe that the abuse alleged in these indictments is limited to his individual conduct in those specificcases.
Brooklyn North Narcotics, as well as drug enforcement units throughout the City, engage in the same tactics described both in the criminal indictments against Franco and in the accounts of his victims. Specialized narcotics units—and the prosecutions of the cases they bring—continue to amass victims of the War on Drugs without serving any legitimate public health or safety purpose. The NYPD takes great pains to conceal the identity of undercover narcotics officers such as Franco, including from defense counsel, making it nearly impossible to challenge their credibility. NYPD members continue to present falsified evidence against New Yorkers, knowing their testimony is given greater credence than the word of people they target. Prosecutors pursue cases brought by officers known to have committed misconduct and credit the word of officers over people who maintain that they have been harmed by the NYPD, compounding the harms ofabusive policing.
A true reckoning with Detective Franco’s conduct is incomplete without the realization that his conduct is not an aberration. We cannot engage only in retroactive attempts at justice, but must dismantle the system that empowered Detective Franco and continues to empower others like him.” BACKGROUND: Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defender organization serving tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents each year since 1996. Our mission is to provide high-quality and client-centered criminal, family, and immigration legal representation, as well as civil legal services, social work support and advocacy for people who cannot afford an attorney.News April 1 2021
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON ENACTMENT OF THE HALT SOLITARYCONFINEMENT ACT
April 1, 2021
CONTACT: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON ENACTMENT OF THE HALT SOLITARYCONFINEMENT ACT
(BROOKLYN, NY) – KELSEY DE AVILA, JAIL SERVICES PROJECT DIRECTOR AT BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES released the following statement following the enactment of THE HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT (S. 2836/A.2277) late Wednesday night: “Last night, after a near-decade-long campaign led by survivors of solitary confinement, families who have lost their loved ones, and families with loved ones currently in solitary, the HALT Solitary Confinement Act was finally signed into law. Today, we remember those who lost their lives to the torture of solitary and hold in our thoughts those enduring this state-sponsored cruelty at this verymoment.
This victory is a testament to the resolve and dedication of survivors and families, joined by public defenders, social workers, mental health professionals, faith leaders, LGBTQIA+ leaders, human rights and health advocates. For too long, New York has ignored the humanity of people confined to jails and prisons, their isolation from loved ones, and the torture inflicted on them and our communities. Whether in pre-trial detention or serving a sentence, people we represent may be subject to the torture of extreme isolation, confined in elevator-sized cells without any meaningful human interaction or access to programs for months, years and even decades with no viable due process protections—and no clear way to get out. This historic action to limit the use of solitary confinement in New York State’s prisons and jails, takes our state closer to addressing this ongoing human rights crisis and replacing solitary confinement with humane and effective alternatives. We thank Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry for championing this legislation and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for their leadership in passing the bill with supermajorities in both houses. We urge that this legislation is not undermined by unnecessary amendments that create new forms of solitary by another name. We will continue our work alongside other advocates to ensure HALT is implemented fully and appropriately. We also urge the legislature to not stop here and continue its work to transform New York’s criminal legal system by passing Fair and Timely Parole, Elder Parole, the Less is More Act and more this session.” _Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defender organization serving tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents each year since 1996. Our mission is to provide high-quality and client-centered criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal representation, as well as social work support and advocacy for people who cannot afford an attorney._###
News March 29 2021
NY SUPREME COURT RULES INCARCERATED PEOPLE MUST BE OFFERED COVIDVACCINE IMMEDIATELY
NY SUPREME COURT RULES INCARCERATED PEOPLE MUST BE OFFERED COVIDVACCINE IMMEDIATELY
_Judge sides with public defenders and advocates in suit, says state’s exclusion of incarcerated people from vaccine eligibility isunconstitutional_
March 29, 2021
CONTACT
Sam McCann, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem(smccann@ndsny.org)
Arianna Fishman, New York Civil Liberties Union (afishman@nyclu.org) Redmond Haskins, The Legal Aid Society (rhaskins@legal-aid.org) Ryan Karerat, The Bronx Defenders (rkarerat@bronxdefenders.org) Daniel Ball, Brooklyn Defender Services (Dball@bds.org) (NEW YORK, NY) – A judge in New York Supreme Court ruled today that Governor Cuomo violated the constitutional rights of incarcerated people in refusing to offer them a COVID-19 vaccine alongside other groups in congregate settings, and ordered that every incarcerated person in the state be made eligible for the vaccine immediately. The court sided with a coalition of advocates – Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, The Bronx Defenders, The Legal Aid Society, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and Brooklyn Defender Services – who brought the suit on behalf of incarcerated people in New York City jails. The group argued that the Governor’s decision to exclude people held in jails and prisons was dangerous and discriminatory, and ignored public health guidance. The court agreed, ruling the state arbitrarily excluded incarcerated people, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Read the full decision here.
On January 11, Governor Cuomo initiated vaccination Phase 1b, which made groups living in congregate settings, such as homeless shelters, as well as DOC staff, eligible for vaccination. But incarcerated people, who are forced to live in the quintessentially congregate settings of jails and prisons, were generally ineligible for vaccination prior to todays’ decision, despite the extraordinary COVID-19 risks posed by those crowded environments. Jail and prison populations are surging to pre-pandemic levels, and the infection rate is unsurprisingly spiking. As of March 18, there are 577 people currently in DOC custody with confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 306 at the start of the year. Every day that passed without the vaccine endangered the lives of incarcerated people, as underlined by a recently-uncovered Board of Correction report on three Covid-related deaths on Rikers Island. The exclusion of incarcerated New Yorkers from vaccination eligibility also conflicted with New York’s stated goal of ensuring equitable vaccine access for Black and brown communities, and across class lines. Poor people and Black and brown New Yorkers comprise the overwhelming majority of New York’s incarcerated population. The failure to vaccinate them compounds existing inequality. In court on March 22nd, the coalition presented testimony from public health experts to back up its claims that the state’s decision to not vaccinate incarcerated people presented an imminent danger. The experts – as well as public health guidance – explicitly advise that states vaccinate jail and prison staff and incarcerated people at the same time, and say the state’s action to date have been wholly inadequate. “ffering vaccines only to staff and subsets of people in custody, such as those of a certain age or with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness, is not an intervention sufficient to mitigate the inherent risk of congregate residential setting,” wrote Dr. Victoria Adewunmi in an affidavit. The coalition also provided the court with statements from named petitioners who spoke about the persistent danger Covid-19 poses in jails and prisons. Their statements echoed the BOC report investigating deaths on Rikers last Spring. “ is very unsanitary and risky. It is impossible to stay six feet apart,” said Charles Holden in a statement. You eat together, you use the same showers. DOC does not supply masks within the housing area, so people are walking around without masks. I am simply asking to be treated fairly and with dignity.” The court’s decision means that Governor Cuomo must make incarcerated people eligible for vaccination, and that jail and prison officials must offer the vaccine to those in custody immediately. “Today’s decision provides a measure of overdue relief to our clients who fear for their lives and to our neighbors who lie awake at night worried about their loved ones’ safety while held in city and state custody. The state’s abdication of its responsibility to protect incarcerated people during the pandemic – culminating in its unconstitutional denial of the vaccine – ranks as one of the cruelest and most horrifying actions I have seen in my years as a public defender,” said ALICE FONTIER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM. “We are grateful that the court stepped in today to intervene in the Governor’s callous disregard of our clients’ humanity. The decision will make our jails and prisons much safer, but make no mistake: the situation remains incredibly dangerous and we urge officials to continue to reduce the jail and prison population immediately.” “It is an affront to public health guidance and common decency that New York State had neglected to offer vaccines to all incarcerated New Yorkers in NYC DOC custody, and our legal action has now brought this cruel and discriminatory practice to its immediate end,” said DONNA LIEBERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION. “The NYCLU will not stop fighting for the safety and wellbeing of New Yorkers who are incarcerated, which helps keep all New Yorkerssafe.”
“Governor Cuomo’s decision to withhold the vaccine from the people confined to dense, congregate settings of jails and prisons always ignored the unambiguous public health guidance that called for priority vaccinations in this uniquely dangerous setting, and exacerbated the vastly disproportionate toll of this virus on Black and Latinx communities,” said MARY LYNNE WERLWAS, DIRECTOR OF THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY’S PRISONERS’ RIGHTS PROJECT. “These New Yorkers should have had priority access to the vaccine, and this never should have required litigation.” “The Court’s decision to expand vaccine access to all incarcerated people will bring much-needed relief to thousands of New Yorkers who badly need protection from this deadly virus. It is shameful that it took repeated legal action for the New York State government to ensure that incarcerated people have access to this critical immunization–a protection that has been accessible to people living and working in other congregate settings, including those working in prisons and jails, for over two months,” SAID LISA SCHREIBERSDORF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES. “Moreover, while vaccine access is an important step towards dramatically reducing the risk of COVID-19, jails and prisons are intrinsically dehumanizing and dangerous. The best and most humane way to protect people’s health during a pandemic is to decarcerate.” “Governor Cuomo’s ongoing, irrational, and punitive exclusion of incarcerated people from vaccine eligibility has needlessly put thousands of New Yorkers’ lives at risk,” SAID JUSTINE OLDERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BRONX DEFENDERS. “We are relieved that the court has acted today to right this terrible wrong so that each and every one of the people we represent who wants a vaccine can finally receive one.”###
News March 18 2021
BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021 (H.R. 6) IN THE HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES
March 18, 2021
Contact: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021 (H.R. 6) IN THE HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES
_Criminal Bars Exclude Many Immigrants Who Have Had Contact with the Criminal Legal System _ (BROOKLYN, NEW YORK) – CATHERINE GONZALEZ, SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY AND POLICY COUNSEL with BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES’ IMMIGRATION PRACTICE released the following statement following the passage of the AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021 (H.R. 6) in the House: “The passage of the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6) by the House of Representatives today is a missed opportunity for the real change we need in this country’s immigration system. We appreciate that H.R. 6 brings overdue and much needed relief to many Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. Still, we must highlight how its exclusions block many more from the pathway to citizenship. By excluding many immigrants who have had contact with the racist criminal legal system with criminalization bars, this legislation perpetuates the harms of past and current immigration policies. Brooklyn Defender Services, working at the intersections of the criminal and immigration legal systems, represents thousands of immigrant New Yorkers each year. Every day we witness the effects of the dangerous connection between these systems that target Black, Latinx, Asian, and other people of color. We are dismayed to see that not only does H.R. 6 retain the criminal bars from the existing Immigration and Nationality Act, but it also imposes new criminal bars to legalization and citizenship, largely excluding the communities who have been disproportionately and unjustly criminalized. These bars exacerbate the already discriminatory outcomes of the criminal legalsystem.
We applaud Representatives Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL), Ayanna Pressley (MA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Mondaire Jones (NY,) and Pramila Jayapal (WA) and the 44 other Representatives for their efforts to remove some of the racist criminalization bars included in H.R. 6, such as the removal of the secondary review process and elimination of other grounds of criminalization. We urge Congress to commit to immigration legislation that ends the devastating consequences of deportation and criminalization—reform that keeps families and communities together and no longer relies on a racist and anti-poor criminal legal system to decide who is worthy of legal immigration status. Congress must reject criminalization and support a path to legalization and citizenship without excluding those communities most harmed by discriminatory and racist policing.” _Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a non-profit public defense office in Brooklyn, New York. BDS provides multi-disciplinary and client-centered criminal defense, family defense, immigration and other civil legal services, and social work support to over 30,000 indigent Brooklyn residents every year. _###
News March 18 2021
STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT IN BOTH HOUSES OF THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATUREMarch 18, 2021
CONTACT: Daniel Ball, dball@bds.org ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** _BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES CALLS ON GOVERNOR TO SIGN HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT INTO LAW_ _Defenders Laud Passage of Legislation to Limit Use of Solitary Confinement in New York Prisons and Jails__ _ (BROOKLYN, NY) – KELSEY DE AVILA, JAIL SERVICES PROJECT DIRECTOR AT BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES released the following statement calling for the enactment of the HALT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ACT (S. 2836/A.2277A) following the passage of the legislation in the New York State Senate earlier today and in the New York State Assembly onMarch 16th:
“For nearly a decade, survivors of solitary confinement and families who have lost their loved ones to solitary, joined by public defenders, social workers, mental health professionals, faith leaders, LGBTQIA+ leaders, and human rights and health advocates, have led a campaign calling for an end to the state-sponsored torture of solitary confinement in New York. This victory is a testament to their organizing, resolve, and dedication. Today, the New York State Senate joined the Assembly in taking historic action to limit the use of solitary confinement in New York State’s prisons and jails, taking our state one step closer to addressing this ongoing human rights crisis and replacing solitary confinement with humane and effective alternatives. We thank Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry for championing this legislation, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl Heastie for their leadership in advancing the bill, and we demand the Governor sign HALT into law immediately.” _Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defender organization serving tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents each year since 1996. Our mission is to provide high-quality and client-centered criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal representation, as well as social work support and advocacy for people who cannot afford an attorney._###
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