Bill gives judges more discretion to hand out concurrent sentences
By Richard Moody
Looking to remedy what they say is a flaw in the state's justice system, two state legislators are pushing to give judges more discretion in cases where two crimes are committed in the same act.
Sen. Terry Gipson, R-Rhinebeck, and Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, R-Fishkill, held a press conference in the Capitol to announce similar bills (S.6462/A.8721) that would allow judges to impose penalties to be served consecutively instead of concurrently when two crimes are committed through one act, and at least one of those crimes is a homicide.
"It's important that this legislation gives judges further discretion when sentencing these crimes. I believe that those whose reckless actions have taken innocent lives should be held fully accountable, and that judges should be able to hand down a sentence reflective of each life lost and the circumstances surrounding each case," Gipson said.
Joining the lawmakers in the Capitol were Larry Wonderly and Richard DeSantola, who lost their relatives in a fatal car accident in the city of Poughkeepsie back in April 2012. Ryan Floryan ran a red light and crashed into Shawn and Patricia Wonderly's car, killing them. Their son Matthew, now eight, and their daughter Abigail, now nine, survived the crash.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-03-03-87025.113122-Bill-gives-judges-more-discretion-to-hand-out-concurrent-sentences.html