Westchester’s DA Won’t Seek Bail for Non-Violent Misdemeanor Cases

Westchester County’s District Attorney has announced he will no longer seek bail for non-violent misdemeanor cases. Anthony Scarpino said the practice often results in unnecessary incarceration for poor defendants who otherwise pose no risk to public safety. Scarpino called it an “outdated practice” that is often “discriminatory.” Exclusions include cases involving a domestic violence, sex crime, child abuse, elder abuse, or assault victims; cases in which the defendant injures a police officer, firefighter, EMT or other first responder; or cases in which the defendant has a prior felony conviction.