New York City courts unveil plan to speed up cases ahead of Rikers Island closure

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Saturday, October 12, 2024
NYC court system unveils plan to speed up cases ahead of Rikers Island closure
NYC court system unveils plan to speed up cases ahead of Rikers Island closureAhead of the legally mandated closure of Rikers Island, NYC courts are looking for ways to reduce the jail's population.

THE BRONX (WABC) -- New York City's court system has unveiled a new plan to speed up felony cases.

The goal is to decrease the jail population before Rikers Island's legally mandated closure in August 2027.

The plan would prioritize the early disclosure of key evidence in cases to reduce the time defendants must wait for their day in court.

The city has faced a significant backlog of criminal cases since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan aims to give both defense attorneys and prosecutors ample time to arrange for hearings and trials.

The new process will also allow firm deadlines to be set and provide a layer of accountability for lawyers.

ALSO READ: What is Mayor Eric Adams charged with? Read the indictment

Lauren Glassberg unpacks the 57-page federal indictment against Mayor Eric Adams.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New York City news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.