Brooklyn Defenders issued a statement in response to the introduction of Senator Cordell Cleare’s legislation that will ensure compliance with the intent of New York’s discovery laws by codifying the Court of Appeals ruling, People v. Bay.

Yesterday, the Mayor’s Office signed an executive order that would authorize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) and other federal law enforcement agencies to establish an office on Rikers Island. Brooklyn Defenders issued a statement in response.

In response to the death of an individual who was in police custody after being accused of shoplifting Managing Director of the Criminal Defense Practice, Linda Hoff, criticized the NYPD's frequent practice of jailing New Yorkers rather than issuing appearance tickets, calling it a clear violation of the 2019 bail and discovery reforms intended to reduce unnecessary incarceration.

The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defender Services issued a joint statement on the passing of a person who languished in New York City Police Department (NYPD) custody at Kings County Criminal Court.

Brooklyn Defenders issued a statement in response to the death of client Sonia Reyes while being incarcerated at Rikers Island for less than a month.

Brooklyn Defenders issued a statement in response to the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly’s Fiscal Year 2026 One-House budget resolutions.

The Imprint reported on the dozens of parents, lawyers, and lawmakers gathered at the New York state Capitol to advocate for four bills aimed at supporting families involved in child welfare cases. These bills include the Family Miranda Rights Act, the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Act, the Maternal Health Dignity and Consent Act, and the Preserving Family Bonds Act. Speakers highlighted the racial disparities in the child welfare system, noting that Black children face a 50% chance of a Child Protective Services investigation by age 18.