NYC decriminalizes peeing in the street, littering, other small crimes

26 May 2016

Offenders will now pay civil fines and not risk a criminal record
Some reacted in horror, saying crimes need consequences
But the changes were voted in by the majority of the city's council
The move is part of a reform that aims to relieve burdens from the courts
It's also hoped lives won't be ruined by criminal records for minor offenses

Peeing in the street, loitering, littering, drinking alcohol out of a bagged bottle and other quality of life crimes are to be decriminalized in New York City.

Under bills expected to be signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio soon, police will no longer automatically treat such crimes as criminal offenses, but instead serve civil summonses to pay a fine in court.

But not everyone is happy. Councilman Steve Matteo (R-Staten Island) said: 'We don’t want people to think it’s okay to urinate in public.
Splash down: Minor offenses such as peeing in the street, littering and loitering are to be decriminalized under new bills voted in Wed. Offenders will pay civil fines or do community service and not risk a criminal record

'We want there to be real consequences because there’s a big difference between a criminal fine and a civil fine.'

Those new fines will include $25 for alcohol offenses, $75-150 for a first noise offense, and $75 fines for litter and urination, NY Daily News reported.

Rather than facing a criminal court, offenders will instead appear before a tribunal, as they would a parking ticket offense.

There they can pay the fine, choose to perform community service, or challenge the ticket. They can also challenge the ticket by phone.

The bills, which make up a larger Criminal Justice Reform Act, are an attempt to reduce the numbers of people burdened with criminal records for misdemeanors.

It is also hoped they will shift 100,000 cases a year out of the struggling NY court system.
Support: Police Commissioner William Bratton (left) and Mayor Bill de Blasio (right) both support the laws, which aim to stop youths' lives being ruined by criminal records for minor offenses, and relieve court burdens

Changes include downgrading offenses committed in parks from misdemeanors to civil violations, the NY Post reported.

All of of the bills in the act passed with at least 39 votes from the 51-member council.

While some reacted with horror to the new move, Councilman Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx), who voted in favor, said that criminalizing minor offenses leads to minorities getting criminal records that restrict their 'access to financial aid and higher education.'

'These essential elements of a decent life... can be easily blighted by the lingering stigma of a criminal record,' he said.

The reforms also aim to make the NYPD issue guidance to officers when deciding between serving someone with a civil or criminal citation.

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said he approved the changes, but added that his officers 'retain the right in every instance to make an arrest, if appropriate.'

The changes, which have been supported by de Blasio, could come into law within the year.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3610867/New-York-City-makes-splash-new-bills-decriminalize-peeing-street-drinking-alcohol-bag-littering.html/

well,sometimes when you got to go,you just got to go!

Animals I tell ya ! Animals !

Senseless barbarians have taken over

City will have a nice Scent in the Summer!

Most of it stinks to begin with!
It really does