There were several changes in criminal justice legislation in 2005. Among the major changes was the passage of “Vasean’s Law,” which eliminated the element of criminal negligence in the vehicular assault and manslaughter statutes. Rockefeller drug law modification continued, with re-sentencing now applicable to A-II drug offenders. New laws were also passed in such diverse areas as compelling prostitution, rioting in a correctional facility, the sale of box-cutters to minors, Metrocard fraud, and the manufacture of methamphetamine.

      Other important changes were made very late in the year with the passage of a pair of important statutes. The first of these increased penalties for gun trafficking and possession, and reduced the number of weapons required to reach certain felony levels. The second, the “Crimes Against Police Act,” createed new crimes and raised penalties for crimes committed against on-duty police officers.

      Working with the New York State District Attorneys Association, and with the help of our local legislators, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office has been in the forefront of the effort to keep the law of the State and the City flexible and responsive to the ever-changing patterns of criminal activity. We will continue to support various legislative proposals in the following areas:

• Redefine “Depraved Indifference” Murder
• Toughen Misdemeanor Laws
• Modernize the Statute of Limitations in DNA Cases
• Reform Forfeiture Law
• Give Rehabilitated Offenders a “Second Chance”
• Criminalize the “Disguised Knife”
• Penalize the Use of Computers to Harass People by “Cyberstalking”
• Require the Clergy to Report Sexual Abuse of Children
• Allow Documents to be More Easily Introduced as Grand Jury Evidence
• Plug Procedural Loopholes