Senator Joseph Griffo introduces new bill regarding video arraignments
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: September 19, 2011
A new bill has been introduced by Senator Joseph Griffo regarding defendants appearing via video during arraignments.
If this bill is to pass, the defendant in an arraignment would not need to give consent for the electronic appearance.
Senator Griffo says there are many reasons as to why this bill would be effective.
"The bill that I have proposed and will be debating this year in the legislature will streamline the process, allow us to reduce costs, and continue to protect officers who each and everyday are involved in the transport of these prisoners, " said Griffo.
Griffo says he wants to take full advantage of technology in the 21st century.
He says he also knows the risks of moving a defendant to various courts for their arraignments.
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol says he wants to ensure public safety and supports the positive use of technology.
"Anytime you move a prisoner from a facility, there's always a risk whether is be attempted escape or someone getting hurt, or an automobile accident. So there's all kinds of liability attached to that and a major cost attached to that," said Maciol.
This bill would also only apply to arraignments, and not hearings or trials.
The judge would still arraign the defendant, and the only difference would be that it would be done electronically.
"We can guarantee their constitutional rights, and still provide them with those rights through this technology," said Oneida County District Attorney, Scott McNamara.
Senator Griffo says the bill will be voted on by the Senate around the first of the year.
If this bill is to pass, the defendant in an arraignment would not need to give consent for the electronic appearance.
Senator Griffo says there are many reasons as to why this bill would be effective.
"The bill that I have proposed and will be debating this year in the legislature will streamline the process, allow us to reduce costs, and continue to protect officers who each and everyday are involved in the transport of these prisoners, " said Griffo.
Griffo says he wants to take full advantage of technology in the 21st century.
He says he also knows the risks of moving a defendant to various courts for their arraignments.
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol says he wants to ensure public safety and supports the positive use of technology.
"Anytime you move a prisoner from a facility, there's always a risk whether is be attempted escape or someone getting hurt, or an automobile accident. So there's all kinds of liability attached to that and a major cost attached to that," said Maciol.
This bill would also only apply to arraignments, and not hearings or trials.
The judge would still arraign the defendant, and the only difference would be that it would be done electronically.
"We can guarantee their constitutional rights, and still provide them with those rights through this technology," said Oneida County District Attorney, Scott McNamara.
Senator Griffo says the bill will be voted on by the Senate around the first of the year.
