News Release - New Trial Part to Focus on Gun Crimes

City of Rochester

News Release

(Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren today joined New York 7th Judicial District Administrative Judge Craig Doran, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Police Chief Mike Ciminelli, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley, Public Defender Tim Donaher, City Council President Loretta Scott and City Council Vice President Dana Miller to announce the formation of a new “Gun Crimes Part” to provide fair and consistent hearings of cases involving illegal guns.

“I am grateful to Judge Doran for establishing this new Gun Crimes Part in the 7th Judicial District,” said Mayor Warren. “The ability of civic leaders to get things done and work together to address pressing concerns is the hallmark of a quality community. As we have faced increased gun violence in our city, I am very proud that our judges, District Attorney and Public Defender have all joined with me and local law enforcement to develop and implement this innovative solution. Between all layers and levels of government and across party lines we work together in this community. This new court shows just how important that spirit of cooperation is and how effective it can be. When it comes to gun violence, our community demands decisive leadership and the victims of gun violence and their families deserve justice.”

“Consistency, fairness and decisiveness are the three key goals we are seeking from the creation of a Gun Crimes Part,” said Judge Doran. “As the City of Rochester faces increased issues with gun violence and crime, the courts are very pleased to work with the Mayor, the Rochester Police Department, the District Attorney and Public Defender to address these cases more effectively in our courts.”

Under Judge Doran’s direction, New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moran will be in charge of the Gun Crimes Part, which will have jurisdiction over all cases within Monroe County in cases where Second and Third Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon is the “top count.” This currently accounts for 200-300 cases each year.

“As Monroe County’s top law enforcement officer, I take my job very seriously when it comes to gun crimes and gun-related violence in the city of Rochester,” said District Attorney Doorley. “I was very pleased to join with Mayor Warren when she invited me, along with our judges and Public Defender, to the table to discuss a new Gun Crimes Part in the Hall of Justice. When we work together, I know we can always accomplish more effective and all-around better outcomes for the people we serve. When it comes to violence, I am particularly committed to working together with my partners in government and throughout the community. The collaboration of the new Gun Crimes Part is the embodiment of a positive collaborative approach.”

“The creation of a Gun Crimes Part in no way, shape or form alters the presumption of innocence that is the foundation on which our criminal justice system is built,” said Public Defender Tim Donaher. “By being involved in the creation of this Gun Crimes Part, I am in a better position to make sure every defendant who is tried in this part will be treated with integrity, fairness and justice. I am pleased to be able to collaborate across all levels of government to ensure our criminal justice system is fair to all.”

Additionally, Judge Doran will assign cases under Monroe County’s new Swift, Certain & Fair Program to the Gun Crimes Part. This Pilot Program is modeled after successful programs around the country and is designed to break the cycle of violence by helping change the behavior of young persons, age 16-24 years, who engage or continue to engage in gun-related, violent behaviors. The program will begin with 16 defendants and could be expanded if proven successful.

“We are excited to announce that Monroe County Probation applied for, and received State funding to pilot a Swift, Certain & Fair Program in Monroe County,” said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “I want to thank Chief Probation Officer Bob Burns and all of our partners who worked closely on developing this pilot program to reduce recidivism by showing offenders there are immediate consequences for their actions. I am very pleased to once again stand with Mayor Lovely Warren and our partners in law enforcement to coordinate efforts in the fight to end gun violence.”

Judge Doran announced he has directed the Gun Crimes Part to begin on Nov. 9, 2015.

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News Media: For more information, contact Deputy Communications Director Donald Starver at 428-7135.
 

SEE ALSO

Crime Prevention