Bronx lawmakers aim to codify legal counsel for New Yorkers under 18 prior to interrogation

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Much of the state budget chatter this session with regard to New York’s criminal justice infrastructure has revolved around bail reform and discovery. But some lawmakers in Albany are hoping that other efforts to address the city and state’s criminal justice system — such as strengthening Miranda rights and codifying rights to counsel for children under 18 prior to police questioning and interrogation — don’t get put on the back burner.

If passed, the #Right2RemainSilent Act, sponsored by Bronx politicos state Sen. Jamaal Bailey and Assemblymember Latoya Joyner, would require the state to provide young New Yorkers in custody with prompt access to an attorney both over the phone and in person.