Legal experts discuss bail reform after teen causes deadly crash with stolen car

Legal experts are scrutinizing bail reform and the juvenile justice system after a 17-year-old, who had been arrested 12 times and was on parole, caused a deadly car crash in Brighton, New York. The teenager, who killed 92-year-old Thomas Chase while driving a stolen car, had previously been involved in numerous “smash-and-grab” incidents. Former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn and criminal defense lawyer Barry Covert expressed concerns over the teen’s release despite multiple arrests and parole violations. They argue that the current system, influenced by “Raise the Age” and bail reform laws, may need revisiting to ensure accountability for repeat offenders. Both experts suggest that this incident could lead to changes in how juvenile offenders are handled in New York.

Source: Rochester First