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WESTCHESTER - The official opening of the Westchester County Sex Offense Court—a court dedicated exclusively to the handling of sex offense cases—brings the number of pilot sex offense courts operating statewide to three. New York is the first state in the nation to establish such courts.
The Westchester Sex Offense Court hears cases involving felony sex offense charges, promoting a comprehensive approach to the disposition of these sensitive cases. For maximal continuity and accountability, one judge handles all the cases, tracking them through to disposition, including probation supervision if appropriate. The judge is assisted by a specially trained team of prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim agencies, probation officers, treatment providers and court personnel who undergo a comprehensive training program and participate in regular interagency meetings to ensure best practices in timely case resolution, victim safety, post-conviction accountability and public safety.
“New York breaks new ground in this area of criminal justice, becoming the first state in the nation with adult courts specifically designed to adjudicate sex offense cases,” said New York Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye. “Sex Offense Court is the latest adaptation of our problem-solving court model. It directs a laser-like focus on the problem of sex offense crimes, marshaling a team of highly trained personnel from the district attorney’s office, defense bar, Probation Department and victims agencies, and presided over by a single dedicated judge. With the increased coordination and communication fostered among these key parties, sex offense courts can yield effective, timely dispositions that safeguard victim and community safety, respect defendants’ rights and best serve the interests of justice.”
Sex offense courts have also been established this year in Oswego and Nassau Counties. Judge Gerald E. Loehr is the Presiding Judge of the Westchester Sex Offense Court. 2-24-06
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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