Youth, parents, juvenile justice advocates, elected officials, public defender organizations gathered yesterday in the Bronx to advance a broad vision of youth justice and call for passage of two pieces of critical legislation – the #Right2RemainSilent Act and the Youth Justice and Opportunities Act – which would provide a developmentally appropriate response to young New Yorkers entangled in the criminal legal system.

The Speak Out event, a celebration of Youth Justice Action Month, included an open mic where youth leaders spoke about the importance of passing these bills, as well as what youth justice means to them. There were also speeches from advocates and elected officials including New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assembly Member Amanda Septimo. The event also featured art activities including pumpkin decorating and face painting, games, free books and music.

The #Right2RemainSilent legislation, sponsored by New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, would ensure all young New Yorkers consult with a lawyer before waiving their Miranda rights and being subjected to a custodial police interrogation.

The barriers created by adult convictions and sentencing make it harder for young people to finish school, get good jobs, and find stable housing. The Youth Justice and Opportunities Act (YJ&O), sponsored by New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell, would expand alternatives to incarceration and immediate record sealing for young people age 25 and younger, creating opportunities for release and successful reentry.

“Young people throughout New York State routinely waive their constitutional right to remain silent without understanding the consequences, and are subjected to excessively harsh penalties at the hands of a criminal legal system that consistently prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation,” said Dawne Mitchell, Chief Attorney of The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice.

“The #Right2RemainSilent Act will ensure that all young New Yorkers, not just those who can afford a private attorney, will consult with an attorney prior to police interrogation,” she continued “The Youth Justice and Opportunities Act will allow more youth and young adults access to alternatives to incarceration and critical record-sealing relief. We implore Albany lawmakers to prioritize these bills and the needs of young people.”