Nassau DA Anne Donnelly heads to Albany to demand changes to ‘pro-criminal’ discovery law

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly is starting her reelection campaign with a strong stance against the state’s “pro-criminal” discovery law. As a Republican candidate, Donnelly is emphasizing her track record of prosecuting violent offenders and advocating for the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Donnelly, who is 60 years old, is facing off against Democrat Nicole Aloise in the upcoming election. Aloise, a career prosecutor with 16 years of experience in both Queens and Nassau district attorneys’ offices, is challenging Donnelly for the position.

Speaking about the impact of the Cashless Bail and Discovery Reform Laws on public safety, Donnelly expressed concerns over the loopholes that allow criminals to evade justice while victims suffer. She highlighted the need for revisions or repeal of these laws to ensure a fair and effective criminal justice system.

One of the key issues Donnelly is addressing is the discovery law, which requires prosecutors to provide evidence and witness information to the defense in a timely manner. Donnelly argues that the current deadlines are unrealistic for prosecutors with heavy caseloads, leading to the dismissal of cases on technicalities unrelated to the crime.

Donnelly is calling for limits on the information shared with the defense and a shorter timeframe for defense attorneys to challenge prosecutors’ discovery certifications. She cited instances where sensitive information, such as a rape victim’s phone number, was inadvertently disclosed to the perpetrator, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards.

Governor Kathy Hochul has also voiced support for changes to the discovery law, following recommendations from the state District Attorneys Association. Donnelly, who was elected as DA in 2021 after defeating Democratic state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, has a track record of handling high-profile cases, including the Gilgo Beach serial killer case and the attempted murder of Nassau County police officers.

Looking ahead to the upcoming election, Donnelly reiterated her commitment to prioritizing public safety and upholding the law. She emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure justice for all residents of Nassau County.