An adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, commonly referred to as an ACD, is a sentence typically offered to a defendant when the crime charged is a misdemeanor and the defendant has no prior record. In sum, the case is put on hold for a specified amount of time (generally six months) and if the defendant has stayed out of trouble throughout that time period, the charges are dismissed. Under New York State law an ACD is not considered a criminal conviction nor involves a guilty plea. 

Kennedy-cosponsored legislation will require school districts to notify parents of sex offenders living within the district in an effort to help keep children and families safe from predators.

Now that the bill has passed through the Senate with bi-partisan support, Kennedy is urging his Assembly colleagues to pass the bill as well.

Kennedy: With nearly 1,300 sex offenders living in our community, this legislation ensures parents have the knowledge they need to help keep their children safe.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, announced the Senate has passed legislation he cosponsored to help protect children from sex offenders who may live near their schools. Kennedy explained the bill would ensure school districts notify their students’ parents when they receive information about a sex offender residing within the district.

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, The Resource Training Center, provider of the New York State Drinking Driver Program, is reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports over 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2006 to 2010.  

“Whether you are gathering with friends at the local pub or attending the parade, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely,” said Monica Farrar, program director of The Resource Training Center in Amherst.