NEW YORK CITY – On April 14, The Bronx Defenders filed a petition against New York City’s Department of Correction for unlawfully denying a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request investigating systemic violations of incarcerated people’s constitutional right to counsel at Rikers Island.

“The DOC’s own records show that Rikers staff interfere with our clients’ representation,” said Trisha Trigilio, Director of Impact Litigation at The Bronx Defenders. “The public has a right to see this proof.”

Last year, public defenders presented to the Board of Correction on hours-long delays and other unconstitutional obstacles to people on Rikers Island meeting with their lawyers. Our follow up FOIL request sought basic information, like legal visit protocols and timestamped visit records, that would corroborate defenders’ longstanding contention that these delays are widespread.

The DOC refused to fulfill its duties under the Freedom of Information Law. Most outrageously, the DOC asserted attorney/client privilege as a reason to deny The Bronx Defenders access to records of visits with the people we represent. The DOC gave other vague and unexplained justifications without identifying specific records, or even searching for records, as required by law.

We will continue to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the constitutional rights of our clients are protected.

About The Bronx Defenders

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that has developed a groundbreaking model of holistic representation, providing systems-impacted individuals with teams of lawyers, social workers, and advocates dedicated to addressing their unique circumstances, thereby transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system.