In 2004 a history making coalition of Albany County voters supported David Soares’ campaign for District Attorney. Honoring his campaign pledge to devote his energies, and the energies of the District Attorney’s Office, to bringing “One Standard of Justice” to Albany and his commitment to creating an office that would be Tough on Crime and Smart on Prevention, earned his team the opportunity to return to service in 2008 in a landslide victory. With his new approach to law enforcement, David has worked tirelessly to make our county safer and our justice system fairer for everyone. Under David’s leadership and in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the Albany County District Attorney’s office has:
- Destroyed illicit drug pipelines, including prescription medications, flowing into our communities by targeting distribution networks
- Removed hundreds of illegal guns, and the criminals willing to use them, from our streets with the ENOUGH Program and Operation Speeding Bullet
- Created a Public Integrity Unit to hold government and law enforcement officials accountable
- Created a Financial Crimes Unit to combat fraud, and uphold the integrity of entitlement programs while obtaining millions of dollars in restitution for crime victims, businesses, and local governments
- Confiscated ill-gotten gains from criminals and used them to purchase equipment for local police departments and neighborhood associations through our Making Crime Pay Program.
Despite these successes, or perhaps because of them, he continues to be challenged by those who resist change, oppose reform and find comfort in the old ways of doing business in Albany. Despite his accomplishments there is still much more to do. Here are some of the highlights of the accomplishments of his office that reflect his tough on crime platform:
Conviction Rate
Albany County District Attorney’s conviction rate has steadily increased for three straight years and currently stands at 80%. Comparing Albany County to other counties with similar demographics further emphasizes how well the office is diligent in bringing justice to victims of Albany County.
2010 Conviction Rates*
Albany County 80%
Orange County 68%
Onondaga County 66.6%
Erie County 60.3%
Rockland County 65.4%
Dutchess County 77.1%
*Source for data is New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Albany County is ranked 6th in the state for the state wide tax prosecution known as Crimes Against Revenue Program
- Albany County is currently ranked 17th in the state for prosecutions of DWI.
- 400 illegal guns have been removed from the streets through Operation Speeding Bullet
Tough on DWI
Albany County is recognized by the NYS Stop DWI for its tough and smart approach to combating DWI and by the local chapter for its service to victims and families during the course of prosecutions. Albany County is currently ranked 17th in the state for prosecutions of DWI. Prior to taking office in 2005, Albany County was ranked 61st out of 62 counties on DWI enforcement and prosecution. District Attorney David Soares created the Vehicular Crimes Unit and established a comprehensive strategy that involved tougher prosecutions, education and prevention. District Attorney Soares, in partnership with the NYS Police, NYS Liquor Authority, the Department of Motor Vehicle, and NYS Restaurant and Tavern Association created training programs for law enforcement, alcohol distributers, and restaurateurs resulting in less service of alcohol to minors and more efficient arrests. Bars and nightclubs that were notorious in their marketing of teens were targeted and shut down. Tougher policies coupled with increased training for law enforcement has resulted in improved rankings compared sister counties.
Protecting Entitlement Programs
While the national discussion has focused on abolishing entitlement programs, Albany County District Attorney David Soares has made it a priority to protect entitlement programs for those who rely on these benefits to survive tough economic times. The New York State Welfare Investigators honored the Albany County District Attorney’s Office for its investigation and prosecution of four local convenience stores charged with grand larceny in a “Cash for Cards” scheme amounting to over $6 million. Through collaborations with the NYS Insurance Fund, Albany County Department of Social Services, NYS Department of Labor, Albany County has recouped millions of tax dollars and is ranked 6th in the state for the state wide tax prosecution known as Crimes Against Revenue Program.
Special Victims: Tough on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crimes
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault cases are perhaps the most challenging cases to prosecute. Previous administrations refused to prosecute these cases based upon chances of success. “It’s not about winning or losing. If a victim is willing to face her accuser and there is evidence to support her claim, then we have every obligation to stand by them in holding them accountable,” said DA Soares.
As an Assistant District Attorney and now as District Attorney, David Soares has fought, and continues to fight vigorously to protect those most vulnerable to harm. Since taking office in 2005, District Attorney Soares has committed double the amount of resources towards protecting those most vulnerable in our community. The Special Victim Unit is comprised of Prosecutors, Investigators, and Crime Victim Specialists with an expertise in addressing harm to women, children, and seniors.
Combatting Drug Supplies
District Attorney Soares has maintained a tough and smart balance in protecting Albany County from the many drug distribution networks seeking to establish a foothold in the Capital Region. As a vociferous opponent to the draconian Rockefeller drug laws and its focus on low level offenders, District Attorney Soares has focused the energies of the office into moving up the food chain and dismantling the drug pipelines supplying the streets of Albany. Through collaborations with local, state, and federal authorities, thousands of pounds of marijuana, dozens of kilos of cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs have been intercepted prior to hitting the streets. By targeting profiteers, the thousands of dollars that have been seized are returned to the community in the form of prevention programs designed to engage and educate youth.
Protecting the Elderly
Recognizing that many victims do not report crimes based upon fear of reprisals or embarrassment, District Attorney Soares has created several outreach programs designed to encourage reporting of crimes perpetrated on the elderly. Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) is designed to encourage the reporting of crimes by seniors. Once notified, a prosecutor, an investigator, and a victim advocate specialist, will travel to the home of the senior, as opposed to having them travel to the overwhelming environment law enforcement offices can be, and provide a team effort approach to bring justice to every senior who are preyed upon in Albany County.
Holding our Elected Officials Accountable
Applying one standard in administering justice, District Attorney Soares has demonstrated the importance of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office and its place in ensuring accountability in the State of New York. District Attorney Soares ushered in the wave of accountability by holding responsible former State Comptroller Alan Hevisi and former State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello. Through the prosecutions of political cronies, law enforcement, judges and government employees, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office is recognized by many as a truly independent office holding everyone to the same standard.
Combating Gun Violence
After the death of an innocent child by a handgun, District Attorney Soares emphasized the prosecution of those using illegal guns in perpetrating their crimes. Though Operation Speeding Bullet, the District Attorney’s Office prioritized the prosecutions of offenders using illegal handgun. Offenders are obtaining tougher state prison sentences and are also removed from the community faster which minimizes opportunities for ongoing intimidation tactics. Through outreach efforts of the ENOUGH programs, over 400 illegal guns have been removed from the streets thereby reducing the pool of illicit weapons on our streets.
Protecting Our Economy
Mortgage Fraud has destroyed lives and many local economies. Albany County was not immune. District Attorney Soares focused on assisting local victims of mortgage fraud, launched an investigation which yielded the arrest and prosecution of Aaron Dare and Maria Montiero, two notorious swindlers who had scams going with over dozens of properties were sentenced to years in NY state penitentiary.
