Cumulative Risks of Multiple Criminal Justice Outcomes in New York City

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Public Policy

Background:

• Previous research focused on felony conviction and imprisonment risks in the U.S.
• The majority of criminal justice system interactions involve misdemeanors, not felonies.
• Understanding subfelony justice is crucial for a complete picture of the criminal justice system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the cumulative risk of lower-level arrest outcomes in New York City.
• To assess the cumulative risk of misdemeanor conviction and jail sentences.
• To determine if individuals in the subfelony system differ from those with felony records.

Main Methods:

• Utilized life table methods to estimate cumulative risks.
• Focused on arrest outcomes within New York City.
• Acknowledged potential upward bias due to non-resident data.

Main Results:

• Provided estimates for the cumulative risk of misdemeanor convictions and jail sentences.
• Offered insights into the scope of subfelony justice.
• Identified characteristics of individuals engaged in the subfelony justice system.

Conclusions:

• The study quantifies the significant prevalence of misdemeanor justice system involvement.
• Findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of criminal justice system scope.
• Highlights the need for further research into subfelony justice populations.