UPDATE: Queens Criminal Court Supervising Judge Edwin Novillo is taking urgent action to tackle a significant backlog in criminal cases. Just announced, Novillo’s innovative approach has led to a remarkable 31% reduction in cases older than one year since he took office in January 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative is vital as it directly impacts the lives of defendants and their families, ensuring timely justice in a system often bogged down by delays. The judicial system’s efficiency is crucial, as many defendants face collateral consequences due to prolonged cases, including job loss and immigration issues.
Novillo, who immigrated from Ecuador to Jackson Heights, Queens at three years old, previously served over 14 years as a public defender. His experience representing around 9,000 defendants has shaped his understanding of the human impact of judicial delays. “You’re carrying this case with you for a year, two years, and that prevents clients from potentially getting jobs,” Novillo stated, emphasizing the urgency of his mission.
Under his leadership, the Queens Criminal Court has opened a new trial part for misdemeanor cases, resulting in a 20% increase in trials completed compared to last year. Furthermore, Novillo has implemented an expedited arraignment part that processes 20 to 30 cases every Friday, significantly decreasing the arrest-to-arraignment time by an average of 12%.
Judge Novillo’s relentless work ethic is evident; he has made his personal cell phone number available to all court staff, demonstrating his commitment to accessibility and collaboration. “I’m working almost 24 hours but I love what I do,” he remarked, reflecting his dedication to improving the court system.
Since taking over as supervising judge, Novillo has prioritized expanding trial capacity and has effectively managed to reduce the backlog of cases. His strategies include holding parties accountable for trial readiness, thereby encouraging quicker resolutions. “I started holding their feet to the fire,” he explained, a technique that has proven successful in prompting parties to expedite case litigations.
With impressive statistics reflecting his tenure so far, Novillo’s focus remains on enhancing access to justice for all. He believes that every individual involved in a case deserves to be treated as a human being, not just a number on a docket. His initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of defendants and their families, ensuring that no one remains incarcerated a moment longer than necessary.
As the Queens Criminal Court continues to evolve under Novillo’s watch, the community can expect further developments aimed at improving judicial efficiency. This is a critical time for the court system, and Novillo’s efforts are setting a new standard for what can be accomplished in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates as Judge Novillo’s initiatives continue to unfold, impacting countless lives daily.
