District Attorneys Association of the State of New York
The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY), previously the New York State District Attorneys Association (NYSDAA) was created in 1909 as a professional organization for prosecuting attorneys (both District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys) practicing in New York State.
The membership of the DAASNY is all of the elected District Attorneys, as well as many Assistant District Attorneys, from the 62 New York State counties. In 2002, the DAASNY reported its total membership to be approximately 1,000.
Lobbying
The DAASNY lobbies the New York Legislature on behalf of its members.
The Association is in favor of promoting and encouraging drug treatment courts for addicts, including the Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison or (DTAP) program, first implemented by District Attorney Charles J. Hynes from Kings County, New York. In addition, all 62 district attorneys operate drug treatment courts and have requested that the legislature fund more prosecutors to staff these courts. Previously the association resisted change to the Rockefeller drug laws, but today, most of the district attorneys have embraced the idea of alternative courts and treatment for addicts and substance abusers. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York web site examines the historical perspective from which the drug laws evolved and most importantly demonstrates that the district attorneys seek justice for addicts through education, intervention and diversion programs as well as treatment in order to reduce recidivism and related criminal conduct.