Kalief Browder’s Tragic Time on Rikers Island as Told By His Attorney Paul Prestia

Kalief Browder killed himself after spending three years locked at Rikers Island, awaiting trial for robbery. The travesty of justice that Browder experienced, and the toll it took on his sanity is discussed with his attorney, Paul Prestia, who explains the status of the Browder family’s lawsuit against New York, the reform that has come to pass as a result of Browder’s ordeal, and the further action that needs to be taken. We also look at video of Browder being subjected to abuse by Rikers Island guards in this Crime Time episode, hosted by Allison Hope Weiner.

Guest Bio

Paul Prestia received his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law and began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.

Mr. Prestia has provided legal commentary on Television (ABC Eyewitness News, WPIX 11 Morning News, FIOS1 News), the Internet (Huff Post Live, Democracy Now) and on radio outlets (WWRL, WVOX) and has been quoted in various press (The New Yorker, The New York Times, NY Daily News, NY Post).

Mr. Prestia recently presented, on February 24, 2015, an impassioned & candid lecture at UCLA Law School regarding the ordeal of his client Kalief Browder- titled “The Extraordinary Quest for Justice.”

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Episode Breakdown

00:01 Welcoming Paul Prestia to Crime Time.

00:58 Coming to the defense of Kalief Browder.

01:36 Circumventing a right to a speedy trial, and enduring two years of solitary confinement.

03:06 Unprepared to return to normal life.

04:20 Abusive guards at Rikers Island, and a lack of discipline.

05:15 The Browder family lawsuit; indicative of a larger issue.

06:25 Taking responsibility and admitting wrongdoing in the handling of Kalief Browder.

07:47 Kalief at the end of his life.

09:04 A completely avoidable travesty of justice.

10:50 Kalief Browder at Rikers Island Video.

Guest Bio

Paul Prestia received his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law and began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.