The Bronx Defenders

Albany Strategic Advisors was proud to support The Bronx Defenders and coalition partners in the Driven by Justice campaign, which successfully secured passage of legislation to end the suspension of driver’s licenses due to unpaid traffic fines and fees. Prior to the reform, tens of thousands of New Yorkers—disproportionately people of color and low-income individuals—were at risk of losing their ability to drive, jeopardizing their jobs, schooling, and family responsibilities. The campaign sought to address this inequity and ensure that no one would be punished for poverty.

ASA played a critical role in advancing the campaign’s success. Our team facilitated dozens of legislative meetings, with a particular focus on persuading more moderate members whose support was essential to passage. We worked closely with coalition partners to refine messaging that resonated with both legislators and the public, emphasizing how the reform promoted fairness, economic stability, and public safety. ASA also helped broker conversations between the Governor’s office, legislative leadership, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, which would ultimately be tasked with implementation. Even after the law’s enactment, we continued to assist in implementation discussions to ensure smooth rollout and fidelity to the campaign’s goals.

The success of the Driven by Justice campaign not only addressed a critical barrier to equity in New York’s criminal legal system but also demonstrated the value of coordinated advocacy, pragmatic strategy, and strong legislative relationships.

In addition to our work on the Driven by Justice campaign, ASA also supported the Bronx Defenders’ immigration defense practice on key legislative efforts, including the New York for All Act and the Dignity Not Detention Act. Our team assisted in lobbying members of the Legislature and the Governor’s office, helped shape messaging strategies to broaden support, and facilitated conversations with stakeholders to highlight the real-world impacts of these policies on immigrant New Yorkers. This work deepened our understanding of the intersection between criminal and immigration justice and reinforced our commitment to ensuring dignity and fairness for those most directly affected by the system.