2009-J854
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph R. Benfante upon the occasion of
receiving the Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award from HeartShare
Human Services of New York
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph R. Benfante upon the occasion of receiving the Dr. Catherine
White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services of New York; and
WHEREAS, A criminal defense attorney for over 30 years, Joseph R.
Benfante has obtained an unprecedented number of acquittals, many in
high profile cases throughout the United States at both the federal and
state level; and
WHEREAS, Joseph R. Benfante frequently lectures for the New York City
Police Department at the Police Academy and appears as a legal analyst
on Court TV, MSNBC, Channel 5 News, Law Line Fox News and The O'Reilly
Factor; he has also been featured in numerous books and articles,
including THE HELMSLEYS, THE RISE AND FALL OF HARRY & LEONA, THE PIZZA
CONNECTION and THE LAST DAYS OF THE SICILIANS, AT WAR WITH THE MAFIA;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Seton Hall University and New York Law School,
Joseph R. Benfante is a member of the National Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers, the Columbian Lawyers Association, the New York State
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York Criminal Bar
Association; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joseph R. Benfante upon the occasion of receiving the Dr. Cathe-
rine White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services of New York,
and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph R. Benfante.