Who is Cyrus Vance Jr. and what was his primary public service role?

Cyrus Vance Jr. is an American attorney and retired politician who served as the District Attorney of New York County from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2022. He is currently a partner at the law firm Baker McKenzie.

What is the significance of Cyrus Vance Jr.'s father in U.S. government history?

Cyrus Vance Jr.'s father, Cyrus R. Vance, was a prominent figure who served as Secretary of the Army under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Johnson, and as Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.

Where was Cyrus Vance Jr. born and raised, and what was his educational background?

Born and raised in New York City, Vance attended the Buckley School and Groton School before graduating from Yale University. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1982.

What was Cyrus Vance Jr.'s initial legal position after graduating from law school?

After graduating from Georgetown Law, Vance began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, where he supervised grand jury investigations and prosecuted various criminal cases.

Why did Cyrus Vance Jr. relocate to Seattle in 1988?

Vance moved to Seattle in 1988 with the stated intention of building his professional reputation independently of his father's significant influence.

What legal firm did Vance co-found in Seattle, and what did he teach there?

In 1995, Vance co-founded the law firm McNaul Ebel Nawrot Helgren & Vance in Seattle. During his time there, he also taught trial advocacy as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law.

When did Vance return to New York and what was his role upon returning?

Vance returned to New York in 2004 and joined the law firm Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason, Anello & Bohrer, P.C. as a principal partner.

What professional recognitions has Cyrus Vance Jr. received in his legal career?

Vance is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in prestigious legal directories such as *The Best Lawyers in America* and *New York's Superlawyers*.

Describe Vance's involvement in public service prior to becoming District Attorney.

Vance served as a consulting expert for the Office of Family and Children Ombudsman, as a Special Assistant New York State Attorney General, and on the New York State Judicial Screening Panel. He also contributed to sentencing commissions, including New York's Governor's Sentencing Commission.

What significant legislative reform did the New York Governor's Sentencing Commission, on which Vance served, contribute to?

The commission played a role in overhauling New York's Rockefeller drug laws, which were known for their stringent sentencing requirements for drug offenses.

When did Cyrus Vance Jr. officially declare his candidacy for Manhattan District Attorney?

Cyrus Vance Jr. officially announced his candidacy for Manhattan District Attorney on March 9, 2009, following the incumbent Robert Morgenthau's announcement of retirement.

What endorsement did Vance receive from his predecessor, Robert Morgenthau?

Robert Morgenthau endorsed Vance, stating that he considered Vance to be "by far the best qualified" candidate and described him as a "good lawyer, fair."

What was Vance's proposed 'Community Based Justice' program?

This program aimed to assign teams of prosecutors to specific precincts and communities to build relationships with local residents, law enforcement, and organizations, with the goal of improving crime reduction efforts.

What was Vance's stated position on the death penalty?

Cyrus Vance Jr. has consistently stated that he is opposed to the death penalty.

How did Vance fare in the 2009 election for Manhattan District Attorney?

Vance won the Democratic primary against Leslie Crocker Snyder and Richard Aborn, and subsequently secured victory in the general election with 91 percent of the votes cast.

On what date did Cyrus Vance Jr. assume office as the District Attorney of New York County?

Cyrus Vance Jr. was sworn into office as the District Attorney of New York County on January 1, 2010.

What were some of the key bureaus and units established or consolidated by Vance's administration in the DA's office?

Vance's administration established or consolidated units such as the Conviction Integrity Program, Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau, Hate Crimes Unit, Public Integrity Unit, and Special Victims Bureau, among others.

What controversy arose from Vance's office's actions in the 2011 Jeffrey Epstein case?

A prosecutor from Vance's office argued for a reduction in Epstein's sex offender status, a move that drew significant criticism from a judge and was later described by Vance as a mistake made without his knowledge.

What was the outcome of the prosecution of Abacus Federal Savings Bank by Vance's office?

After a five-year prosecution costing $10 million, Abacus Federal Savings Bank and its employees were acquitted of all 80 charges. Critics, including the documentary *Abacus: Small Enough to Jail*, suggested the prosecution was politically motivated.

What criticism did Vance's office face regarding its handling of motor vehicle offenses?

Media commentary questioned Vance's commitment to punishing motor vehicle offenses, citing instances where minimal charges or penalties were pursued in cases involving serious accidents, such as a motorist striking a cyclist or a cab driver injuring pedestrians.

How did Vance's office handle the Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexual assault case?

Vance's office initially charged Strauss-Kahn but later dismissed the charges due to concerns about the accuser's credibility, a decision that garnered both criticism and praise for adhering to prosecutorial standards.

What charges did Vance file against Paul Manafort, and what was the legal outcome?

Vance filed 16 indictments against Paul Manafort for mortgage fraud, but a judge later dismissed these charges, ruling they constituted double jeopardy.

What allegations were made concerning Vance's handling of cases involving Harvey Weinstein and the Trump family?

Allegations suggested that contributions to Vance's campaign were linked to his office's decisions not to prosecute cases involving Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual assault and alleged improper conduct by the Trump family at Trump SoHo, though Vance cited insufficient evidence.

What was the outcome of the investigation into Vance's handling of the 2015 Harvey Weinstein case?

The New York State Attorney General launched an investigation into Vance's office's decision not to prosecute the 2015 Weinstein case, despite NYPD investigators believing it was prosecutable.

What legal challenge did Vance's office face regarding the prosecution of gravity knives?

A federal judge ruled that Vance's office's enforcement of the gravity knife ban was unconstitutional due to vagueness and potential for arbitrary enforcement, leading to the eventual legalization of gravity knives in New York.

What did Vance's office subpoena from Donald Trump's accounting firm, and what was the legal result?

Vance subpoenaed eight years of Trump's tax returns from Mazars. After a legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, the court ruled that a sitting president is not immune from state criminal subpoenas, allowing Vance's office to obtain the documents.

What was the focus of the investigation into Allen Weisselberg and his family by Vance's office?

The investigation examined whether Allen Weisselberg and his family received untaxed benefits from the Trump Organization, as part of a broader strategy to gather information about Donald Trump.

Who succeeded Cyrus Vance Jr. as the District Attorney of New York County?

Alvin Bragg succeeded Cyrus Vance Jr. as the District Attorney of New York County, taking office on January 1, 2022.

Who is Cyrus Vance Jr.'s wife, and when did they marry?

Cyrus Vance Jr. married Peggy McDonnell, who works as a printer and photographer, in 1984.

How many children does Cyrus Vance Jr. have with his wife, Peggy McDonnell?

Cyrus Vance Jr. and Peggy McDonnell have two children.

What specific types of white-collar crimes were prosecuted by Vance's Major Economic Crimes Bureau?

The bureau secured convictions in cases involving significant financial crimes, including a $120 million art fraud, a $100 million securities fraud scheme, a $100 million mortgage fraud case, and a $7 million Ponzi scheme.

What was the outcome of the prosecution of Sergey Aleynikov by Vance's office?

Sergey Aleynikov was prosecuted by Vance's office for duplicating computer code from Goldman Sachs. While initially found guilty in a state case, the verdict was later overturned by a state court justice, though an appellate court reinstated the guilty verdict.

What controversy surrounded Vance's office in a 2020 incident involving an NYPD officer and a homeless man?

Vance's office charged the homeless man with felony assault after he allegedly kicked a handcuffed officer. This decision drew criticism from the Legal Aid Society, which argued the charges were disproportionately severe, leading Vance's office to eventually drop some of them.

What was the nature of the conspiracy case involving 11 corporations and Iran sanctions prosecuted by Vance's office?

Vance's office indicted 11 corporations for allegedly evading U.S. economic sanctions on Iran by funneling tens of millions of dollars through Manhattan banks.

What did the *New York Times* report regarding Vance's handling of the 2015 Harvey Weinstein case and subsequent donations?

The *New York Times* reported that Vance's office returned a donation from Weinstein's lawyer after questions arose about the handling of the 2015 case, and that Vance defended the office's actions by citing insufficient evidence for prosecution.

What was the legal basis for the *Cracco v. Vance* ruling that declared the gravity knife law unconstitutional?

The federal judge ruled that Vance's office's application of the gravity knife ban was unconstitutional because it lacked clear notice of prohibited behavior and allowed for arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

What was the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in *Trump v. Vance* concerning presidential immunity?

The Supreme Court ruled that a sitting president cannot claim immunity from state criminal subpoenas seeking their private papers, establishing a significant precedent for presidential accountability.

What was the purpose of Vance's office investigating Allen Weisselberg and his family?

The investigation aimed to determine if Allen Weisselberg and his family received untaxed benefits from the Trump Organization, a move widely perceived as a strategy to gain information about Donald Trump.

What did the documentary *Abacus: Small Enough to Jail* suggest about Vance's prosecution of the bank?

The documentary suggested that Vance's prosecution of Abacus Federal Savings Bank, which had self-reported employee fraud, was an attempt to appear tough on white-collar crime by scapegoating the bank's owners during the Great Recession.

What specific types of cases did Vance prosecute early in his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan?

Vance prosecuted cases involving murder, organized crime, political corruption, international art fraud, and white-collar crime.

What was the outcome of the case where a motorist struck a cyclist in October 2014, as handled by Vance's office?

Vance's office offered a plea deal that reduced charges from assault to leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, resulting in a $250 fine for the motorist.

What was the rationale provided for not filing charges in the Marcus Ewing 'dooring' death case in October 2010?

Vance's office declined to press charges because the person who opened the door into Ewing's path did not possess the keys, and the vehicle's engine was not running, which the office argued prevented prosecution as a driver.

What was the result of Vance's office prosecuting Sergey Aleynikov for duplicating Goldman Sachs computer code?

Aleynikov was found guilty in a state trial after his federal conviction was overturned, but a New York State Supreme Court justice later overturned the state verdict, although an appellate court reinstated the jury's guilty verdict.

What was the nature of the $100 million-dollar securities fraud scheme prosecuted by Vance's office?

This scheme involved a financial fraud where Yale University was one of the victims, and Vance's office secured convictions against those responsible for the fraud.

What was the outcome of the case where a cab driver injured pedestrians and severed a tourist's leg in August 2013?

Despite the driver admitting to intentionally hitting the gas and having a history of driving offenses, no charges were filed by Vance's office after a two-month investigation.

What did the New York State Attorney General investigate regarding Vance's office in March 2018?

The investigation concerned Vance's office's handling of a 2015 sexual abuse case involving Harvey Weinstein, as NYPD investigators reportedly believed the case was strong enough to prosecute, but Vance opted not to.

What was the outcome of the case involving the drunk driving incident that killed Leandra Rosado?

Vance secured convictions in the case of the drunk driving incident that killed 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, which led to the creation of Leandra's Law.

What was the significance of the Supreme Court's ruling in *Trump v. Vance* regarding presidential immunity?

The Supreme Court ruled that a sitting president cannot claim immunity from state criminal subpoenas seeking their private papers, establishing a precedent that presidents are subject to such legal demands.

What was the focus of the investigation into the Trump Organization's financial practices conducted jointly by Vance's office and the NY Attorney General?

The investigation focused on whether the Trump Organization's executives, such as Allen Weisselberg, received untaxed benefits and examined the company's financial reporting practices.

What was Vance's tenure as District Attorney of New York County?

Cyrus Vance Jr. served as the District Attorney of New York County for twelve years, from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2022.

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Introduction

Public Servant

Cyrus Roberts Vance Jr. (born June 14, 1954) is an American attorney and former politician who served as the District Attorney of New York County. He held this significant office from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2022. Prior to his tenure as DA, Vance was a principal partner at the law firm Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason, Anello, & Bohrer, P.C.

Family Legacy

He is the son of Cyrus Vance, a distinguished figure in American foreign policy who served as Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, and previously as Secretary of the Army and Deputy Secretary of Defense. This familial background provided a unique context for Vance Jr.'s own public service career.

Legal Foundation

Vance's career is rooted in extensive legal experience, beginning as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. He later established private practices and taught trial advocacy, building a reputation as a skilled litigator before returning to public service.

Early Life and Education

New York Roots

Born and raised in New York City, Vance Jr. attended prestigious preparatory schools, Buckley and Groton. His upbringing in the city provided a formative connection to the community he would later serve as its chief prosecutor.

Academic Path

Vance pursued higher education at Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1982. During his law studies, he engaged in political campaign work, assisting Colorado Senator Gary Hart.

Career Trajectory

Legal Practice

Vance began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA's office, handling complex cases involving murder, organized crime, political corruption, and white-collar crime. He later co-founded law firms in Seattle and returned to New York, joining Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason, Anello & Bohrer, P.C. He is admitted to practice in New York, Washington state, Washington D.C., and before the U.S. Supreme Court, demonstrating a broad scope of legal expertise.

Public Service Contributions

Beyond his private practice, Vance has been actively involved in public service. He served as a consulting expert for investigations into the Wenatchee child abuse prosecutions and as Special Assistant New York State Attorney General. He also contributed to sentencing commissions in New York and served on judicial screening panels, reflecting a commitment to improving the justice system.

District Attorney Elections

2009 Campaign

In 2009, Vance announced his candidacy for Manhattan District Attorney, seeking to succeed the long-serving Robert Morgenthau. He secured significant endorsements from prominent figures and publications, including former Mayor David Dinkins, Gloria Steinem, Caroline Kennedy, and major newspapers like The New York Times and New York Daily News. Vance emphasized a "Community Based Justice" program and plans to reduce case backlogs.

Electoral Victory

Vance won the Democratic primary and subsequently the general election on November 3, 2009, with a substantial majority of the vote. This victory positioned him to become the fourth District Attorney of New York County since 1941, marking a significant transition in the office's leadership.

District Attorney Tenure

Office Modernization

Upon taking office in 2010, Vance initiated significant reforms within the District Attorney's Office. He established or consolidated numerous bureaus and units, including a Conviction Integrity Program, Crime Strategies Unit, Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau, Forensic Sciences/Cold Case Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, Public Integrity Unit, Special Victims Bureau, and Vehicular Crimes Unit, aiming to enhance efficiency and address evolving crime trends.

Policy Focus

Vance's administration focused on initiatives such as community-based justice, alternatives to incarceration, and addressing case backlogs. He also expressed opposition to the death penalty and worked on reviewing allegations of wrongful convictions, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and systemic improvement within the justice system.

Notable Cases and Controversies

Jeffrey Epstein Case

In 2011, Vance's office faced scrutiny for a prosecutor's argument to reduce Jeffrey Epstein's sex offender status. While the judge denied the request, the incident drew criticism, particularly after Epstein's later arrest for sex trafficking. Vance later stated the request was a mistake made without his knowledge.

Abacus Federal Savings Bank

Vance's office prosecuted Abacus Federal Savings Bank for mortgage fraud, a case that resulted in an acquittal on all 80 charges after a five-year prosecution. Critics, including a documentary film, suggested this was an attempt at grandstanding against white-collar crime, using the small bank as a scapegoat.

Traffic Offenses

Media commentary questioned Vance's office's approach to prosecuting motor vehicle offenses, citing instances where charges were not filed or were reduced in cases involving fatalities or serious injuries, such as the dooring death of Marcus Ewing and a hit-and-run incident injuring a tourist.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn Case

Vance's decision to dismiss charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, following accusations of sexual assault by a hotel maid, drew both criticism and praise. While some media outlets criticized the dismissal, others, including prominent city officials and newspapers, commended Vance for adhering to prosecutorial protocol and acting with integrity, citing issues with the accuser's credibility.

Trump Organization Investigations

Vance's office subpoenaed Donald Trump's accounting firm for tax returns as part of investigations into potential financial misconduct, including allegations related to the Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg. These investigations led to legal battles, including a U.S. Supreme Court case affirming the validity of subpoenas for presidential records.

Gravity Knife Policy

Vance's office enforced a strict interpretation of the law regarding gravity knives, leading to numerous arrests. A federal judge later ruled this enforcement unconstitutional. Following this ruling and legislative efforts, Governor Cuomo signed a bill legalizing gravity knives in New York.

Personal Life

Family Life

Cyrus Vance Jr. married Peggy McDonnell in 1984. They have two children. His personal life has remained relatively private amidst his demanding public career.

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Cyrus Vance Jr.

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Introduction ℹ️

🏛️ Public Servant

👨‍👧 Family Legacy

⚖️ Legal Foundation

Early Life and Education 📚

🏙️ New York Roots

🎓 Academic Path

Career Trajectory 💼

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Practice

🤝 Public Service Contributions

District Attorney Elections 🗳️

🏆 2009 Campaign

✅ Electoral Victory

District Attorney Tenure ⚖️

🏢 Office Modernization

🎯 Policy Focus

Notable Cases and Controversies 🔍

👤 Jeffrey Epstein Case

🏦 Abacus Federal Savings Bank

🚗 Traffic Offenses

🗣️ Dominique Strauss-Kahn Case

💰 Trump Organization Investigations

🔪 Gravity Knife Policy

Personal Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💍 Family Life

Related Information 🔗

➡️ Further Reading

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Public Servant

Family Legacy

Legal Foundation

Early Life and Education

New York Roots

Academic Path

Career Trajectory

Legal Practice

Public Service Contributions

District Attorney Elections

2009 Campaign

Electoral Victory

District Attorney Tenure

Office Modernization

Policy Focus

Notable Cases and Controversies

Jeffrey Epstein Case

Abacus Federal Savings Bank

Traffic Offenses

Dominique Strauss-Kahn Case

Trump Organization Investigations

Gravity Knife Policy

Personal Life

Family Life

Related Information

Further Reading

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice