Charles J. Hynes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles J. Hynes
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Hynes in 2012
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| District Attorney of Kings County | |
| In office January 1990 – December 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Elizabeth Holtzman |
| Succeeded by | Kenneth P. Thompson |
| 24th New York City Fire Commissioner | |
| In office November 5, 1980 – October 22, 1982 |
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| Mayor | Ed Koch |
| Preceded by | Augustus A. Beekman |
| Succeeded by | Joseph E. Spinnato |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Aiken Hynes
May 28, 1935 Flatbush, Brooklyn |
| Died | January 29, 2019 (aged 83) Delray Beach, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Patricia L. Pennisi |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | St. John's University |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Charles Joseph Hynes (born Charles Aiken Hynes; May 28, 1935 – January 29, 2019) was an American lawyer and Democratic politician. He served as the Kings County District Attorney in New York from 1990 to 2013.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Hynes was born and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn. His mother, Regina Katherine Hynes, mostly raised him. He was baptized Charles Aiken Hynes. When he was twelve, he chose "Joe" as his confirmation name because he didn't like his given names.
Many people knew him as "Joe." He later legally changed his middle name to Joseph when he decided to run for political office. He went to St. Ann's Academy in Queens. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1957 and his law degree (J.D.) in 1961 from St. John's University in Jamaica, Queens.
Career Before Becoming District Attorney
In 1963, Hynes started working as a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society. This organization helps people who cannot afford legal help. In 1969, he joined the Kings County District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney. He became the Chief of the Rackets Bureau in 1971, which dealt with organized crime. By 1973, he was named First Assistant District Attorney.
In 1975, the Governor of New York, Hugh Carey, and the Attorney General, Louis Lefkowitz, appointed Hynes as a special state prosecutor. His job was to investigate a big scandal in nursing homes. Hynes's office worked hard to stop people from cheating the Medicaid healthcare system. His team became a national example for fighting fraud. He even spoke to the United States Congress in 1976. He supported a law that would help states set up their own fraud control units. This law passed in 1977, and now many states have similar units.
Hynes was also appointed the 24th New York City Fire Commissioner by Mayor Ed Koch on November 5, 1980. He held this important position until October 22, 1982. From 1983 to 1985, he served as a Commissioner for the New York State Commission of Investigation. In 1985, Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Hynes as Special State Prosecutor for the New York City Criminal Justice System.
In 1987, Hynes investigated the death of Michael Griffith, an African-American teenager. Hynes helped bring people to justice in this case. He also wrote a book about it.
District Attorney of Kings County
Charles Hynes served as the District Attorney for Kings County (Brooklyn) for many years.
Key Achievements
In 1999, Hynes started a program called "ComALERT." This program helps people who have been in prison or on parole. It supports them as they return to their communities in Brooklyn. A study by Harvard University found that this program greatly reduced the number of people committing crimes again.
Hynes is also known for creating one of the first and most complete programs to deal with domestic abuse as a crime. Working with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, he helped create a citywide program to keep track of people convicted of domestic violence.
Election Campaigns
In 1998, Hynes tried to become the Governor of New York. However, he lost in the primary election to Peter Vallone Sr..
In 2005, Hynes faced a close primary election challenge from State Senator John L. Sampson. Hynes won with 41 percent of the vote, while Sampson received 37 percent. This election got a lot of attention because Hynes had been in office for four terms, and some thought he might be vulnerable.
In 2009, Hynes ran for reelection without any opponents.
In 2013, The New York Times reported that Hynes faced a tough primary race. He eventually lost the Democratic primary to Kenneth P. Thompson. He also lost to Thompson in the general election, running on the Republican and Conservative party lines.
Losing Reelection
In 2013, Charles Hynes was defeated in his bid for reelection as District Attorney by Kenneth Thompson.
Personal Life
Charles Hynes was married to Patricia L. Pennisi, who was a registered nurse. They had five children and seventeen grandchildren. Hynes also had a summer home in Breezy Point, New York.
Charles Hynes passed away on January 29, 2019, at the age of 83.
Images for kids
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Hynes in 2012
