As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, historic changes have come to New York City Criminal Court regarding the presentment of Felony matters on the CPL 180.80 day. In lieu of Grand Juries, New York City will move to virtual preliminary hearings before Judges who will determine whether the evidence supports Indictment.
Effective May 8, 2020 and pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 202.28 modifying CPL 180.60, preliminary hearings in New York City Criminal Court will be conducted by electronic appearance of all parties using Skype for Business. By the same executive order, the Governor has directed a process for defendants to make applications pursuant to CPL 180.80 and for the prosecutor to make a good cause extension applications under the same provision. Criminal Court has developed a procedure for scheduling the over 300 felony matters adjourned and pending CPL 180.80 action for either one of these actions during the period of the Governor’s Executive Order.
Please click on the below attachments for the exact procedure and protocols. Also attached is a sample CPL 180.80 release letter.
CPL 180.80 Application and Virtual Preliminary Hearing Process