{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "120.20", "citation": "CPL § 120.20", "heading": "Warrant of arrest; when issuable", "text": ["§ 120.20 Warrant of arrest; when issuable.", "1. When a criminal action has been commenced in a local criminal court or youth part of the superior court by the filing therewith of an accusatory instrument, other than a simplified traffic information, against a defendant who has not been arraigned upon such accusatory instrument and has not come under the control of the court with respect thereto:", "(a) such court may, if such accusatory instrument is sufficient on its face, issue a warrant for such defendant's arrest; or", "(b) if such accusatory instrument is not sufficient on its face as prescribed in section 100.40, and if the court is satisfied that on the basis of the available facts or evidence it would be impossible to draw and file an accusatory instrument that is sufficient on its face, the court must dismiss the accusatory instrument.", "2. Even though such accusatory instrument is sufficient on its face, the court may refuse to issue a warrant of arrest based thereon until it has further satisfied itself, by inquiry or examination of witnesses, that there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant committed an offense charged. Upon such inquiry or examination, the court may examine, under oath or otherwise, any available person whom it believes may possess knowledge concerning the subject matter of the charge.", "3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one, if a summons may be issued in lieu of a warrant of arrest pursuant to section 130.20, and if the court is satisfied that the defendant will respond thereto, it may not issue a warrant of arrest. Upon the request of the district attorney, in lieu of a warrant of arrest or summons, the court may instead authorize the district attorney to direct the defendant to appear for arraignment on a designated date if it is satisfied that the defendant will so appear."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/120.20", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "- **(1)** When a criminal action is commenced in a **local criminal court or youth part** by filing an accusatory instrument (**not** a simplified traffic information) against a defendant **not yet arraigned** and not under the court's control:\n  - **(a)** if the instrument is **sufficient on its face**, the court **may issue** a warrant;\n  - **(b)** if it's **not** facially sufficient (per § 100.40) and the court is satisfied a sufficient instrument couldn't be drawn from available facts, the court **must dismiss** it.\n- **(2)** Even if facially sufficient, the court **may refuse** to issue until satisfied (by inquiry/examining witnesses under oath) that there's **reasonable cause** to believe the defendant committed the offense. ★\n- **(3)** ★ If a **summons** may issue in lieu (§ 130.20) and the court is satisfied the defendant will respond, it **may not** issue a warrant. On the DA's request, the court may instead **authorize the DA to direct the defendant to appear** for arraignment on a set date if satisfied he'll appear.", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/120.20", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}