{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "30.20", "citation": "CPL § 30.20", "heading": "Speedy trial; in general", "text": ["§ 30.20  Speedy trial; in general.", "1.  After a criminal action is commenced, the defendant is entitled to a speedy trial.", "2.  Insofar as is practicable, the trial of a criminal action must be given preference over civil cases; and the trial of a criminal action where the defendant has been committed to the custody of the sheriff during the pendency of the criminal action must be given preference over other criminal actions."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/30.20", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "- **1.** After commencement, the defendant is **entitled to a speedy trial.** ★\n- **2.** Criminal trials get **preference over civil cases**; and cases where the defendant is **in custody** get preference over other criminal cases.", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/30.20", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}