{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "620.70", "citation": "CPL § 620.70", "heading": "Material witness order; compelling attendance of witness who fails to appear", "text": ["§ 620.70  Material witness order; compelling attendance of witness who", "fails to appear.", "If a witness at liberty on bail pursuant to a material witness order cannot be found or notified at the time his appearance as a witness is required, or if after notification he fails to appear in such action or proceeding as required, the court may issue a warrant, addressed to a police officer, directing such officer to take such witness into custody anywhere within the state and to bring him to the court forthwith."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/620.70", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "If a material witness on bail cannot be found or notified when required to appear, or is notified but fails to appear, the court may issue a **statewide warrant directing police to take the witness into custody and bring the witness before the court immediately**. ★", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/620.70", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}