{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "660.20", "citation": "CPL § 660.20", "heading": "Examination of witnesses conditionally; grounds for order", "text": ["§ 660.20  Examination of witnesses conditionally; grounds for order.", "An order directing examination of a witness conditionally must be based upon the ground that there is reasonable cause to believe that such witness:", "1.  Possesses information material to the criminal action or proceeding in issue; and", "2.  Will not be amenable or responsive to legal process or available as a witness at a time when his testimony will be sought, either because he is:", "(a)  About to leave the state and not return for a substantial period of time; or", "(b)  Physically ill or incapacited."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/660.20", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A court may order a witness examined conditionally only on reasonable cause to believe the witness **has material information** and will not be amenable or responsive to legal process or available as a witness when needed because the witness is **about to leave New York for a substantial time or is physically ill or incapacitated**. ★", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/660.20", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}