{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "70.10", "citation": "CPL § 70.10", "heading": "Standards of proof; definitions of terms", "text": ["§ 70.10  Standards of proof; definitions of terms.", "The following definitions are applicable to this chapter:", "1.  \"Legally sufficient evidence\" means competent evidence which, if accepted as true, would establish every element of an offense charged and the defendant's commission thereof; except that such evidence is not legally sufficient when corroboration required by law is absent.", "2.  \"Reasonable cause to believe that a person has committed an offense\" exists when evidence or information which appears reliable discloses facts or circumstances which are collectively of such weight and persuasiveness as to convince a person of ordinary intelligence, judgment and experience that it is reasonably likely that such offense was committed and that such person committed it.  Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, such apparently reliable evidence may include or consist of hearsay."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/70.10", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "This section defines two standards of proof used throughout the Criminal Procedure Law.\n\n- **(1)** **Legally sufficient evidence** is competent evidence that, if accepted as true, would establish **every element** of the charged offense and the defendant's commission of it; it is **not** legally sufficient if **corroboration required by law is missing**. ★\n- **(2)** **Reasonable cause to believe a person committed an offense** exists when apparently reliable evidence or information discloses facts that together would convince a person of ordinary intelligence, judgment and experience that it is **reasonably likely** the offense was committed and that person committed it. Unless this chapter says otherwise, that evidence **may include or consist of hearsay**. ★", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/70.10", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}