{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cpl", "section": "700.21", "citation": "CPL § 700.21", "heading": "Temporary authorization for eavesdropping or video surveillance in emergency situations", "text": ["§ 700.21 Temporary authorization for eavesdropping or video surveillance", "in emergency situations.", "1. In an emergency situation where imminent danger of death or serious physical injury exists and, under the circumstances, it is impractical for the applicant to prepare a written application without risk of such death or injury occurring, an application for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant need not be in writing but may be communicated to a justice by telephone, radio or other means of electronic communication.", "2. Where an oral application for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant is made, the applicant therefor must identify himself and the purpose of his communication or observation, after being sworn as provided in subdivision three of this section. The application must meet the requirements of section 700.20 of this article and provide the same allegations of fact required by that section.", "3. Upon being advised that an oral application for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant is being made, a justice shall place under oath the applicant and any other person providing information in support of the application. Such oath or oaths and all of the remaining communication must be recorded, either by means of a voice recording device or verbatim stenographic or verbatim longhand notes. If a voice recording device is used or a stenographic record made, the justice must have the record transcribed, certify to the accuracy of the transcription and file the original record and transcription with the court within twenty-four hours of the issuance of a warrant. If longhand notes are taken, the justice shall subscribe a copy and file it with the court within twenty-four hours of the issuance of a warrant.", "4. Upon oral application, the court may, where it finds that an emergency situation exists and that the requirements of section 700.15 of this article have been satisfied, issue a temporary eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant authorizing eavesdropping or video surveillance for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours. Such eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant shall be executed in the manner prescribed by this article. The twenty-four hour period may not be extended nor may a temporary warrant be renewed except by written application in conformity with the requirements of this article."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/700.21", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "When imminent danger of death or serious physical injury makes a written application impractical, an applicant may seek a **temporary** eavesdropping or video-surveillance warrant orally.\n\n- **(1)** The application may be made to a justice by **telephone, radio or other electronic means** only in an emergency where **imminent danger of death or serious physical injury** exists and preparing a written application would risk that harm.\n- **(2)** After being sworn, the applicant must identify themself and the purpose, and the application must meet **§ 700.20** and give the same factual allegations.\n- **(3)** The justice must **place the applicant and every informant under oath** and record the oaths and the whole communication by voice recording, verbatim stenography or verbatim longhand. A recording or stenographic record must be transcribed, certified and filed with the original; longhand notes must be signed by the justice and filed; either way, **within 24 hours after the warrant issues**.\n- **(4)** If the court finds an emergency exists and **§ 700.15** is satisfied, it may issue a temporary warrant for **no more than 24 hours**, executed as this article prescribes. The 24 hours **cannot be extended, nor the warrant renewed, except by written application** under this article. ★", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cpl/700.21", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}