State Specific-NY

Obtaining Information to Prepare Your Case: The Process of Discovery. 

State Specific - NY - Guide with basic description of the discovery stage, how to prepare for it, the rules, forms of discovery eg interrogatories, depositions, subpoenas, when to object, and make demands....

State Specific-NY

This guide is intended to be a summary of basic discovery procedures. The statements in this guide do not constitute legal advice and may not be cited as legal authority. This guide does not take the place of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this court’s local rules, or the individual practices and orders of the judges of this court. Parties using this guide remain responsible for complying with all applicable rules of procedure.

After the pleading step of the case is over, the next step is for both sides to collect and send each other information about the case to prepare for trial. This is called discovery. Some things to do to get ready for trial can be done on your own, like talking to people who may be your witnesses at the trial, taking pictures, or gathering certified copies of records. But most discovery is formal and has rules to follow. Call the Court and speak to a Clerk or visit a Court Help Center, if you have questions.

State Specific-NY

On April 1, 2019, New York State passed sweeping criminal justice reform legislation, including discovery reform, requiring prosecutors to disclose their evidence to the defense earlier in case proceedings. This document summarizes the new discovery statute, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.

Federal Specific - This guide is intended to be a summary of basic discovery procedures. The statements in this guide do not constitute legal advice and may not be cited as legal authority. This guide does not take the place of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this court’s local rules, or the individual practices and orders of the judges of this court. Parties using this guide remain responsible for complying with all applicable rules of procedure. 

A guide by the NYC Bar to appearing at your trial. 

Federal Specific - A general description of what happens in a federal criminal case.

State Specific - NY - The criminal justice process is complex, and often can be confusing to persons not familiar with criminal law.  This arrest-to-sentence guide and legal glossary are designed to explain and clarify the criminal justice process in New York County.

General - This is an outline of the course a criminal case involving a felony, such as rape, follows through the court systems. Although you, as a witness, are not involved at every step, it can help you understand your role and the way the criminal justice system works by reviewing this information.