N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law Section 670.20
Use in a criminal proceeding of testimony given in a previous proceeding

  • procedure

1.

In any criminal action or proceeding other than a grand jury proceeding, a party thereto who desires to offer in evidence testimony of a witness given in a previous action or proceeding as provided in section 670.10, must so move, either in writing or orally in open court, and must submit to the court, and serve a copy thereof upon the adverse party, an authenticated transcript of the testimony and any videotape or photographic recording thereof sought to be introduced. Such moving party must further state facts showing that personal attendance of the witness in question is precluded by some factor specified in subdivision one of section 670.10. In determining the motion, the court, with opportunity for both parties to be heard, must make inquiry and conduct a hearing to determine whether personal attendance of the witness is so precluded. If the court determines that such is the case and grants the motion, the moving party may introduce the transcript in evidence and read into evidence the testimony contained therein. In such case, the adverse party may register any objection or protest thereto that he would be entitled to register were the witness testifying in person, and the court must rule thereon.

2.

Without obtaining any court order or authorization, a district attorney may introduce in evidence in a grand jury proceeding testimony of a witness given in a previous action or proceeding specified in subdivision one of section 670.10, provided that a foundation for such evidence is laid by other evidence demonstrating that personal attendance of such witness is precluded by some factor specified in subdivision one of section 670.10.

Source: Section 670.20 — Use in a criminal proceeding of testimony given in a previous proceeding; procedure, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/CPL/670.­20 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Dec. 20, 2025).

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Verified:
Dec. 20, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 670.20. Use in a criminal proceeding of testimony given in a previous proceeding's source at nysenate​.gov

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