N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law Section 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.

Source: Section 70.10 — Standards of proof; definitions of terms, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/CPL/70.­10 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 28, 2026).

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Verified:
Feb. 28, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 70.10. Standards of proof's source at nysenate​.gov

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