Grand Juries to Convene in Five Boroughs: OCA Press Release

7.7.20 Office of Court Administration Press Release, announcing, among other things, that starting August 10, grand juries will convene in the five boroughs. In addition, NYC courts will resume in-court conferences of felony cases where the defendant is at liberty. As the NYC courts enter Phase Three of a return to in-person operations, the types of criminal matters that may be heard in person will be expanded to include preliminary hearings in cases involving defendants being held in jail on felony complaints; selected plea and sentencing proceedings for defendants at liberty; and arraignments of defendants who have been issued desk appearance tickets. Phase 3 will also bring the restart of limited in-person bench trials in civil matters. In addition to other measures, all court visitors will be required to undergo COVID-19 screening, including temperature checks, before entering the courthouse. Read the full press release here.