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A 6859

Precludes local criminal court from issuing a warrant of arrest based on any simplified information when the defendant has not been arraigned

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Pre-arraignment arrest warrants based on simplified information would be barred, ensuring arraignment occurs before warrants and protecting defendants' rights.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6859

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 6859

Overview

Bill A 6859, introduced on March 14, 2025 and referred to the Codes Committee, would restrict the ability of local criminal courts to issue arrest warrants. Specifically, it precludes a local criminal court from issuing a warrant of arrest based on any simplified information when the defendant has not yet been arraigned. The primary sponsor is J. Gary Pretlow.

Purpose and Intent

  • To protect defendants’ right to arraignment prior to the issuance of an arrest warrant based on simplified information.
  • To ensure that warrants issued by local courts are tied to an arraignment process, preventing pre-arraignment arrests on the basis of simplified charging documents.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Prohibition on warrants: Local criminal courts may not issue an arrest warrant solely on the basis of a simplified information if the defendant has not been arraigned.
  • Scope: The language focuses on “simplified information” as the charging document triggering warrants, and on the condition that arraignment has not occurred.
  • Definitions and exceptions: The provided summary does not include specific definitions of “simplified information” or any enumerated exceptions or alternate procedures; the full text would clarify any such details.

Affected Parties and Entities

  • Local criminal courts and their officers, who issue warrants.
  • Law enforcement agencies responsible for executing warrants.
  • Defendants charged by simplified information who have not yet been arraigned.
  • Prosecutors who prepare simplified information and coordinate with courts on arraignment processes.
  • Defense attorneys representing defendants charged by simplified information.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 14, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Codes (on March 14, 2025). No further committee action, floor action, or enactment timeline is provided in the summary.
  • Related legislation: The bill lists numerous related or prior-session measures (A 1922, A 582, A 3354, A 2507, A 3107, A 799, A 4092, A 1522, A 643), indicating ongoing interest in reform of arrest warrant procedures and arraignment timing.

Potential Impact

  • Procedural protections: May strengthen defendants’ rights by ensuring arraignment occurs before a warrant can be issued on simplified information.
  • Law enforcement: Could require procedural adjustments to confirm arraignment status before issuing warrants based on simplified information.
  • Judicial administration: Might necessitate updated internal policies or training to harmonize warrant practice with arraignment requirements.

Where to Find More Information

  • Full text of A 6859 and any accompanying memo or fiscal note.
  • Legislative history and status updates from the official New York Legislature website, including any committee hearings or amendments.
  • Cross-references to the related bills listed (A 1922, A 582, A 3354, A 2507, A 3107, A 799, A 4092, A 1522, A 643) for context on reforms to arrest warrants and arraignment procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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