Law and Appeal Bureau

The primary duty of the Law and Appeals Bureau is to represent the District Attorney’s Office in appeals and post-conviction proceedings in New York State Courts. The Law and Appeals Bureau also assists the District Attorney and the Assistant District Attorneys in other bureaus with legal research and strategy, and in keeping up to date with changes in the law.

The Law and Appeals Bureau typically handles the following types of cases:

  • Responses to briefs filed by defendants in the Court of Appeals, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and County Court.
  • The People’s Case on appeal in instances where this Office brings an appeal to the Court of Appeals, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, or County Court.
  • Making or responding to applications for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeals from decisions by an intermediate appellate court.
  • Responses to motions to vacate a conviction (CPL 440.10).
  • Responses to motions to set aside a sentence (CPL 440.20).
  • Responses to motions for permission to appeal from the denial of a motion to vacate a conviction or set aside a sentence.
  • Responses to motions seeking a Writ of Error Coram Nobis permitting a new appeal on the grounds of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.
  • Responses to applications for post-conviction disclosure of pre-sentence reports.
  • Responses for motions seeking permission to file late Notices of Appeal.