IDV (Integrated Domestic Violence Part)
Mission Statement
The New York State Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court is based upon the concept of one judge presiding over one family's criminal, family, and matrimonial proceedings where the underlying issue is domestic violence. The IDV court seeks to protect the rights of all litigants by promoting court efficiency and informed judicial decision making, while providing a comprehensive approach to case resolution, increasing offender accountability, ensuring victim safety and eliminating inconsistent orders. The cases are called in sequential order at time Missiocertain intervals, which minimizes time in court for litigants and streamlines decision-making. Legal representation of IDV court litigants is provided by a number of agencies and legal service providers, as well as private practitioners, many of whom are cross trained in the respective disciplines. IDV also partners with service providers to provide litigants with access to services such as supervised visitation, drug and alcohol testing, and parenting classes.
The presiding judge for the IDV Part for Supreme Court New York County, Criminal Term is the Honorable Tandra L. Dawson. The IDV courtroom is located on the 16th floor of 100 Centre Street (Room 1604).
Any questions regarding the IDV part, please contact the part clerk at 646-386-3579.
Manhattan Mental Health Court
Overview
Part 59M (Justice Juan Merchan) has been designated, The Manhattan Mental Health Court (MMHC). This is a dedicated court part designed to provide a comprehensive system of oversight and treatment to eligible defendants with mental illness. Part 59M (Justice Juan Merchan) cases are heard on Fridays in room 1602.
Defendants charged with non-violent felony offenses are eligible for MMHC. That Court will not consider defendants charged with crimes involving sex offenses or firearms. A MMHC participant must be eighteen (18) years of age. Participation is voluntary and the defendant must agree to treatment before entering the program. Applicants to the MMHC will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to acceptance into the court. To be eligible, a defendant must be diagnosed with a serious mental illness such as: bipolar disorder; major depression; or schizophrenia.
The duration of the program will generally be between twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months. The disposition of each MMHC case will vary depending on the nature of the charges and the extent of the defendant's criminal history. If a defendant fails to complete the program or voluntarily withdraws, a sentence as set forth in the plea agreement will be imposed. Upon successful completion, the initial plea will be vacated and the defendant will re-plead to a reduced charge and be sentenced as set forth in the plea agreement.
Any questions regarding MMHC, please contact the 59M part clerk at 646-386-4059.
Video Conference Unit
Electronic Court Appearances
Electronic court appearances are authorized by Article 182 of the Criminal Procedure Law and Part 106 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator. An electronic court appearance is one in which the defendant is not physically present in the courtroom (housed at Riker's Island) but where all participants can be seen and heard simultaneously through the use of an independent audio-visual system. These appearances may be used in the courtroom only for incarcerated defendants who waived their right to personally appear.
In the courtroom, cameras are focused on the Judge, Defense Attorney, Assistant District Attorney and Part Clerk. Split-screen monitors and microphones are similarly located. Members of the public view the proceedings from monitors mounted on the walls of the courtroom. A fifth camera is focused on the defendant who sits in a private enclosed soundproof booth at Riker's Island. The defendant is also provided with a split-screen monitor and microphone so that all parties can see and hear each other simultaneously. A full-screen image of any single view can also be displayed when appropriate. A dedicated private audio telephone line linking the defendant and the courtroom permits confidential conversations between the defendant and counsel.
A defendant may participate in an electronic court appearance upon consent, on the record and after consultation with counsel. A defendant has the right to withdraw his/her request to appear electronically and would be produced in Court for the next court appearance.
Prior to the video court appearance, the defense attorney will have an opportunity to speak with his client electronically. This conversation will be held in a separate room, and if possible in close proximity to the courtroom. These separate rooms will also permit defense attorneys and probation officers to have electronic conferences or interviews with defendants housed at Riker's Island on non-calendar days.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Christopher DiSanto Esq., the Chief Clerk, at 646-386-3900 or by e-mail at [email protected].