§ 370.15 Procedure for determining whether certain misdemeanor crimes
are serious offenses under the penal law.
1. When a defendant has been charged with assault in the third degree,
menacing in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, criminal
obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment in
the second degree, coercion in the third degree, criminal tampering in
the third degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, harassment in
the first degree, aggravated harassment in the second degree, criminal
trespass in the third degree, criminal trespass in the second degree,
arson in the fifth degree, or attempt to commit any of the above-listed
offenses, the people may, at arraignment or no later than forty-five
days after arraignment, serve on the defendant and file with the court a
notice alleging that the defendant and the person alleged to be the
victim of such crime were members of the same family or household as
defined in subdivision one of section 530.11 of this chapter.
2. Such notice shall include the name of the person alleged to be the
victim of such crime and shall specify the nature of the alleged
relationship as set forth in subdivision one of section 530.11 of this
chapter. Upon conviction of such offense, the court shall advise the
defendant that he or she is entitled to a hearing solely on the allega-
tion contained in the notice and, if necessary, an adjournment of the
sentencing proceeding in order to prepare for such hearing, and that if
such allegation is sustained, that determination and conviction will be
reported to the division of criminal justice services.
3. After having been advised by the court as provided in subdivision
two of this section, the defendant may stipulate or admit, orally on the
record or in writing, that he or she is related or situated to the
victim of such crime in the manner described in subdivision one of this
section. In such case, such relationship shall be deemed established.
If the defendant denies that he or she is related or situated to the
victim of the crime as alleged in the notice served by the people, or
stands mute with respect to such allegation, then the people shall bear
the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is
related or situated to the victim in the manner alleged in the notice.
The court may consider reliable hearsay evidence submitted by either
party provided that it is relevant to the determination of the allega-
tion. Facts previously proven at trial or elicited at the time of entry
of a plea of guilty shall be deemed established beyond a reasonable
doubt and shall not be relitigated. At the conclusion of the hearing, or
upon such a stipulation or admission, as applicable, the court shall
make a specific written determination with respect to such allegation.
(Amended by L.2018 c.60 effective 06/11/18.)