Special Litigation Bureau

The Special Litigation Bureau (originally called the Special Projects Bureau) was established in 1982 and handles a variety of specialized areas of law:

• Narcotics Eviction Program: In 1988, the Bureau was expanded significantly to administer the Narcotics Eviction Program. This innovative program utilizes state civil statutes to evict persons who use or allow the use of their residential or commercial premises in connection with an illegal business. Click here to learn more about the Narcotics Eviction Program.
• Psychiatric litigation: The Bureau handles psychiatric litigation for the Office in cases where defendants are found not responsible for their crimes due to mental disorder. Such defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity are typically society's most dangerous criminal offenders. They must undergo periodic psychiatric examinations so that the courts can determine their current mental condition. The Bureau actively participates in the resultant psychiatric litigation to try to ensure that the defendants are civilly committed to hospitals or otherwise appropriately monitored by mental health professionals.
• Extradition and coordination with other agencies: The Bureau coordinates with various executive and law enforcement authorities the interstate extradition of fugitives from justice who are apprehended in Manhattan, and assists out-of-state prosecutors in securing the attendance of local witnesses or the production of documents.
• Bail motions: The Bureau responds to motions by sureties, or bail bondsmen, for the remission of bail forfeited as a result of defendants' failure to appear in court. The judiciary then decides which forfeited money is properly due to the city.
• Other: The Bureau also handles more traditional cases in its investigation and prosecution of homicides and other felony offenses. Given its diversity of practice, the Special Litigation Bureau often serves as a consultant throughout the District Attorney's Office and law enforcement community.