Trial Division
The Trial Division is responsible for prosecuting felony criminal cases, from the initial investigation and presentation of evidence to the Grand Jury through plea negotiations, diversion proceedings, hearings, trials, and sentencing. The Division handles a wide range of serious offenses, including homicides, cold cases, gang-related violence, firearms and narcotics offenses, assaults, robberies, kidnappings, shootings, and vehicular crimes.
The Cold Case Bureau investigates homicides that were committed more than five years ago and remain open and unsolved, as well as cases involving missing persons and unidentified human remains. These cases may be solved through newly developed leads, information, or advances in forensic technology, particularly DNA analysis and other scientific methods. The Bureau brings together county resources and subject matter experts to form a multidisciplinary team that systematically reviews and investigates these cases, with the goal of identifying and holding offenders accountable while bringing justice and a measure of closure to victims and their families.
The Gangs & Violent Crime Bureau investigates and prosecutes a broad range of serious and organized criminal activity, including shootings, felony assaults, illegal firearm possession and trafficking, arson, organized burglary and robbery operations, narcotics trafficking and distribution networks, and gang-related and group violence. The Bureau works in close partnership with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and disrupt violent criminal activity and enhance public safety throughout Westchester County.
The Homicide Bureau is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all homicides committed in Westchester County. Members of the Homicide Roster, operating under the Bureau’s supervision, are available 24 hours a day to provide investigative guidance and assistance to law enforcement agencies.
The Firearms and Narcotics Bureau oversees all Trials Division prosecutions involving the possession and sale of firearms and narcotics. The Bureau’s work encompasses cases ranging from complex investigations to street-level observations, search warrant executions and vehicle stops. For defendants struggling with substance use disorders, the Bureau works closely with the Pleadings and Diversion Bureau to negotiate dispositions that prioritize treatment over incarceration.
The Major Case Bureau prosecutes serious violent crimes committed throughout Westchester County, including assaults, robberies, shootings, stabbings, kidnappings, and burglaries. The Bureau also oversees complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations involving high-profile felony offenses, working closely with law enforcement agencies from the initial stage of an investigation through prosecution and final disposition.
The Pleadings and Diversion Bureau is responsible for overseeing the early stages of criminal prosecution, including handling bail applications, most Superior Court Information, and extradition proceedings. The Bureau also oversees the Youth Part, which handles cases involving adolescent offenders ages 16 and 17, as well as the Violation of Probation Part, which addresses cases involving defendants accused of violating the terms of their probation.
Additionally, the Bureau identifies eligible defendants for referral to specialty diversion courts, which offer alternatives to traditional prosecution and connect individuals with services and resources to address underlying needs. The Bureau also oversees the diversion courts, including Veterans Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Drug Court, working to ensure participants receive the services, treatment, and support they need.
The Vehicular Crimes Bureau works with police departments across Westchester to investigate and prosecute incidents of felony-level driving while intoxicated, vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter.