NY S08247

Establishes a gang court pilot program in Orange County and Suffolk County courts to hear and determine gang-related criminal cases, commencing no later than January 1, 2011 and continuing until at least January 1, 2016.

Defines "criminal gang" as a group of three or more persons who share a common identity and actively engage in criminal conduct in violation of penal law as a core undertaking of their group.

Allows courts in Orange and Suffolk counties to transfer cases charging gang members with crimes committed as part of gang activities to special gang court parts after arraignment but before guilty plea or trial commencement.

Authorizes the Chief Administrator of the Courts to establish special gang court parts by administrative order, request available resources, and develop new programs to further administration of justice in these courts.

Permits the Chief Administrator to promulgate rules and regulations for gang court procedures, auxiliary services, judicial personnel assignment, and case management instead of standard county court rules.

Requires funding from federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration grants, state funds, and local resources to support the pilot program.

Act takes effect January 1 following enactment and automatically repeals five years thereafter.