N.Y. Judiciary Law § 476-c: Investigation by the attorney-general

§ 476-c. Investigation by the attorney-general. 1. The

attorney-general is empowered to conduct an investigation of any

complaint of unlawful practice of the law and in connection therewith,

the attorney-general, his deputy, assistant, special assistant or other

officer designated by him for such purpose is empowered to subpoena

witnesses, compel their attendance, examine them under oath before him

or the supreme court of the state of New York, or a justice thereof, and

require the production of any books or papers which he deems relevant or

material to the inquiry. Such power of subpoena and of examination shall

not abate or terminate by reason of the commencement or pendency of any

action or proceeding brought by the attorney-general under section four

hundred seventy-six-a.

2. No person shall be excused from attending such inquiry in pursuance

to the mandates of a subpoena, or from producing a paper or book, or

from being examined or required to answer a question on the ground of

failure of tender or payment of a witness fee or mileage, unless at the

time of such appearance or production, as the case may be, such witness

makes demand for such payment as a condition precedent to the offering

of testimony or production required by the subpoena and unless such

payment is not thereupon made. Such provisions for payment of witness

fee or mileage do not apply to any officer, director or person in the

employ of any person, partnership, corporation, company, trust or

association whose conduct or practices are being investigated.

3. It shall be the duty of all public officers, their deputies,

assistants, subordinates, clerks or employees and all other persons to

render and furnish to the attorney-general, his deputy or other

designated officer when requested all information and assistance in

their possession or within their power. Any officer participating in

such inquiry who shall disclose to any person other than the

attorney-general the name of any witness examined or any other

information obtained upon such inquiry except as directed by the

attorney-general shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.