How long does a criminal case take in Kings County

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Brooklyn (Kings County), the timeline for your criminal case can vary significantly based on the severity of the charge, the court’s docket, and the procedural path your case follows. In New York, misdemeanor cases generally resolve faster than felony cases, but statutory speedy trial deadlines and local court practices shape the process. For a misdemeanor, arraignment typically occurs within 24 hours of arrest, and the case can move to trial within a few months. A felony case requires a grand jury indictment and can take months to over a year. The New York Criminal Procedure Law sets a readiness deadline of 90 days for misdemeanors and six months for felonies (CPL § 30.30), though post‑indictment litigation, plea negotiations, and court congestion often extend the timeline. For many first‑offense cases, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is available, which delays the case for six to twelve months and results in dismissal if no further arrests occur. To discuss the specific timeline for your charge in Kings County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What to Expect for Criminal Case Timelines in Kings County

Misdemeanor cases in Kings County are heard in the New York City Criminal Court (Brooklyn), located at 360 Adams Street. After a desk appearance ticket or arrest, a defendant is arraigned before a judge, usually within a day. At arraignment, the court considers bail or release conditions—under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail has been eliminated for most non‑violent misdemeanors, so release on recognizance is common. The prosecution must declare readiness for trial within 90 days or risk a speedy trial dismissal, though the actual trial date can be scheduled several weeks to months later.

Felony charges proceed through the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term. After arraignment in Criminal Court, the case is presented to a grand jury, which must vote an indictment within roughly six months if the defendant is detained. Once indicted, the Superior Court arraignment occurs, and the prosecution’s 180‑day readiness clock begins. Felony cases often involve extensive pretrial motion practice, discovery, and plea discussions, and a trial may not start until a year or more after the arrest. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in moving these cases forward efficiently while building a thorough defense.

In both misdemeanor and felony matters, the court may offer an ACD for eligible first offenses. Under this disposition, proceedings are adjourned for six to twelve months; if the defendant stays out of trouble during that period, the charges are dismissed and sealed. Accepting an ACD can shorten the overall timeline and avoid a conviction, but an experienced criminal attorney can advise whether it is the right choice for your immigration, employment, or licensing situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a misdemeanor case take in Kings County?

A misdemeanor case in Kings County typically takes from a few weeks to several months from arraignment to resolution, depending on the case’s complexity and court scheduling. After arrest, the defendant is arraigned within 24 hours. The prosecution must be ready within 90 days under CPL § 30.30; if it fails, the defense can move for dismissal. Many misdemeanors resolve by plea or ACD before trial, which can shorten the timeline to as little as a few weeks. Cases that proceed to trial may take three to four months or longer, depending on the court’s calendar. An experienced attorney can help identify the fastest favorable resolution.

How long does a felony case take in Kings County?

A felony case in Kings County can take a year or more from arrest to trial, though many resolve by plea before trial. After arraignment in Criminal Court, the case is presented to a grand jury; if the defendant is in custody, the prosecution must be ready for trial within six months. Once indicted, the case moves to Supreme Court, where motions and discovery can add months. Trials that do occur may be scheduled 12 to 18 months after the initial arrest. The actual timeline depends on the number of charges, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the defense files pretrial motions.

Does New York have cash bail?

New York reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many defendants in Kings County are released on recognizance. For qualifying charges, the court imposes non-monetary conditions such as supervised release or electronic monitoring rather than requiring cash. Cash bail remains available for certain violent felonies and offenses specified by statute. If you are arrested, your attorney can argue for release at arraignment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients navigate bail and pretrial release in Brooklyn courts.

What is a speedy trial in New York?

New York’s speedy trial statute, CPL § 30.30, requires the prosecution to be ready for trial within 90 days for a misdemeanor and six months for a felony, measured from the arraignment or the filing of an accusatory instrument. If the prosecution is not ready within those periods without sufficient justification, the case may be dismissed. Motions to dismiss on speedy trial grounds are fact-intensive and require a careful review of the docket. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize the prosecution’s readiness declarations to identify violations.

Can a criminal case be dismissed for delay?

Yes, a criminal case can be dismissed if the prosecution fails to meet the speedy trial deadline or if the defense establishes a violation of the defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. Under CPL § 30.30, even short periods of unexcused delay can result in dismissal. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment and the New York State Constitution protect against unreasonable delay. An attorney can raise these challenges at the appropriate stage. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we examine every case for procedural errors that could lead to dismissal.

What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?

An ACD is a disposition in New York that permits the court to adjourn the case for six to twelve months; if the defendant does not get rearrested during that time, the charges are dismissed and the record is sealed. An ACD is available for many first-offense misdemeanors and some felonies. It avoids a conviction but may still have immigration consequences. Whether to accept an ACD depends on the strength of the case and the client’s goals. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether an ACD or a different outcome is in the client’s best interest.

How long after an arrest does arraignment happen?

In Kings County, a person arrested on a misdemeanor or felony charge is generally arraigned within 24 hours of arrest, often at the New York City Criminal Court in Brooklyn. At arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges, considers bail or release, and sets future court dates. If the arrest occurs on a weekend or holiday, the arraignment may occur on the next business day. Having an attorney present at arraignment can be critical to securing release and protecting your rights. Our firm is available at (888) 437‑7747 to assist clients facing arraignment.

Do I need a lawyer for a criminal case in Kings County?

While you have the right to represent yourself, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney gives you the trusted chance for a favorable outcome in Kings County courts. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases actively, and the legal system has procedural pitfalls that can harm an unrepresented defendant. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions to suppress evidence, and advocate for diversion programs. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the prosecution builds its case and can develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What factors affect how long a criminal case takes?

The length of a Kings County criminal case depends on the charge classification, the court’s schedule, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanors generally resolve faster because they involve shorter discovery obligations and fewer procedural steps. Felonies require grand jury action and often extensive investigation. The availability of diversion programs like the ACD or drug treatment court can also shorten the timeline by avoiding trial altogether. Working with an attorney who understands the local court system can help move your case efficiently.

Can I get my case resolved without going to court?

Most criminal cases in Kings County are resolved without a trial—through plea bargains, dismissals, or diversion programs like the ACD. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to have charges reduced or dismissed before trial. For certain offenses, you may be eligible for an ACD or a program that allows the case to be resolved without a conviction. Even if a trial is ultimately necessary, early preparation can lead to a better outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve resolutions that minimize the stress and disruption of a trial.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with decades of criminal defense experience. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He and his Of Counsel handle criminal matters in Kings County with a thorough understanding of local court procedures, statutory deadlines, and prosecutorial tactics. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

For a consultation about your criminal case timeline in Kings County, call (888) 437‑7747.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.