How long does a criminal case take in Westchester County

The answer depends on several factors—the severity of the charge, whether the case stays in Westchester County Criminal Court or moves up to Supreme Court Criminal Term, the strength of the evidence, and whether a negotiated resolution is possible. A misdemeanor matter typically moves from arraignment to disposition in a matter of months, while an indicted felony can extend well past a year. New York’s speedy-trial statute, CPL § 30.30, sets readiness deadlines that the People must meet, and an experienced attorney can make a meaningful difference in how those deadlines are applied in a specific case. For clients in Westchester County, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve matters as efficiently as the facts allow while protecting the client’s rights at every stage. To discuss your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What affects the timeline of a Westchester County criminal case

The starting point is whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanors are heard in the local criminal court, where arraignments typically occur within 24 hours of arrest and a trial date may be set within weeks. Felonies begin with a preliminary hearing or a direct presentation to the grand jury; if an indictment is returned, the case transfers to the Westchester County Supreme Court Criminal Term at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in White Plains. That process alone can add several months.

New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, so many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with conditions while the case proceeds. An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal provides a way to close a first‑offense matter after a period of good behavior during which the charges are adjourned and then dismissed automatically. The availability of an ACD depends on the charge, the defendant’s record, and the position of the District Attorney’s Office. Pretrial motion practice, discovery demands, experienced attorney‑witness consultation, and plea negotiations all influence how long the case ultimately remains open. The court’s calendar and the individual judge’s scheduling practices also play a role.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical timeline for a misdemeanor in Westchester County?

A Westchester County misdemeanor can resolve in as little as a few weeks if the charge is eligible for an ACD or a plea, or it can take several months if motions or a trial are necessary. After the arraignment, the court schedules a conference or hearing date. Many cases are resolved at that stage. If the case goes to trial, the People must be ready within the 90‑day speedy‑trial window, though time can be excluded for hearings or defendant‑requested adjournments.

How long does a felony case take in Westchester County?

A felony case typically takes several months to well over a year, depending on whether the case is indicted and whether it proceeds to trial. The grand‑jury process adds time, and the People have six months to be ready for trial once the indictment is filed. Complex felonies—fraud, large‑scale drug cases, violent felonies—may involve extensive discovery, forensic analysis, and motion practice that extend the schedule.

What is an ACD and can it shorten my case?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal allows a first‑offense case to be adjourned for six to twelve months, after which the charges are dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble. The timeline is controlled by the court’s order, but the matter is effectively resolved at the outset as long as the defendant complies with the conditions. Not all charges qualify; your attorney can determine eligibility.

Does New York’s bail reform affect how long my case takes?

New York’s 2020 bail reform does not directly control the calendar, but it can affect pretrial release and the pressure to resolve the case quickly. Most defendants in Westchester County are released without bail, which means they can continue working and assisting with the defense while the case is pending. However, release without bail may reduce the urgency for some defendants to resolve the matter, potentially lengthening the timeline.

What happens at an arraignment in Westchester County?

At the arraignment the court advises the defendant of the charges, enters a plea, and sets a schedule for the next court date. For misdemeanors, this happens at the Westchester County Criminal Court; for felonies, the initial arraignment may precede a preliminary hearing or grand‑jury presentation. A lawyer can argue for the lowest appropriate bail or release conditions at this stage.

How does pretrial motion practice affect the timeline?

Motion practice—challenging evidence, seeking to suppress statements or physical evidence, requesting discovery—adds weeks or months to a case but is often essential to a favorable outcome. Hearings on motions are scheduled based on the court’s calendar. The extra time can be valuable if the defense identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that lead to a dismissal or a better plea offer.

Can a criminal case in Westchester County be resolved without a trial?

Yes, the large majority of criminal cases in Westchester County resolve through a negotiated plea, an ACD, or a dismissal without a trial. Plea negotiations can happen at any stage—after discovery, during motion hearings, or even on the eye-of-trial date. A strong defense posture often drives the district attorney to offer a resolution that avoids the risk and expense of trial.

What should I do if I am arrested in Westchester County?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and avoid making statements to law enforcement beyond identifying yourself. Anything you say can be used against you. A lawyer can appear at the arraignment, argue for your release, and begin building a defense strategy at the earliest possible moment. Time is critical; early intervention often leads to a faster resolution.

How can a lawyer help speed up my case?

An experienced attorney can push for a swift resolution by filing motions that expose weaknesses, engaging the prosecutor early, and seeking the quickest favorable disposition the facts support. That does not mean rushing to an unfavorable plea; it means using knowledge of the Westchester County courts and the assigned assistant district attorney to move the case toward its most efficient end point.

About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense across multiple states since founding the firm in 1997. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he brings decades of experience to every matter. He works alongside his Of Counsel—experienced litigators who understand New York criminal procedure and the practices of the Westchester County courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

New York legal resources:
New York Penal Law •
Westchester County Supreme Court •
New York Criminal Procedure Law

Last reviewed: July 2026

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