What happens at a criminal arraignment in Brooklyn
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after a criminal arrest in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. At the arraignment, the charges against you are read, you enter a plea, and the judge determines bail or other conditions of your pretrial release. For most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, you may be released on your own recognizance or with a desk appearance ticket rather than being held in custody. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly for clients at the Kings County Criminal Court, located at 360 Adams Street in downtown Brooklyn. If you have been arrested or received a desk appearance ticket for a criminal matter in Brooklyn, you can request a consultation by reaching Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the arraignment process in Brooklyn
The arraignment sets the trajectory of your criminal case. In Kings County, the New York City Criminal Court handles misdemeanor and violation‑level offenses, while the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term handles felony cases. After arrest, you are typically brought before a judge within 24 hours. At that first appearance, the court will confirm your identity, inform you of the charges, and ask for your plea. If you do not have an attorney, the court may assign a public defender or allow you time to retain private counsel. This initial hearing is not the trial; it is the procedural gateway to the rest of the case. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, and his Of Counsel understand the pace and expectations of the Brooklyn courts. They can explain the charges, advise on the most prudent plea entry, and move to secure your release under reasonable conditions.
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail has been eliminated for most misdemeanors and many non‑violent felonies. Many defendants are issued a desk appearance ticket at the precinct and not held overnight. When bail is set, the court will consider factors such as your ties to the community, prior record, and the nature of the offense. An attorney can present a bail package—including letters from family, proof of employment, and other documentation—to argue for release on your own recognizance or for bail in an amount you can afford. In some cases, the prosecution may request an adjournment to investigate the case further before the next court date.
How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle criminal arraignments
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach an arraignment as a critical opportunity to shape the direction of the case. They review the arrest report, the criminal complaint, and any evidence available in the court file before the hearing. At the arraignment, they raise any preliminary legal issues—such as defective charging documents or lack of probable cause—and negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable disposition. For many first‑time offenders, they may seek an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), which is a disposition that results in an automatic dismissal and sealing of the case after a period of six to twelve months if no new arrests occur. The lawyers also make a case for release without bail or for a bail amount the client can post, using a bail‑application package tailored to the client’s circumstances.
After the arraignment, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel continue to investigate the case, file appropriate motions, and prepare for trial if a resolution cannot be reached. They remain in regular contact with the client throughout the process, ensuring the client understands each court date and the strategy moving forward. The firm’s multi‑state litigation experience helps it anticipate prosecution tactics and develop a thorough defense. For guidance on your specific situation, you can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently asked questions about criminal arraignments in Brooklyn
What exactly is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first court hearing after a criminal arrest in which the judge reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. It is not a trial. The judge also decides issues of bail or release on recognizance. In Brooklyn, misdemeanor arraignments are held in NYC Criminal Court on Adams Street, while felony arraignments initially occur there before being transferred to Kings County Supreme Court. The arraignment must happen within 24 hours of arrest unless a desk appearance ticket was issued. This hearing sets the conditions under which the case proceeds and establishes the next court date.
What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment?
A not‑guilty plea preserves your right to challenge the charges and forces the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. After a not‑guilty plea, the judge sets bail or release conditions and schedules a future date for discovery, motions, or trial. The case then moves into the pretrial phase where your attorney can request evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the district attorney’s office. Pleading not guilty at arraignment is common and does not mean you cannot later accept a plea offer. It simply gives your attorney time to evaluate the evidence and build a defense.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You have the right to an attorney at your arraignment, and having one present can be the difference between release and remaining in custody. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will assign a Legal Aid attorney or an 18‑b panel attorney. However, a private attorney like Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel can appear on short notice and begin advocating for your release and the most favorable case trajectory immediately. In Brooklyn, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, present a bail package, and argue for an ACD or other favorable disposition at the very first appearance. It is never too early to involve counsel.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?
An ACD is a disposition available in Brooklyn for certain first‑time offenders in which the case is adjourned for six to twelve months and then automatically dismissed and sealed if the defendant stays out of trouble. It is not a conviction. The judge can grant an ACD at the arraignment or at a later hearing, often with the prosecution’s consent. During the adjournment period, the defendant must avoid new arrests and may be required to perform community service or attend a program. After the period expires, the case is dismissed, and the record is sealed under CPL § 160.50, meaning most background checks will not reveal it.
How does bail work in Brooklyn after the 2020 bail reform?
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer permitted for most misdemeanors and many non‑violent felonies; defendants are generally released on their own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions. For qualifying violent felonies, domestic violence offenses, sex crimes, and certain other charges, bail may still be set. If bail is imposed, the judge must consider the least restrictive conditions necessary to ensure the defendant’s return to court. A desk appearance ticket is often issued at the precinct for low‑level offenses, meaning the defendant is not held overnight. An attorney can argue for release under supervision or for a bail amount that reflects the client’s financial circumstances.
Can I plead guilty at my arraignment?
You may plead guilty at an arraignment, but it is rarely advisable without consulting an attorney because a guilty plea results in a criminal conviction that can carry lifelong consequences. In Brooklyn, judges typically accept a guilty plea only after confirming that the defendant understands the rights being waived, including the right to trial and the right to confront witnesses. An attorney can assess whether the prosecution’s evidence justifies a plea and whether a favorable plea agreement could be reached that avoids a conviction—such as an ACD or a violation‑level disposition. Pleading guilty without counsel is highly risky and can close off valuable defenses.
What is a desk appearance ticket (DAT), and do I still have to go to court?
A desk appearance ticket is a document issued by the police instead of holding a person in custody overnight; it directs the recipient to appear in Brooklyn Criminal Court on a specific date for arraignment. Yes, you must appear at the court on the date listed. Failure to appear can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. A DAT does not mean the case is minor or that a lawyer is unnecessary. An attorney can appear with you and may be able to negotiate a resolution at the first appearance, even before an arraignment formally occurs. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help clients who have received a DAT in Brooklyn understand the charges and prepare for the court date.
How long does the arraignment process take in Brooklyn?
The arraignment itself typically lasts only a few minutes, but the wait in the courthouse can take several hours, depending on the court’s calendar and the number of cases being processed that day. In Kings County Criminal Court, mornings are often busy, and defendants may wait in a holding cell or courtroom until their case is called. If you are released on a desk appearance ticket, you should arrive early on your scheduled date. Having an attorney present can streamline the process, because your lawyer can check in with the prosecutor and the court clerk to advance your case on the calendar. The time from arrest to arraignment is generally within 24 hours unless a DAT was issued.
When will I be able to speak to my attorney before the arraignment?
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. before your court date, Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel will meet with you to review the case and prepare for the arraignment. If you are in custody, your attorney can visit you at the precinct or at central booking. It is important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest so that counsel has time to gather information and prepare any bail application materials. You can call (888) 437‑7747 at any time—the firm’s phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more thoroughly they can prepare for your first court appearance.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring a copy of your desk appearance ticket or any paperwork you received from the police, a valid photo identification, and contact information for your family or employer. If you have retained an attorney, also bring any correspondence from that office. If you plan to request court‑appointed counsel, you may need to provide financial documents to demonstrate eligibility. Dress conservatively and arrive on time. The courthouse at 360 Adams Street is accessible by subway (2/3/4/5 trains to Borough Hall, or B/D/F/G/N/Q/R lines). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on courtroom etiquette and what to expect, which can ease the stress of the experience.
What happens after the arraignment?
After the arraignment, the case moves to the pretrial phase, during which your attorney receives discovery from the prosecutor, files motions, and continues to negotiate for a favorable resolution. You will receive a date for the next court appearance, which could be for a hearing, a conference, or a trial. If you were granted an ACD, you simply must comply with the conditions for the designated period and avoid new arrests for the case to be dismissed and sealed. If you were released on bail or on your own recognizance, you must appear in court on every scheduled date. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will stay with your case from arraignment through disposition, whether that is a dismissal, a plea, or a trial.
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About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm that has served clients across New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he brings firsthand understanding of how the prosecution builds a case, which allows him to anticipate and challenge the evidence at every stage, including arraignment. He works collaboratively with his Of Counsel, who are experienced criminal defense and litigation attorneys. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to Brooklyn criminal matters. Results may vary.
Last reviewed: July 2026
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