What happens at a criminal arraignment in Kings County
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime in Kings County (Brooklyn), the first court appearance is the arraignment. This proceeding usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest and is conducted at the NYC Criminal Court in Brooklyn. At arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges, advises them of their rights, and determines whether the defendant will be released or held while the case is pending. New York’s bail reform has eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and many non‑violent felonies, so many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under supervised conditions. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has handled criminal matters in Kings County since 1997. For a consultation about your arraignment or any criminal charge, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the arraignment process in Kings County (Brooklyn)
The arraignment in Kings County follows the framework of New York Criminal Procedure Law. After arrest, the defendant is taken to Central Booking and then brought before a judge in the Criminal Court located at 120 Schermerhorn Street (Brooklyn). The judge reads the charges, which may be a desk appearance ticket (DAT) for minor offenses or a felony complaint. The defendant enters a plea – usually “not guilty” at this stage. The judge then makes a decision about release: in New York, under the 2020 bail reform, cash bail is not available for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies; the court may release the defendant on recognizance (ROR), set supervised release conditions, or, for qualifying offenses, impose bail. The judge also schedules the next court date and may address a temporary order of protection if the charge involves domestic violence or a family offense.
In Kings County, the case may proceed in the Criminal Court or, for felony charges, move toward indictment in the New York Supreme Court, Kings County. An experienced criminal lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the complaint, argue for the least restrictive release conditions, and begin gathering discovery immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have extensive familiarity with Kings County arraignment practice and can appear on behalf of a person accused, often without the defendant having to speak to the court directly.
What to expect after arraignment in Kings County
After arraignment, the case enters the pretrial phase. The prosecution is required to provide discovery under New York’s pretrial discovery law. Misdemeanor cases typically proceed in Kings County Criminal Court, while felony cases go before a grand jury if an indictment is sought. The defense may negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduced charge, or deferred disposition such as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). An ACD, if granted by the court, results in the case being adjourned for a period of time (often six to twelve months) and, if the defendant stays out of trouble, the charges are dismissed. This is a common outcome for first‑time, non‑violent offenses in Kings County.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work toward the trusted … Resolution at every stage – from the first arraignment through trial. Their experience in Kings County courts allows them to identify procedural or evidentiary issues early and to advise the client on whether to consider a plea offer or to challenge the charges. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings insight into the prosecution’s approach and can present a strong defense tailored to the specific criminal charge.
About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His background includes experience in accounting and information systems, which is particularly useful in financial and technology‑related criminal cases. Mr. Sris is involved in complex criminal defense matters and collaborates with his Of Counsel attorneys on all cases and works collaboratively with Of Counsel attorneys. The firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Kings County, including neighborhoods like Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Flatbush. The team is available during business hours by phone and can arrange a consultation promptly.
Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s commitment to thorough legal advocacy is evident in every case it handles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of a criminal arraignment in Kings County?
The arraignment is the first court appearance where the defendant is formally notified of the charges, advised of the right to counsel, and enters a plea. The judge also determines whether the defendant will be released pending trial. In Kings County, the judge may release the defendant on recognizance, set supervised release conditions, or, in cases that qualify under current law, set bail. The arraignment sets the tone for the entire case and is an opportunity for defense counsel to argue for the least restrictive pretrial conditions.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Kings County?
Yes. It is important to have an attorney present at your arraignment. The lawyer can challenge the legal sufficiency of the complaint, argue for release without bail, and protect your right to remain silent. Without counsel, you risk making statements that could be used against you later. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can appear at arraignments on short notice. Call (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation as soon as possible.
What happens if I miss my arraignment in Kings County?
If you miss a scheduled arraignment, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You should contact an attorney immediately to arrange a surrender and ask the court to recall the warrant. Failing to appear can result in additional charges and may affect the judge’s decision about pretrial release later in the case. Prompt action is important to minimize the consequences.
Can the charges be dropped at arraignment in Kings County?
It is possible for charges to be dismissed at arraignment if the complaint is legally insufficient or the prosecutor declines to proceed. This is more common with desk‑appearance‑ticket cases where the complaint has not been properly drafted. The defense attorney can move to dismiss a defective complaint. In some instances, the prosecutor may offer a quick resolution, but that decision usually depends on the nature of the charge and the defendant’s prior record.
How does bail work at a Kings County arraignment?
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is not available for most misdemeanors and many non‑violent felonies. For offenses that remain bail‑eligible – such as violent felonies or certain sex crimes – the judge may set bail after considering the defendant’s risk of flight and the seriousness of the charge. The court also has the option of supervised release, which may include check‑ins or electronic monitoring. An attorney can present arguments in favor of release without bail.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) and is it available at arraignment?
An ACD is a deferred‑disposition tool that may be offered at or after arraignment for certain first‑time, non‑violent offenses. The case is adjourned for a period (usually six to twelve months). If the defendant stays out of trouble and fulfills any conditions, the charges are dismissed and the record sealed. The prosecutor and the court must agree to an ACD. Mr. Sris frequently negotiates favorable ACD outcomes for eligible clients in Kings County.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring photo identification, any paperwork you received from the police, and contact information for your attorney. It is also helpful to bring a list of any medications you take and the name and phone number of a family member who can assist with release or communication. Your lawyer will typically handle the legal filings, so there is no need to bring legal documents beyond what you were given.
Can I speak to the judge about my side of the story at arraignment?
You should not speak to the judge about the facts of your case at arraignment without first consulting your attorney. While the judge may ask you routine questions about your background or finances for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointed counsel, any discussion of the alleged crime can be used against you. Your attorney will handle all substantive arguments and can advise you on when it is safe to speak.
How long does an arraignment take in Kings County?
The arraignment itself is usually brief – often under fifteen minutes – but the wait in the courthouse can last several hours. After arrest, the defendant is processed through Central Booking, which can take many hours or even overnight before the person sees a judge. Once in the courtroom, the proceeding is short because the primary decisions (plea, release, next date) are handled quickly.
Where can I find more information about Kings County criminal courts?
Official court information is available on the New York State Unified Court System website. You can access docket information, court calendars, and procedural guides at nycourts.gov/courts/2jd/kings/. For case‑specific advice, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations at (888) 437‑7747.
Related practice areas: Manhattan criminal lawyer | Queens criminal lawyer | Staten Island criminal lawyer | Nassau County criminal lawyer
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