What happens at a criminal arraignment in Union County
An arraignment is the first court appearance for a person charged with a crime in Union County, New Jersey. At the arraignment, the judge formally advises you of the charges filed against you, explains your right to an attorney, and determines the conditions of your pretrial release. In New Jersey, the landscape changed significantly with the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017—cash bail has been eliminated. Instead, release decisions are guided by a computerized Public Safety Assessment that measures the risk of flight and the danger to the community. Arraignments for disorderly persons offenses, which are comparable to misdemeanors, take place in the Union County Municipal Court. Indictable offenses, similar to felonies, are handled in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division—Criminal Part, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. For guidance specific to your situation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at Your Arraignment in Union County
The arraignment process may feel unfamiliar, but knowing the key steps can help you prepare. Below is an outline of what typically occurs.
Reading of the Charges and Entering a Plea
The judge will read the complaint or indictment aloud, explaining the specific offense or offenses you are accused of, along with the statutory citation under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. You will then be asked how you plead. In most cases, defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. The court will schedule a future date for a pretrial conference or a status hearing, giving your defense counsel time to review discovery and discuss the case with the prosecutor.
Right to Counsel
You have a constitutional right to representation. At the arraignment, the judge will ask whether you have retained a defense attorney or whether you need the services of a public defender. If you meet the financial eligibility requirements, the court may appoint a public defender, though a statutory application fee may apply. It is always prudent to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer well before your court date so that counsel can appear with you and advocate on your behalf from the very first proceeding.
Pretrial Release Determination
New Jersey’s bail reform law eliminated monetary bail. Instead, the court uses a risk‑based system. Before your arraignment, pretrial services prepare a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) that scores your risk of failing to appear and the risk of new criminal activity. The prosecutor may move for pretrial detention if the charges are serious, such as a first‑ or second‑degree crime, or if the PSA score indicates a high risk. The judge will review the PSA and hear arguments from both sides before deciding whether you will be released on your own recognizance, released with conditions, or detained pending trial. A well‑prepared defense attorney can present mitigating information that may influence the court’s decision.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Assist at Arraignment
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team focus on protecting your rights from the moment you enter the courtroom. They review the charging documents for any procedural defects, argue for favorable conditions of release, and begin laying the groundwork for a thorough defense. Drawing on decades of collective courtroom experience, the team is familiar with the practices of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, and the local Municipal Court. They understand how the PSA framework operates and can highlight factors such as community ties, employment, and lack of prior record to advocate for your release without unnecessary restrictions. By having counsel present at the arraignment, you ensure that key deadlines are not missed and that your case starts on the strongest possible footing.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with his Of Counsel, he brings multi‑state experience to criminal defense matters in Union County. The team includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement, providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. All attorneys work collaboratively on each case, striving for favorable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No, New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Union County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not the ability to pay money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ. The PSA evaluates the likelihood of failing to appear and the risk of new criminal activity. Based on this score, the judge may release you on your own recognizance, impose non‑monetary conditions, or order detention.
What is Pre‑Trial Intervention (PTI) in Union County?
PTI is a diversionary program for first‑time indictable (felony) offenders in Union County. If accepted, you are placed under court supervision for a period typically ranging from one to three years. Upon successful completion, the charges are dismissed, and you avoid a criminal conviction. The application is processed through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage. For first‑time drug possession offenses in Municipal Court, a similar diversion called conditional discharge may be available. A defense attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes, New Jersey law allows for expungement after specified waiting periods. For indictable crimes, the waiting period is generally five years from the date of conviction, completion of probation, or release from incarceration, whichever is later. For disorderly persons offenses, the wait is two years. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility further. Arrests that did not result in a conviction may also be eligible for expungement. Petitions are filed in the Superior Court of Union County. An attorney can help determine if your record qualifies.
What should I bring to my arraignment in Union County?
Bring a valid government‑issued photo ID, any paperwork you received from the police or the court, and a list of your current prescription medications. If you have retained a lawyer, your attorney will provide guidance on additional documents. Dress in a respectful manner and arrive early to allow time for security screening at the courthouse. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage is located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss what to expect before your court date.
What happens if I miss my arraignment date?
Missing an arraignment can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. In New Jersey, failure to appear is taken seriously. If you miss your court date, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer may be able to file a motion to recall the warrant and reschedule the hearing. Prompt action can help minimize additional consequences. Do not attempt to resolve the situation on your own without legal counsel.
How does the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) work in Union County?
The PSA is an evidence‑based risk assessment tool that generates a score based on a defendant’s criminal history, prior failures to appear, age, and other factors. The score is presented to the judge before the arraignment. It does not replace the judge’s discretion, but it provides a standardized starting point for the release decision. An experienced attorney can address the PSA’s findings and present additional information—such as employment, family ties, and community support—to argue for release on the least restrictive conditions.
Do I need a lawyer for an arraignment in Union County?
You are not required to have a lawyer at the arraignment, but having one is highly advisable. An attorney can ensure the charges are properly read, argue for your release under favorable conditions, and begin building your defense strategy immediately. Statements you make during the arraignment can be used against you later. With counsel present, you protect your rights and position yourself better for the entire case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between disorderly persons and indictable offenses in NJ?
In New Jersey, disorderly persons offenses are roughly equivalent to misdemeanors in other states, while indictable offenses are the equivalent of felonies. Disorderly persons matters are heard in Municipal Court, with a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a fine. Indictable offenses, ranging from fourth‑degree to first‑degree, are adjudicated in Superior Court and carry more severe penalties, including state prison time. The arraignment process differs slightly between the two court levels, and it is important to have counsel who understands both.
Where can I find more information about Union County courts?
Official information about the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage can be found on the New Jersey Courts website. Visit Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage for court hours, directions, and procedural updates. For legal guidance tailored to your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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