What happens at a criminal arraignment in Brooklyn
A criminal arraignment in Brooklyn is the first court appearance after an arrest, where a judge formally reads the charges, the defendant enters a plea, and bail or release conditions are set. In Kings County, arraignments for misdemeanors and violations are handled by the New York City Criminal Court, while felony arraignments take place in the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team represent clients at arraignments throughout Kings County, including the neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, and beyond. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Under New York Penal Law, a Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail; a Class B misdemeanor carries up to three months; and a violation carries up to fifteen days.
Source: New York Penal Law (PEN). N.Y. Penal Law
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
For a criminal case in New York, the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days of arraignment for a misdemeanor and within six months for a felony under the speedy-trial provisions of Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30.
Source: N.Y. CPL § 30.30. N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What a Criminal Arraignment Means in Brooklyn
An arraignment in Brooklyn is the formal start of a criminal case under New York law. At the Kings County Criminal Court for misdemeanors or the Supreme Court Criminal Term for felonies, the judge ensures the defendant understands the charges, advises of the right to counsel, and takes a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The proceeding also addresses bail. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail has been eliminated for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies; many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with a desk appearance ticket rather than being held for arraignment. However, bail may still be set for violent felonies and qualifying offenses.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in the Brooklyn courthouses. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel understand how the Kings County District Attorney’s Office approaches charging decisions and how the court evaluates bail, supervised release, and adjournments in contemplation of dismissal (ACDs). An attorney who knows the local practice can argue for release on recognizance, negotiate a favorable plea offer at the earliest stage, or preserve legal challenges that could lead to a dismissal.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Arraignment Cases
When a client faces an arraignment in Brooklyn, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by obtaining the complaint, assessing the legal sufficiency of the charges, and reviewing the circumstances of the arrest. Before the court appearance, the attorney consults with the client to prepare a statement, gather mitigating information, and develop a release plan to present to the judge. At the arraignment, the attorney enters a plea of not guilty in almost every case to preserve all rights, argues for the client’s release without bail or for the least restrictive conditions, and may request a short adjournment to continue negotiations or review discovery. The goal at this stage is to secure the client’s liberty, protect the record, and position the case for favorable outcomes as it moves toward motion practice, hearings, or trial.
Because New York’s Criminal Procedure Law imposes strict speedy trial timeframes—90 days for misdemeanors, six months for felonies—early attention at arraignment is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel use the initial appearance to identify any defects in the accusatory instrument, to preserve the client’s right to a preliminary hearing in felony cases when applicable, and to begin building a defense strategy tailored to the Kings County court system.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the prosecution builds a case, which informs his strategy at arraignment and beyond. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is joined by Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate in criminal defense. Together, they bring extensive combined legal experience to Brooklyn criminal matters. The team’s multi-state perspective and familiarity with the Kings County courts give clients a comprehensive defense from the very first court appearance. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an arraignment in Brooklyn?
A judge reads the charges, informs the defendant of the right to counsel, takes a plea, and decides bail or release conditions. At the Kings County Criminal Court (for misdemeanors) or Supreme Court Criminal Term (for felonies), the proceeding typically lasts only a few minutes. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court assigns counsel. The judge may also set a future court date for discovery or hearings.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
Yes; having an attorney present at arraignment can significantly affect bail, release conditions, and the immediate direction of the case. An experienced lawyer can argue for release on recognizance, identify weaknesses in the complaint, and begin negotiating with the prosecutor before a plea is entered. Without counsel, you risk being detained or making statements that can be used against you.
What are the possible outcomes of an arraignment in Kings County?
The judge may release the defendant on recognizance, set bail, impose supervised release, or—for eligible offenses—issue a desk appearance ticket instead of holding an arraignment. For certain first-offense cases, the court may offer an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), under which charges are dismissed after a period of good behavior.
How does bail work after an arraignment in Brooklyn?
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, meaning those defendants are typically released without payment. If a qualifying violent felony is charged, the judge may set cash bail or a secured bond. An attorney can argue for the lowest possible amount or for an alternative to incarceration.
Can charges be dropped at the arraignment?
Charges are rarely dismissed outright at arraignment, but a prosecutor may agree to reduce or withdraw them if the complaint is legally insufficient or if evidence is weak. In addition, the court may grant an ACD immediately in appropriate cases, experienced to dismissal after a set period. An attorney can assess the complaint’s strength and request dismissal or reduction at this stage.
What should I do before my arraignment in Brooklyn?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away and gather any documents that support your character, employment, or community ties to present to the judge. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. If you have been released on a desk appearance ticket, note the court date and call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to prepare your defense.
Related pages: Criminal lawyer in Manhattan | Criminal lawyer in Queens | Criminal lawyer in Staten Island | Criminal lawyer in Nassau County
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