What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bergen County

A criminal arraignment in Bergen County is your first formal court appearance after an arrest. At the hearing, a judge informs you of the charges, considers release conditions under New Jersey’s no-cash-bail system, and schedules future court dates. The process takes place at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage (10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601). Having an experienced defense attorney present at the arraignment can make a significant difference in the terms of your release and the direction of your case. If you or a family member has an arraignment coming up, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
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The Criminal Process in Bergen County: What to Expect at Arraignment

Arraignment in Bergen County follows New Jersey’s streamlined pretrial procedures. After an arrest, a person is brought before a judge in the Bergen County Division of the Superior Court. The court reads the complaint aloud and states the charges. Because New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the court does not set a money bond. Instead, a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) assesses the person’s risk of flight and danger to the community. Based on that score and arguments from counsel, the judge decides whether the person will be released on their own recognizance, released with supervision, or detained pending trial. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. For indictable offenses (felony-equivalent charges), the arraignment is the first step in a process that may lead to grand jury proceedings. For disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor-equivalent) the case proceeds in the Municipal Court. The court schedule varies; hearings are set according to the court’s calendar. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients navigate this process from the initial appearance onward.

Bergen County’s courts handle a broad spectrum of criminal matters. The Superior Court at 10 Main Street in Hackensack serves the 2nd Vicinage and is accessible from major routes including I-80, Route 17, and the GW Bridge. In addition to the standard release/detention decision, the arraignment allows a defendant to enter a plea—not guilty, guilty, or no contest. However, entering a plea without legal guidance can have long-term consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the charges, identify potential defenses, and advise on the plea that best protects the client’s interests.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases in Bergen County

When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent a client facing arraignment in Bergen County, they immediately begin preparing for the release hearing. They review the complaint and the PSA for any inaccuracies, gather supporting information about the client’s ties to the community and employment, and present arguments to the court for the least restrictive release conditions. Early attorney involvement can also preserve critical evidence, identify constitutional violations in the stop or search, and position the case for a favorable resolution through one of New Jersey’s diversionary programs. For example, first-time indictable offenders may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can result in a complete dismissal of charges after a period of supervision. First-time drug possession charges may be eligible for conditional discharge, also resulting in dismissal. The firm’s experience in Bergen County courts allows it to anticipate the local procedures and tailor a defense strategy from the very first hearing.

Our approach to criminal defense in Bergen County is comprehensive. After the arraignment, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine discovery, interview witnesses, and consult with investigators when necessary. They challenge evidence that was improperly obtained and negotiate with the prosecutor’s office for reduced charges or amended dispositions. The goal is to protect the client’s record, liberty, and future. For every case, the firm provides candid advice and works toward the most favorable outcome available under the circumstances. Every client receives individual attention and a defense strategy built on the facts of their matter.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is a former prosecutor. That prosecutorial experience gives him a practical understanding of how the state builds its cases and where those cases may be vulnerable. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, as well as in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, 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, Mr. Sris brings extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in Bergen County. The entire team concentrates on criminal defense and works collaboratively to prepare each case. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add depth to the practice. They include experienced litigators with backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement. This collective experience means a client receives the benefit of a team approach at every stage, from arraignment through trial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Every attorney at the firm is committed to high-quality representation and treats each client’s matter with seriousness and care. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747 and request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arraignment and Criminal Defense in Bergen County

Does New Jersey have cash bail?

No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA)—a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ. Cases are heard at Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Actively practices in Bergen County. Results may vary.

What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Bergen County, New Jersey?

PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Bergen County. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications are processed through the Bergen County Superior Court. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients apply for PTI. Results may vary.

Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?

Yes. New Jersey allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. The Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal. Petitions are filed in Bergen County Superior Court. An experienced attorney can advise on eligibility. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles expungement matters. Results may vary.

What is a disorderly persons offense in Bergen County, NJ?

A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days. These cases are heard in the Municipal Court. Indictable crimes (felonies) are handled by the Superior Court. Understanding the classification of a charge is crucial for defense strategy. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for guidance.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Bergen County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer present at your arraignment, but having counsel can significantly affect the release decision and the course of your case. An attorney can argue for the least restrictive release conditions, spot flaws in the complaint, and begin building a defense immediately. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the public defender’s office may be available, but private counsel offers dedicated, client-specific attention. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Official references:
Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage |
New Jersey Statutes (Title 2C)

Last reviewed: July 2026

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