What happens at a criminal arraignment in Genesee County

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

An arraignment is the initial court proceeding after an arrest in Genesee County. It is where the defendant is formally advised of the charges, enters a plea, and the court determines bail or conditions of release. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail has been eliminated for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies; many defendants receive a desk‑appearance ticket and are directed to appear on a scheduled date rather than being held overnight. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents clients at arraignments in the local criminal courts of Genesee County and the Genesee County Supreme Court Criminal Term. Contact (888) 437‑7747 to discuss how an experienced multi‑state attorney can advocate for your interests from the very first court appearance.

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Direct answer: What to expect at a Genesee County arraignment

At the arraignment in a Genesee County local criminal court (misdemeanor) or the County Court / Supreme Court Criminal Term (felony), the judge or magistrate will read the accusatory instrument and inform the defendant of the charges. The defendant is advised of the right to counsel; if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court may assign counsel through the public defender’s office or the 18‑b panel system. The defendant then enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. For most non‑violent offenses, New York’s bail‑reform law means that release on recognizance is the default; the court may impose non‑monetary conditions such as an order of protection or a travel restriction. Felony cases proceed with a preliminary hearing or grand‑jury presentation, while misdemeanors remain in the local court for further proceedings.

An important procedural option available in Genesee County is the Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD). For eligible first‑offense matters, the court may adjourn the case for a period of six to twelve months. If the defendant stays out of further trouble during that time, the charges are automatically dismissed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether an ACD or another pre‑trial disposition may be appropriate early in the case and work to present that argument at arraignment or shortly after. Because the decisions made at arraignment—plea, bail conditions, and the scheduling of discovery deadlines—shape the entire trajectory of a criminal matter, having an experienced attorney present is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss my arraignment date in Genesee County?

Missing an arraignment can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest. The court will issue a warrant that authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the judge. Once arrested on the warrant, bail may be set or increased, and the case can become more complicated. It is important to contact your attorney immediately if you realize you have missed a court date. In some situations, counsel can arrange to voluntarily surrender and request that the warrant be vacated. Always keep your attorney’s contact information with you and confirm upcoming court dates. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance if a court date is missed.

Do I need a lawyer for a criminal arraignment in Genesee County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, legal representation at arraignment significantly protects your rights. An attorney can argue for release on recognizance, challenge the sufficiency of the complaint, and start building a defense strategy immediately. Your lawyer can also evaluate whether an ACD or other diversion program may apply and present that request to the court. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court will appoint an attorney, but you may still benefit from having experienced private counsel who can dedicate time to your case from the outset. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in Genesee County courts and understand local court expectations.

How is bail decided at a Genesee County arraignment?

Bail is decided based on the offense charged, the defendant’s ties to the community, criminal history, and the statutory bail‑eligibility rules under New York law. Since January 2020, most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies are bail‑eligible only in limited circumstances. For bail‑eligible offenses, the court may set cash bail, a bond, or supervised release conditions. The court may also impose restrictions such as an order of protection or travel limitations. Mr. Sris presents a bail‑argument package that highlights community ties, employment, and the absence of flight risk to support a favorable release decision.

Can an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) be requested at arraignment?

Yes, in appropriate cases, an ACD can be requested at the arraignment in Genesee County. An ACD is a disposition where the court adjourns the case for six to twelve months without entering a conviction. If the defendant remains arrest‑free during that period, the charges are dismissed and the record is sealed. Not every offense is eligible, and the prosecution must consent. Having an attorney present who can articulate why a particular case is suitable for an ACD increases the likelihood of securing this outcome early in the process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely pursue ACDs for eligible first‑offense matters.

What happens after the arraignment in a Genesee County criminal case?

After arraignment, the case moves into the pre‑trial discovery and motion phase. For misdemeanors in the local criminal court, the next date will typically be a conference or a hearing date. For felonies, the case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing or presentment to a grand jury. The defense may file motions to challenge evidence or to dismiss the accusatory instrument. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle every stage of the proceeding, from arraignment through trial or negotiated disposition. Contact (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your case.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Genesee County?

Bring a valid form of identification, any paperwork you received at arrest, and the name and phone number of your attorney. If you have documents that demonstrate ties to the community—such as proof of employment, lease agreements, or character letters—your attorney can use these to argue for a favorable bail or release decision. Also bring funds to cover potential bail or bond, if cash bail is set, though most arraignments now proceed under the 2020 bail‑reform rules. It is best to coordinate with your attorney beforehand to determine what materials may be helpful. Mr. Sris advises clients on what to bring before the court date.

Can I plead not guilty at arraignment and change my plea later?

Yes, a plea of not guilty entered at arraignment can be changed later if the case resolves through a negotiated disposition. A not‑guilty plea preserves all of your rights while your attorney investigates the case, reviews the evidence, and negotiates with the prosecutor. In Genesee County courts, many cases are resolved after the arraignment, often after the parties have had an opportunity to discuss potential resolutions, such as a reduced charge or an ACD. Mr. Sris counsels clients to enter a not‑guilty plea at arraignment unless the prosecution has made a concrete and favorable offer that is in the client’s best interest to accept immediately.

What are the possible pleas at a Genesee County arraignment?

The three standard pleas are guilty, not guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere), though no‑contest pleas are rare in New York criminal practice. A guilty plea results in immediate conviction and sentencing. A not‑guilty plea moves the case into the pre‑trial phase. Some courts may allow a defendant to enter a plea of not guilty and also request consideration for diversion or an ACD. Your attorney will explain the implications of each plea given the specific charge and your personal circumstances before you are asked to enter a plea. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your options before appearing in court.

How long does an arraignment take in Genesee County?

The length of an arraignment varies by the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar. For a straightforward misdemeanor, the proceeding may be completed in a matter of minutes once the case is called. If bail arguments are contested, the matter may take longer. In felony arraignments where a preliminary hearing is scheduled, the court appearance may be briefer because major issues are deferred to a later date. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve arraignment issues efficiently while protecting your rights.

What if I am arrested in another county but want counsel for a Genesee County matter?

An attorney admitted in New York can represent you in any county, including Genesee County. Mr. Sris is licensed to practice in New York and regularly appears in courts throughout the state, from Western New York to the New York City metropolitan area. If you have charges in multiple counties, a single firm handling all matters can help coordinate strategy and avoid conflicting obligations. Contact (888) 437‑7747 to arrange representation for a Genesee County case, regardless of where you reside or were arrested.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is led by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has extensive criminal trial experience in New York and four other jurisdictions. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters. Results may vary. Reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

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