What happens at a criminal arraignment in Nassau County
You were arrested in Nassau County—perhaps after a night out in Garden City, a traffic stop on the LIE, or a domestic dispute in Hempstead. You’ve been given a desk appearance ticket or you were brought before a judge and now you need to attend an arraignment. That first court appearance determines whether you will remain in custody, what charges you face, and how you should plead. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we know this moment is stressful. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to have experienced counsel at your side from the very first hearing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy for Your Arraignment
An arraignment is more than a formality. The plea you enter, the arguments your lawyer makes about release, and any early discussion with the prosecutor all shape the case ahead. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team prepare for arraignments by reviewing the accusatory instrument, identifying potential legal challenges to the charges, and advising you on the most appropriate plea. Even if you ultimately decide to plead not guilty, having an attorney present at this stage helps protect your rights. The court will not appoint counsel until you ask for one; if you wait until the day of the hearing, you may lose the opportunity to be fully prepared. Contact our firm before your date so we can evaluate the circumstances and appear with you.
What to Expect at a Nassau County Arraignment
In Nassau County, misdemeanor arraignments are typically held in the Nassau County District Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola. Felony arraignments take place in the Criminal Term of the Nassau County Supreme Court. When you appear, the judge will read the charges against you—either from a complaint or an indictment. You will then be asked to enter a plea. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or in limited circumstances, not guilty with an explanation. The court will also address the issue of release. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, many defendants charged with non-violent misdemeanors are released on their own recognizance or on an unsecured bond. For certain violent felonies, the court may set cash bail or order detention. The judge will schedule your next court appearance; you must attend every date or a warrant may issue. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in these courts and can guide you through the process.
Penalty Overview (Narrative)
Criminal charges in New York carry a wide range of potential consequences, and the classification of your offense determines the maximum jail or prison time. A violation—such as disorderly conduct—is punishable by up to 15 days in jail. A Class B misdemeanor carries up to three months, while a Class A misdemeanor like petit larceny (under $1,000) can result in up to one year of incarceration. Felony sentences are more severe: a Class E felony ranges from 1 to 4 years in prison, a Class C felony from 3½ to 15 years, and a Class A-I felony up to life. Fines, probation, conditional discharges, and permanent criminal records are also possible. An experienced attorney can negotiate for alternatives such as an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible first offenses, which results in the dismissal of charges after a period of good behavior. Because the actual outcome depends on your specific allegations, prior history, and the strength of the evidence, it is important to have counsel who understands the nuances of Nassau County courts. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Since 1997, he and his Of Counsel team have represented individuals in criminal matters across New York State. Their combined experience extends to Nassau County courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Our New York location in Buffalo serves clients throughout Long Island. Every case is handled collaboratively by Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, ensuring your defense benefits from extensive collective legal insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plea should I enter at my arraignment?
In most cases, you should plead not guilty at your arraignment. Pleading not guilty preserves your right to receive the evidence from the prosecution, negotiate with the district attorney’s office, and decide later whether to accept a plea offer or go to trial. Pleading guilty at arraignment—often to the original charge—may have immediate consequences, including a criminal record. If you are unsure, an attorney can advise you. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case with you before any plea is entered.
Will I be released after the arraignment?
For many non-violent misdemeanors in New York, you will be released on your own recognizance at the arraignment. Under the 2020 bail reform law, cash bail is generally not set for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. For certain violent felony charges, the judge may order bail or remand you to custody. Even if you are held, your attorney can request a bail review at a later hearing. The decision depends on the charges, your ties to the community, and your history of appearing in court. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if I miss my arraignment?
Missing your arraignment can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. If you do not appear, the court will likely issue a warrant, and you could be arrested and held until you see a judge. You may also face an additional charge of bail jumping. If you missed your date unintentionally, contact an attorney immediately. They can help you surrender to the court and ask the judge to recall the warrant. Prompt action is essential to avoid compounding your legal troubles.
Can I have a lawyer at the arraignment?
Yes, you have the right to have a lawyer represent you at your arraignment. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one—but this may not happen until the arraignment itself, and you may need to appear first and request assigned counsel. If you hire a private attorney like those at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., they can appear with you from the start. Having your own counsel at arraignment ensures someone is advocating for your release, examining the charges, and advising on plea decisions.
Do I need to say anything at the arraignment?
Generally, you should speak only through your attorney at an arraignment. You will need to answer basic identifying questions, but you are not required to explain your side of the incident. Anything you say on the record can be used against you later. If you are unrepresented, the judge may ask about your ability to hire counsel. Beyond that, it is best to let a lawyer handle the legal arguments. Our firm prepares clients for what to expect so there are no surprises.
What is a desk appearance ticket?
A desk appearance ticket (DAT) directs you to appear in court on a specific date instead of being held in custody after an arrest. In New York, police often issue DATs for low-level misdemeanors and violations. The ticket lists the date, time, and location of your arraignment. If you receive a DAT, you are not booked and released from custody, but you must still appear. Contact our firm before the date so we can review the charges and be prepared to appear with you.
How soon after an arrest is the arraignment scheduled?
An arraignment must occur without unnecessary delay, and for most arrests in Nassau County, it takes place within 24 hours if you are held in custody. If you were released on a desk appearance ticket, the date may be a few weeks later. The exact timing depends on the court’s docket and the charges. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as you know about a court date so that evidence can be preserved and preparation can begin.
Can the charges be dropped at arraignment?
It is uncommon for charges to be dropped at the arraignment, but a prosecutor may sometimes dismiss them before formal arraignment if the evidence is clearly insufficient. More often, the arraignment is the first formal step, and your attorney will use the time after the hearing to investigate the case, file motions, and negotiate with the district attorney. A dismissal may happen later in the process. Our firm evaluates every case for early dismissal opportunities.
What court handles criminal cases in Nassau County?
Misdemeanors are heard in the Nassau County District Court; felonies proceed in the Nassau County Supreme Court Criminal Term. Both courts are located at 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola. Certain very minor offenses, like traffic infractions, may be handled in the local town or village justice courts. Our firm appears in all of these courthouses and can tell you where you need to go.
Should I contact a lawyer before my arraignment date?
Yes, contacting a lawyer before your arraignment gives you the trusted chance to prepare a strong defense. An early consultation allows your attorney to review the charges, investigate the facts, and speak with the prosecutor before the hearing. If you are eligible for a pre-arraignment diversion or alternative program, your lawyer can present that argument. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Nassau County Supreme Court Court hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
For a full statutory breakdown of New York criminal procedure, visit our main site at srislawyer.com.
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
If you are facing an arraignment in Nassau County, do not go alone. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team are ready to represent you. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Our New York location serves clients throughout Long Island.
New York location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.