What happens at a criminal arraignment in New York County
You were arrested, spent hours in central booking at 60 Centre Street, and are now sitting in a holding cell waiting for your name to be called. Your first court appearance—the arraignment—is about to begin. In New York County Criminal Court, the judge will read the charges against you, ask how you plead, and decide whether you will be released on your own recognizance, granted bail, or held. You have the right to have a lawyer present. What you say at this stage can affect the entire case. If you or a family member is facing an arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy at arraignment: what to do
An arraignment is not a trial—it is a procedural step where the charges are formally presented and you enter a plea. The most common plea is not guilty, which preserves all your rights and gives your defense team time to review the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and develop a strategy. Pleading guilty at arraignment means you are giving up those rights immediately, often without the benefit of a full investigation.
Having an attorney at your side lets you evaluate whether to seek release under New York’s 2020 bail-reform law (which eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies), request an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible offenses, or challenge the charges through motion practice later. The decisions made at arraignment—especially about bail and conditions of release—can affect you for months.
What to expect in a New York County arraignment
In Manhattan, misdemeanor and violation-level cases are heard in New York City Criminal Court at 60 Centre Street. Felony cases proceed through New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, also at 60 Centre Street. The arraignment itself typically moves quickly. When your case is called, the judge will tell you the charges, inform you of your right to counsel, and ask for your plea. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court may appoint one from the Legal Aid Society or an 18‑b panel.
After the plea, the judge addresses release. Under the 2020 reforms, desk appearance tickets (DATs) are issued for many low‑level offenses, so you may never be arrested at all. For those who are held, the judge will decide on recognizance release, supervised release, or—for qualifying violent felonies—bail. The court may also set a date for the next conference or for pretrial hearings. For eligible first offenses, the judge may discuss an ACD: the case is adjourned for six to twelve months and dismissed if you stay out of trouble. If you do not have a lawyer yet, you can ask the judge for time to retain counsel.
Penalties: a narrative overview
New York classifies offenses as violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. A violation (such as disorderly conduct) carries a maximum of 15 days. Class B misdemeanors (for example, harassment) have a maximum of 3 months; Class A misdemeanors (petit larceny, assault) carry up to one year. Felony classes range from E (1‑4 years, probation eligible) through D, C, B, and A‑I (15 years to life). Drug and weapon charges can carry mandatory minimum sentences. A conviction can also mean loss of a professional license, immigration consequences for non‑citizens, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into employment and housing. For a full statutory breakdown of New York criminal charges and penalties, see the comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.
About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Together with his Of Counsel, the team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens at a criminal arraignment in New York County?
At arraignment, the judge reads the charges, asks for your plea, and decides on bail or release under New York’s 2020 bail-reform law. The proceeding takes place in Manhattan Criminal Court (misdemeanors) or Supreme Court Criminal Term (felonies), both at 60 Centre Street. You have the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford one, the court may appoint counsel. The judge will also set the next date and may address discovery and future motions.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You are not required to have a lawyer at arraignment, but having an experienced defense attorney present is critical to protecting your rights. A lawyer can argue for release on recognizance, negotiate for an ACD on eligible first offenses, and enter a not‑guilty plea while preserving all defenses. Without counsel, you risk saying something that can be used against you later or accepting a plea that has long‑term consequences.
Can I get released without bail at my arraignment in Manhattan?
Yes, for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, New York’s bail reform eliminates cash bail and requires release on recognizance or supervised release. Bail may still be set for certain violent felonies and qualifying offenses listed in CPL §§ 510.10, 530.20. Your attorney can argue for the least restrictive conditions.
What is an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal)?
An ACD is a New York disposition in which the court adjourns the case for six to twelve months and, if you are not re‑arrested during that period, the charges are automatically dismissed and sealed. It is available for many first‑offense and non‑violent matters. An ACD avoids a conviction and is often the favorable outcomes for someone with no prior record.
Can charges be dropped at the arraignment?
Charges are rarely dropped at arraignment, but the prosecutor may reduce or amend them based on the initial complaint. In some cases, if the police report or witness account is weak, the assistant district attorney may offer a reduced charge or agree to an ACD. Your lawyer can discuss the evidence with the prosecutor before the case is called and negotiate favorable outcomes from the start.
How long does an arraignment take in New York County?
The arraignment itself often takes only a few minutes once your case is called, but you may wait several hours—or even overnight—before seeing a judge. After arrest and processing at central booking, you are held until the next available court session. In Manhattan, arraignment court runs daily, but the volume of cases can mean a long wait. An attorney can often speed the process by communicating with the clerk and prosecutor.
What should I wear to court for an arraignment?
Dress in clean, respectful clothing—such as slacks and a button‑down shirt for men, or a blouse and skirt or slacks for women—to make a positive impression on the judge. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, or clothing with offensive logos. If you are in custody, you will appear in jail‑issued attire, but your lawyer can still help present you favorably.
Can I speak to the assistant district attorney at my arraignment?
You should not speak to the prosecutor directly without your attorney present. The assistant district attorney may ask about the facts or your background, but anything you say can be used against you. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the prosecutor and advocate for the trusted plea or release terms.
Request a consultation
To discuss your arraignment and the next steps in your case, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747. We serve clients throughout New York County and across the state.
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50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
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