What happens at a criminal arraignment in Ontario County

You are arrested late on a Friday night in Canandaigua after an argument outside a bar. The police hand you a desk appearance ticket or, if the charge is more serious, hold you for a bail hearing. The paper says “appear at Ontario County Court for arraignment.” You have never been inside a courthouse and the word “arraignment” means nothing to you. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we walk clients through this exact moment every day. An arraignment is the first formal step in a New York criminal case — the proceeding where the judge tells you what you are charged with, you enter a plea, and the court decides what happens next while your case is pending. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in Ontario County courts and can explain how the process works, protect your rights, and help you prepare for that first court date. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What happens when you walk into the courtroom for an arraignment in Ontario County

Inside the Ontario County Courthouse in Canandaigua, a criminal arraignment follows a predictable order, but the stakes are still high. The judge calls your case, and you or your attorney step forward. The judge reads the charges from the accusatory instrument — typically a complaint or an information — summarizing what the police say you did. In New York, many low-level offenses result in a desk appearance ticket rather than a full custodial arrest, so you may already have been released and are appearing voluntarily. But if you were held in custody after arrest, the arraignment doubles as a bail determination.

When the judge asks for your plea, New York law allows several responses. You can plead not guilty, which is the most common first step and preserves all your rights, or you can plead guilty, or in some cases the prosecution may offer a reduction on the spot. A not-guilty plea does not decide the case; it simply means you are contesting the charges. After the plea, the judge addresses release conditions. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is eliminated for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies; many people are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions. If the charge is a violent felony or a qualifying offense, the judge may set bail or, in rare cases, remand you. The judge also schedules future court dates — for a misdemeanor, typically a conference or trial date within a few months; for a felony, the matter proceeds to a preliminary hearing or grand jury presentation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle local criminal defense matters throughout Ontario County and can appear with you at the Ontario County Criminal Court or Supreme Court Criminal Term to guide you through each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a criminal arraignment in New York?

A criminal arraignment in New York is the court proceeding where you are formally advised of the charges against you, you enter an initial plea, and the judge determines your release conditions or sets a future court schedule. It is not a trial, and no evidence is presented. The proceeding ensures you know what you are accused of and gives you the opportunity to assert your rights. For many low-level offenses, the arraignment may also be the first chance to discuss a possible resolution with the prosecutor.

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

You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your arraignment, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney with you can protect your rights and help you make informed decisions about your plea and release. A lawyer can argue for your release without bail, point out defects in the charges, and advise you on whether to plead not guilty. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals at arraignments in Ontario County.

What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment?

If you plead not guilty, the court accepts your plea and schedules future court dates, including a conference or a trial setting. Your case enters the pretrial phase where your attorney can request discovery, file motions, and negotiate with the district attorney’s office. A not-guilty plea preserves your right to challenge the evidence and require the prosecution to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. For misdemeanors, the case remains in Ontario County Criminal Court; for felonies, it proceeds to the Ontario County Supreme Court Criminal Term.

Can bail be set at my arraignment in Ontario County?

Yes, if you are charged with a violent felony or a qualifying offense, the judge may set bail at your arraignment. Under New York’s 2020 bail reforms, many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies no longer carry cash bail; instead, you are released on your own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions such as supervised release. If you were held after arrest, a bail hearing often occurs at the same time as the arraignment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can argue for your release on the least restrictive terms possible.

What is the difference between a desk appearance ticket and an arraignment in Ontario County?

A desk appearance ticket (DAT) is a written notice directing you to appear in court on a specific date, while an arraignment is the actual court proceeding where you are formally charged and enter a plea. With a DAT, you are not taken into custody; you simply appear on the designated date. At that appearance, the court holds an arraignment. The process is the same as if you had been arrested and released, but you avoid the initial hours in police custody.

How do I know which courthouse to go to for my arraignment in Ontario County?

The appearance ticket or arresting officer will tell you the specific court address, but Ontario County criminal cases are handled at the Ontario County Courthouse in Canandaigua for most matters, with felonies at the Supreme Court Criminal Term. The main courthouse is located at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua, New York 14424. If you are unsure, call our location at (888) 437-7747 and we can help you confirm the correct court and date.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Ontario County?

Bring your appearance ticket, any paperwork the police gave you, a government-issued photo ID, and any bail money if you expect to post bail. Dress appropriately for court — business casual is advisable. If you are working with an attorney, your attorney will instruct you on what specific documents to bring. It is also helpful to write down the names and badge numbers of any officers involved and a brief account of what happened while the details are fresh.

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

Missing your arraignment date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and additional criminal charges for failure to appear, depending on the original charge. New York courts treat failure to appear seriously, and a warrant can lead to your arrest at any time. If you realize you missed your court date, contact an attorney immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you address a warrant and request a new court date from the Ontario County court.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the other side builds its case and how to challenge that case effectively. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His criminal defense work is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who handle matters across multiple jurisdictions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Our firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Ontario County, including Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, and surrounding communities. Reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Appointments are available at our Buffalo address, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202.

For a complete statutory analysis of New York criminal procedure, visit our comprehensive criminal defense page.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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