What happens at a criminal arraignment in Kings County
In Kings County — the borough of Brooklyn — a criminal arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest, where a judge reads the charges, decides whether you may be released while your case is pending, and takes your initial plea. This hearing typically happens within 24 hours of arrest in New York City Criminal Court, located at 100 Centre Street for misdemeanors, or in Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term at 320 Jay Street for felonies. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many people are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions. Desk appearance tickets, issued for many low-level offenses instead of an arrest, require you to appear for arraignment on a future date. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., appears in Kings County courts and can explain what to expect at this critical stage. To speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team about your case, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
The Criminal Arraignment Process in Kings County, New York
At the arraignment, the court informs you of the charges filed against you, ensures you understand your rights, and you enter a plea — not guilty, guilty, or in limited circumstances, no contest. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court assigns counsel from the Legal Aid Society or an 18‑b panel attorney. For misdemeanors handled in the NYC Criminal Court, Kings County/Brooklyn Division, the judge will also address pretrial release. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies; the court may release you on your own recognizance, set non-monetary conditions, or in cases involving violent felonies or certain qualifying offenses, set bail. The judge also schedules the next court date and may address any request for an order of protection. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have extensive experience in Brooklyn criminal courts and can guide you through the arraignment and every phase that follows.
For felonies, the arraignment takes place in Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, where the charges are more serious. After your initial appearance in criminal court, the case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned on the indictment in Supreme Court. At both levels, the arraignment is a procedural gateway — not a trial — but what happens there can significantly affect your case, including the conditions of your release and your ability to begin building a defense. Under CPL § 30.30, prosecutors must be ready for trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and six months for felonies, excluding delays requested by the defense. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to have an experienced attorney at your side from the arraignment forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment in a New York criminal case?
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance where charges are read, you are advised of your rights, and you enter a plea. In New York, the judge also addresses pretrial release — either setting bail or releasing you on your own recognizance or with conditions. For misdemeanors, this occurs in the local criminal court; felonies are arraigned in the county court or Supreme Court after indictment. The judge may also schedule future court dates. You have the right to counsel, and if you cannot afford one, the court will assign a lawyer. It is critical to have counsel before you enter a plea, as any statements you make can be used against you. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
When does an arraignment take place after an arrest in Kings County?
In New York City, an arrestee must be arraigned within 24 hours unless a later date is authorized by law. For most arrests in Kings County, the individual is held in central booking and brought before a judge in the NYC Criminal Court, Kings County Division, within that timeframe. If you receive a desk appearance ticket instead of being taken into custody, you will be directed to appear on a future date — typically several weeks later. Felony arrests are initially presented in criminal court for a felony complaint, then later arraigned on an indictment in Supreme Court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens during an arraignment in Kings County Criminal Court?
During the arraignment, the judge announces the charges, ensures you have legal representation, addresses bail or release, and takes your plea. In Kings County Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street, the proceeding is typically brief. The prosecutor may provide a copy of the complaint, and the defense attorney can request that the judge consider release on recognizance — particularly important after the 2020 bail reforms, which eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and non‑violent felony offenses. The judge may also issue a temporary order of protection if the charges involve a protected party. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team will stand with you at arraignment to protect your rights from the very first court appearance.
How does New York’s bail reform affect arraignment in Kings County?
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer permitted for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies; release is typically on recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions. This means many people arrested in Brooklyn are released after arraignment without having to post money. For certain violent felonies and qualifying offenses, bail remains an option. The court may also impose supervised release, pretrial monitoring, or travel restrictions. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team know how to advocate for release under these rules to help you avoid unnecessary detention while your case moves forward. To learn more, call (888) 437-7747.
What is a desk appearance ticket (DAT) and how does it change the process?
A desk appearance ticket (DAT) is a written order issued by police instead of making a custodial arrest, directing you to appear in court on a future date for arraignment. In Kings County, DATs are common for low‑level offenses, like many misdemeanors. You are not held in custody; instead, you appear at the scheduled time at the criminal court. The arraignment proceeds similarly — charges are read, a plea is entered, and the judge addresses any release conditions, though you are already at liberty. Even with a DAT, counsel can help you present to the court a release plan and address any underlying issues to achieve a favorable outcome. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I be released without bail after my arraignment in Brooklyn?
Yes, after the 2020 bail reforms, many people are released on their own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions at arraignment in Kings County. The judge will consider factors such as the nature of the charge, your ties to the community, employment, and prior record. For offenses where bail is not prohibited, the court may still set non‑monetary conditions like pretrial supervision, drug testing, or a curfew. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can present a compelling release plan at arraignment to help you return to your family and job while the case proceeds. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Kings County?
You have the right to a lawyer at your arraignment, and it is strongly advisable to have an experienced criminal defense attorney present to protect your rights from the start. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court will assign a public defender or 18‑b panel attorney. However, a privately retained lawyer can dedicate more time to your case, advocate immediately for your release, and begin crafting a defense. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the prosecution builds its case and can use that knowledge to your advantage. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. before your arraignment so Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can appear with you.
What is a felony arraignment in Kings County Supreme Court?
A felony arraignment in Kings County Supreme Court occurs after a grand jury has returned an indictment, and the defendant is formally advised of the felony charges. Before reaching Supreme Court, the case begins in criminal court with a felony complaint. At the Supreme Court arraignment, the judge reads the indictment, ensures counsel is present, and continues any bail or release conditions previously set. The court will then schedule motion practice and a trial date. Because felony charges carry severe potential penalties, skilled representation from the outset is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all levels of criminal matters in Brooklyn and can appear with you at every stage.
What happens if I plead guilty at arraignment?
Pleading guilty at arraignment results in a conviction and sentence — often a fine, probation, or jail time — and waives your right to trial and to challenge the evidence against you. A guilty plea at this early stage is almost never advisable without the advice of counsel, because you may not yet know the full strength of the prosecution’s case or whether the charge can be reduced or dismissed. With a lawyer, you may negotiate a more favorable outcome, such as a reduced charge or an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) and can it be discussed at arraignment?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition in which the case is adjourned for a set period — typically six months — and then dismissed and sealed if the defendant stays out of trouble. While an ACD is generally not offered at the very first arraignment on a felony, it can be discussed at or after arraignment for many misdemeanor and violation‑level charges in Kings County. Your attorney may be able to negotiate an ACD as part of a disposition, especially for first offenders. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can evaluate whether an ACD is appropriate in your case and advocate for it before the court.
How long after arraignment will my case go to trial in Kings County?
The time between arraignment and trial varies depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony and on the court’s calendar, but New York’s speedy‑trial statute sets outer limits. For misdemeanors, the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days; for felonies, within six months. Delays attributable to the defense or other excludable time extend these periods. In practice, a misdemeanor trial may occur weeks to months after arraignment, while felony cases often take many months. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team monitor deadlines closely and work to move your case toward a favorable resolution.
What should I bring to my arraignment or consultation with a lawyer?
To your arraignment, bring identification, any documents related to the arrest, and a list of current medications if you have medical conditions; for a consultation, also bring any paperwork you received from the police or court. If you are meeting with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team before your court date, also provide details about your employment, family circumstances, and community ties, as these factors can be important for securing pretrial release. Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. To schedule a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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 founding the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings firsthand insight into how the prosecution builds its case, and he appears regularly in Kings County courts. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to every matter. Results may vary. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s practice approach emphasizes thorough preparation, a thorough understanding of local court procedures, and a commitment to working toward favorable outcomes for each client. To speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team about your Kings County criminal matter, call (888) 437-7747.
Outbound primary‑source authority: New York State Unified Court System | New York Penal Law | New York Criminal Procedure Law
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