What happens at a criminal arraignment in Broome County
You’ve been arrested and now have a scheduled court appearance. The uncertainty can be overwhelming—what will the judge ask? Can you be sent to jail? Will you lose your job if you miss work? If you’re facing criminal charges in Broome County, the arraignment is the critical first hearing where the court formally notifies you of the charges and you respond. Understanding what to expect helps you feel less anxious and more prepared. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at every stage of a Broome County criminal case, including the arraignment. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and leads a team of experienced Of Counsel. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Happens at a Broome County Criminal Arraignment
An arraignment is your first appearance before a judge after an arrest in Broome County. The court reads the formal charges against you, informs you of your rights, and asks you to enter a plea. For misdemeanors, the arraignment takes place in the local criminal court of Broome County—such as the Broome County Criminal Court—while felony arraignments occur in Broome County Court or the Supreme Court Criminal Term. The entire process is governed by the New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) and follows a straightforward sequence.
At the start, the judge or clerk reads the complaint, which outlines the specific offenses you are charged with—anything from petit larceny, disorderly conduct, assault, or drug possession to more serious felonies. You will then be asked how you plead. Almost without exception, the correct plea at arraignment is “not guilty,” because entering a guilty plea right away waives your right to challenge the evidence and any procedural defects. After the plea, the court addresses the issue of release. New York’s January 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with limited non-monetary conditions. However, bail may still be set for violent felonies and certain qualifying offenses. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request assigned counsel through the Legal Aid Society or the 18‑B panel. Once these matters are resolved, the judge schedules the next court date and you are either released or remanded.
New York’s speedy trial statue, CPL § 30.30, requires the prosecution to declare readiness for trial within 90 days of the arraignment on a misdemeanor charge and within 6 months on a felony charge.
Source: New York Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30. CPL § 30.30
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In Broome County, the local criminal court also has the authority to grant an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible first‑offense cases. Under an ACD, the proceedings are paused for 6 to 12 months while the defendant remains out of trouble. If no new arrests occur during that period, the charges are automatically dismissed. This outcome is not guaranteed—eligibility depends on the offense, your record, and the prosecutor’s consent—but it is a valuable option that your attorney can advocate for at arraignment. The judge will also address any orders of protection if the charges involve a victim, and you must comply with them immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Broome County?
You have a right to an attorney at your arraignment, and having a lawyer present is strongly advised even if you plan to represent yourself later. The arraignment sets important deadlines and can result in bail conditions, an order of protection, or a guilty plea that closes off defenses. An experienced criminal defense attorney can assess the charges, argue for your release with minimal conditions, and begin laying the groundwork for a defense strategy. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will assign one from the public defender’s office or the 18‑B panel, but a private attorney may be able to spend more time on your case from the outset.
Will I go to jail after the arraignment?
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, most people charged with misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies are released without cash bail. You will likely be released on your own recognizance—meaning you promise to return to court—or with non‑monetary conditions such as supervision or travel restrictions. For violent felony charges or certain domestic violence offenses, the judge may set bail. Even then, your attorney can argue for a lower bail amount or alternative release options. The arraignment is your first opportunity to present reasons you should not be incarcerated before trial.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) and can it be offered at arraignment?
An ACD is a disposition that pauses a criminal case for 6 to 12 months and leads to an automatic dismissal if the defendant avoids new arrests. It is available for many first‑offense charges, including some misdemeanors and violations. At the arraignment, the prosecutor may agree to an ACD on the spot if the case is minor enough, or a later hearing date may be set to consider it. Having an attorney present increases the chance that you will be flagged as a candidate for this diversion program.
What if I miss my arraignment in Broome County?
Missing your arraignment will likely result in a bench warrant for your arrest. The judge issues the warrant immediately, and you can be taken into custody at any time thereafter. If you have a legitimate reason for missing court—such as a medical emergency—contact an attorney right away to explore whether the warrant can be vacated and a new date set. Do not simply ignore the warrant, as it will not disappear on its own.
What charges will the judge read at the arraignment?
The judge or clerk will read the formal complaint that lists every offense you were arrested for, including the specific Penal Law section numbers. In Broome County, common misdemeanors include petit larceny (under $1,000), trespass, disorderly conduct, and simple assault. Felony charges—such as burglary, robbery, or drug distribution—are also enumerated. You are entitled to a copy of the complaint, and your attorney will review it for inaccuracies that can be challenged later.
Can I change my plea later if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
Yes, a not‑guilty plea at arraignment is not final and can be changed later. In fact, pleading not guilty preserves all your rights, including the right to negotiate a plea bargain, file motions to suppress evidence, and take the case to trial. If a favorable plea offer emerges after discovery, you can change your plea to guilty at a subsequent hearing. Entering a guilty plea at the arraignment is generally discouraged without legal advice.
How long will my criminal case take after the arraignment?
New York law imposes strict time limits: the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days of the arraignment on a misdemeanor and within 6 months on a felony, but actual timelines vary depending on motion practice, evidence review, and court scheduling. Many misdemeanor cases resolve in a few months through a plea or dismissal, while felony cases often take several months to over a year. The Broome County courts have significant caseloads, but your attorney can push for a timely resolution.
Will my arraignment be in the Binghamton courthouse?
If you are charged with a misdemeanor, your arraignment will likely be in the Broome County Criminal Court located at 92 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, which is the Broome County Supreme Court building. Felony arraignments also occur at that location in the Supreme Court Criminal Term. The building houses multiple court parts, so confirm your exact courtroom on your appearance ticket or with your attorney. Free parking is not guaranteed; plan to arrive early.
What should I bring to the arraignment?
Bring your appearance ticket, any documents related to your arrest, and a pen to take notes. Dress conservatively—court attire matters—and leave family members in the hallway unless they are needed as a witness. Do not bring weapons, drugs, or anything that could be considered contraband. If you have hired an attorney, they will meet you before the hearing to review the complaint and your answers.
Can the judge ask me questions at the arraignment?
Yes, the judge may ask you directly about your identity, your understanding of the charges, and your financial eligibility for assigned counsel. Answer honestly but keep your responses brief. The judge is not trying to trick you; they are ensuring you understand the proceeding. Anything you say can be used as evidence, so if the judge asks about the facts of the case, it is safest to say that you will let your attorney speak on your behalf.
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 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He leads a team of experienced Of Counsel who bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together, they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas. The firm’s New York location is at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, where consultations are available by appointment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients throughout Broome County, including Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City, Vestal, and the surrounding Southern Tier communities.
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