What happens at a criminal arraignment in Camden County
A criminal arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest. In Camden County, New Jersey, the arraignment is where the charges against you are read aloud in open court, you enter a plea, and the judge addresses pretrial release. Because New Jersey completely abolished cash bail in 2017, the arraignment also determines whether you will be released or detained based on a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score — not your ability to pay. For disorderly persons offenses (the equivalent of misdemeanors), the arraignment takes place in Camden County Municipal Court. For indictable crimes (felony-level charges), the initial appearance and eventual arraignment occur in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Criminal Part, Camden Vicinage. Having an experienced defense attorney present makes a measurable difference. To speak with Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the arraignment process in Camden County
The arraignment serves several distinct purposes under New Jersey court rules. First, you are formally advised of the charges filed against you. Second, you enter a plea — typically not guilty at this stage — which preserves all of your legal defenses and gives your attorney time to investigate. Third, the court addresses pretrial release. Because of the Criminal Justice Reform Act, New Jersey courts no longer set money bail. Instead, pretrial release is governed by a computerized PSA that measures flight risk and the likelihood of new criminal activity. The Camden County Superior Court, located at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, New Jersey 08103, applies the PSA to every eligible defendant. If you are detained, a detention hearing must be held promptly.
For a first-time indictable offense, Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) may be discussed early. PTI is a diversion program that, upon successful completion of one to three years of supervision, results in the complete dismissal of charges. Your attorney can raise PTI eligibility at or soon after the arraignment. Conditional discharge — the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession — may also be available. The prosecutor’s office, not the judge, controls charging decisions, so having counsel who knows how to engage with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office can influence the course of the case from the very first appearance.
Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM–4:30PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
How an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help at arraignment
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team understand what the prosecution and the court consider at an arraignment. They can argue for release on your own recognizance or on the least restrictive conditions, challenge a PSA score that contains inaccuracies, and begin laying the groundwork for a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss charges. Early legal representation also protects your right to remain silent and prevents you from saying anything that could be used against you later. Even a seemingly innocuous statement at an arraignment can complicate a defense.
Because every attorney at the firm has well over a decade of practice experience, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings seasoned advocacy to the Camden County courtrooms. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Results may vary. The firm’s New Jersey location serves clients throughout Camden County, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Pennsauken, Winslow, Haddon Township, Berlin, and Lindenwold. Reach the firm by phone at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a criminal arraignment in Camden County?
At an arraignment in Camden County, you are formally told the charges against you, you enter a plea, and the court decides your pretrial release or detention under New Jersey’s bail reform law. The specific court — Municipal Court for disorderly persons offenses or Superior Court for indictable crimes — depends on the severity of the charge. The judge will also address any scheduling matters for future proceedings, including a pretrial conference or a status date. An attorney can be present to protect your rights and begin building your defense immediately.
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Camden County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. Cases are heard at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage, at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel actively practice in this court. Firm-wide, the firm has documented 4,739+ case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Camden County?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders that, upon successful completion of one to three years of supervision, results in a complete dismissal of the charges. Applications are processed through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession. An attorney can identify whether you qualify and guide you through the application early in the case, often beginning at the arraignment stage.
Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged?
Yes. New Jersey permits expungement of many criminal records after the applicable waiting period: generally five years for indictable crimes and two years for disorderly persons offenses. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law has expanded eligibility substantially. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal, which can affect expungement timing. Petitions are filed in Camden County Superior Court. Because the expungement process can be complex, speaking with an attorney early — even before a conviction — can help you understand how a plea may affect your future record.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Camden County?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry a maximum of thirty days in jail and a fine. Indictable crimes — the felony equivalent — are handled in Superior Court and carry more severe penalties. The distinction between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime determines where you will be arraigned and whether a grand jury indictment is required.
Do I need a lawyer for an arraignment in Camden County?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer present at an arraignment, but having one substantially protects your rights. An attorney can challenge a PSA recommendation that keeps you detained, argue for release without restrictive conditions, and begin building a defense narrative from the very first court appearance. Without counsel, you risk waiving important procedural protections or making statements that may be used against you later.
What happens after the arraignment?
After the arraignment, the court typically schedules a pretrial conference or a status date, and the discovery process begins. For indictable offenses, the case will proceed to a grand jury presentation unless waived. Your attorney will review the complaint and any police reports, identify potential defense strategies, and negotiate with the prosecutor’s office. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar.
How can I find a criminal defense lawyer for an arraignment in Camden County?
You can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your arraignment and the charges you are facing. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team represent clients at arraignments throughout Camden County, from Camden and Cherry Hill to Haddonfield and Winslow. The firm’s New Jersey location is at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. Consultations are by appointment.
About Mr. Sris and Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now represents individuals facing criminal charges in New Jersey and four other jurisdictions. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with his Of Counsel team, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every matter. Results may vary. Firm-wide, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results.
Related locations we serve:
Criminal defense in Hunterdon County •
Somerset County criminal lawyer •
Morris County criminal defense •
Bergen County criminal representation •
Monmouth County criminal attorney
Outbound primary source authority:
NJ Courts — Camden Vicinage •
New Jersey Statutes (2C) •
New Jersey Judiciary
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.