What happens at a criminal arraignment in Livingston County
You were arrested in Geneseo or Dansville and handed a piece of paper telling you to appear in court. Now you sit wondering what will happen when you walk into the Livingston County Criminal Court building. The first hearing—called an arraignment—can feel overwhelming, but knowing the basics helps you face it with less fear. Having an experienced attorney by your side from the start can shape everything that follows. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to speak with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel team before your court date. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Your Arraignment
An arraignment is not just a formality—it is a critical moment where decisions you make can influence the rest of your case. With a lawyer, you can enter a plea of not guilty without saying anything that could be used against you later. If you are being held, your attorney can argue for release on your own recognizance or for lower bail, pointing out ties to the community, employment, and lack of prior record. Your lawyer can also begin challenging procedural errors, such as an unlawful stop or improper charging, which may lead to a dismissal down the road. Even if you feel everything is straightforward, having someone in the courtroom who understands local practice—from how the Livingston County District Attorney’s office operates to the judge’s typical expectations—gives you a concrete advantage.
What to Expect at Your Livingston County Arraignment
Arraignments in Livingston County take place either in the Local Criminal Court for misdemeanors and violations or in the County Court (or Supreme Court Criminal Term) for felonies, at the courthouse at 2 Court Street in Geneseo. When you appear, the judge will read the charges against you, inform you of your right to an attorney, and ask how you plead. In most misdemeanor cases, New York’s bail reform means you will be released on your own recognizance or with conditions rather than being held on cash bail, though violent felonies remain eligible for bail. The judge may also issue orders of protection if the case involves a domestic incident. The prosecutor will request a schedule for future appearances, and your attorney can negotiate or object to the terms. If you do not have counsel, the court will give you an opportunity to hire one or apply for a public defender. Missing your arraignment date can result in a bench warrant, so it is important to appear as directed.
Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Livingston County prosecutors pursue every charge seriously, and a conviction can bring consequences that reach far beyond any fine or jail term. A violation-level offense might result in a sentence of up to 15 days, while a Class A misdemeanor can expose you to as much as a year behind bars. Felony convictions carry substantially longer prison terms, from several years to life for the most serious offenses, and often come with probation, mandatory surcharges, and lasting collateral damage. A criminal record can affect your ability to find work, rent an apartment, keep a professional license, or even remain in the United States if you are not a citizen. The punishment depends on the specific charge, your prior record, and the particular facts of your case. Because the stakes are so high, having a knowledgeable defense attorney examine every aspect of the charges against you is the only way to ensure your rights are fully protected.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team Can Help
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been defending people accused of crimes since 1997. He is admitted to practice in New York, as well as in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His background gives him unique insight into how prosecutors build cases—and how to build an effective defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Together, they appear routinely in criminal courts across the Finger Lakes region, including Livingston County, and understand the local procedures, judges, and prosecutors. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment in New York?
An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case, where you are formally told of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea. In New York, this hearing must happen without unnecessary delay after arrest—typically within 24 hours for misdemeanors. The judge will inform you of your right to counsel, set bail or conditions of release, and schedule future court dates. Many defendants enter a plea of not guilty at this stage to preserve all options while their attorney investigates the case.
When does the arraignment happen after an arrest in Livingston County?
In Livingston County, a person arrested for a misdemeanor is usually brought before a judge within 24 hours, while felony arrests may involve an initial appearance and a later arraignment after indictment. For many low-level offenses, the police issue a desk appearance ticket (DAT) instead of holding you in custody, and the DAT will tell you the specific date and time to appear. If you are held, the sheriff’s department transports you to the courthouse in Geneseo for the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your arraignment, but having one can significantly affect how the case develops from the very first hearing. An attorney can argue for your release, advise you on what to say—or not say—and begin identifying legal issues that could weaken the prosecution’s case. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will determine your eligibility for a public defender or assigned counsel. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation before the hearing.
Can I be released without bail at my arraignment?
For most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, New York’s bail reform laws mean you will likely be released on your own recognizance at your Livingston County arraignment. Cash bail can still be set for violent felonies, certain domestic violence charges, and sex offenses. The judge considers your ties to the community, employment, and criminal history when deciding release conditions. Your attorney can present evidence to support release without bail.
What plea should I enter at arraignment?
In nearly every case, it is safest to enter a plea of not guilty at your arraignment. A not-guilty plea preserves your right to challenge the evidence, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor later. Even if you believe you made a mistake, do not plead guilty without consulting a lawyer first—there may be defenses or diversion programs available that you are not aware of. A guilty plea at this stage finalizes the case immediately and can have lasting consequences.
Can the judge dismiss my case at arraignment?
Judges rarely dismiss charges at arraignment, but if the complaint is legally defective or the prosecutor cannot proceed, a dismissal can happen. For example, if the arresting officer failed to state a required element of the offense, your attorney can move to dismiss. More often, the arraignment sets the stage for later motions that may lead to dismissal. An experienced lawyer will review the charging document carefully at this first appearance.
What if I miss my arraignment date in Livingston County?
If you miss your arraignment date, the judge will almost certainly issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you could face additional charges for bail jumping. It is critical to appear on time, or to have your attorney file a motion to adjourn the date before it arrives if you have an emergency. If a warrant has already been issued, speak with a lawyer immediately to arrange for your voluntary surrender and to have the warrant lifted.
Will my arraignment be in Geneseo?
Yes, most criminal arraignments for Livingston County take place at the courthouse in Geneseo, the county seat. Misdemeanor and violation hearings are heard in the Livingston County Criminal Court, while felony matters proceed through the County Court or Supreme Court Criminal Term. Both courts are located at 2 Court Street, Geneseo, NY 14454. Your paperwork will specify the exact courtroom and time.
How should I prepare for my arraignment?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible, gather any paperwork you received from the police, and make arrangements to appear at the courthouse on time. Dress neatly, avoid bringing weapons or contraband, and plan to follow all courtroom rules. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. If you have concerns about bail, your attorney can prepare information about your employment, family, and community ties to present to the judge.
What happens after the arraignment in Livingston County?
After the arraignment, the court sets dates for further proceedings, such as discovery, motion practice, and eventually a trial or plea hearing. For misdemeanors, the timeline moves relatively quickly; for felonies, the case may go before a grand jury. Your attorney will obtain police reports and evidence from the district attorney’s office and begin building your defense. Throughout this process, you must attend all scheduled court dates unless your lawyer arranges otherwise.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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