What happens at a criminal arraignment in Richmond County
An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest, and it is your opportunity to hear the charges against you, enter a plea, and request bail or release conditions. In Richmond County—Staten Island—misdemeanor cases are heard at the NYC Criminal Court, while felony arraignments are handled at the Richmond County Supreme Court Criminal Term, both located at 18 Richmond Terrace in St. George. During the proceeding, the judge will advise you of your right to counsel; if you cannot afford a lawyer, a public defender or 18‑b panel attorney may be assigned. The prosecutor will provide a copy of the complaint, and the judge will set a schedule for the next court date. Because New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies, many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions, though bail remains available for certain qualifying offenses. For counsel who knows the Richmond County courts and can guide you through every step of the arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
The Arraignment Process in Richmond County
After an arrest in Staten Island, the defendant is brought before a judge—usually within 24 hours for a misdemeanor. At the hearing, the judge reads or summarizes the charges. The defendant then enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, stands mute, which the court treats as a not‑guilty plea. If the case is a felony, the first appearance is a preliminary arraignment; the case will later go to a grand jury, and a second arraignment on the indictment follows. For misdemeanors, the judge will also address release. Under the state’s bail reform law, cash bail is not required for most misdemeanor and non‑violent felony charges; instead, release on recognizance or supervised release is typical. However, for certain violent felonies or Class A drug felonies, the court may set bail or remand the defendant.
The Richmond County courts follow the New York Criminal Procedure Law. If a defendant is unable to post bail—when bail is set—detention may continue. The judge will also schedule the next appearance: for a misdemeanor, a conference or trial date; for a felony, a date for a preliminary hearing or further proceedings. Throughout the arraignment, having an attorney present is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team regularly appear at the Staten Island courthouse and can work to secure the most favorable release conditions and challenge any procedural deficiencies at the earliest stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have cash bail?
New York revised its bail laws in 2020 to eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies. In Richmond County, the majority of defendants are released on recognizance or under non‑monetary conditions. Cash bail may still be imposed for violent felonies, certain sex offenses, and some domestic‑violence charges. The court may also set bail if the defendant is charged with a felony while already on pretrial release. An experienced attorney can argue for the least restrictive release conditions at the arraignment. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.
What is an ACD in Richmond County, New York?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) pauses a criminal case for a period—usually six to twelve months—and, if the defendant stays out of trouble, the charges are dismissed and the record is sealed. ACDs are frequently available for first‑time, low‑level offenses such as petit larceny, simple possession of marijuana, and some disorderly conduct charges. The prosecutor must consent, and the court must approve the adjournment. During the adjournment period, the defendant may be required to complete a program or avoid new arrests. ACDs are granted in the Richmond County Criminal Court and Supreme Court Criminal Term. To explore whether an ACD is a possibility in your case, contact our firm.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in Richmond County?
Yes, New York allows conditional sealing of certain convictions under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 and automatically seals records of cases that end in an ACD or a favorable disposition. For qualifying convictions, you may apply to seal up to two eligible offenses after a ten‑year waiting period. Marijuana‑related convictions have broader eligibility under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Sealing is not automatic for most crimes; you must file a motion in the court that handled the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assess your record and advise whether sealing is available for your Richmond County matter.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Richmond County?
A Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail; a Class B misdemeanor carries up to three months; and a violation carries up to fifteen days. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include petit larceny, simple assault, and DWI. Many misdemeanor defendants in Richmond County are released without bail after arraignment. The case timeline varies, but a plea or trial is generally scheduled within a few months. The actual sentence, if any, depends on the specific facts, the defendant’s criminal history, and the skill of defense counsel. To discuss the potential consequences you face, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer at the arraignment?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for arraignment, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney can significantly affect the outcome. At arraignment, the judge addresses bail or release, which can determine whether you spend time in custody before trial. An attorney can present arguments for release on recognizance, highlight community ties, and, if bail is set, request a future bail‑reduction hearing. An attorney can also identify procedural defects in the complaint and begin building a defense strategy immediately. For representation at a Staten Island arraignment, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How long does an arraignment take in Richmond County?
The hearing itself usually lasts only a few minutes, but you may need to wait several hours at the courthouse for your case to be called. In Richmond County, the court processes multiple defendants each day, and the calendar can be unpredictable. After the arraignment, you are given a date for the next court appearance. The overall duration of the court session can depend on the volume of cases and whether the judge hears arguments on bail or release. Arriving early and having an attorney who is familiar with the Richmond County calendar can help you get through the process efficiently.
What plea should I enter at arraignment?
In nearly all cases, you should enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment. A not‑guilty plea protects your constitutional rights and preserves the opportunity to challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, or seek alternative dispositions such as an ACD or diversion program. Pleading guilty at the first appearance forfeits these options and may result in an immediate sentence. The court will advise you of your rights, but consulting with an attorney before entering any plea is strongly recommended. For guidance on the plea that best protects your interests, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team.
What happens if I miss my arraignment?
Missing an arraignment can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. In Richmond County, if you fail to appear, the court may notify your bondsman, freeze your bail, and schedule a warrant‑review hearing. You may also face an additional charge of bail jumping. If you realize you will miss the date, contact your attorney immediately; sometimes counsel can appear on your behalf or move to vacate the warrant before you are taken into custody. For help with a missed court date or to ensure you never miss one, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a felony arraignment differ in Richmond County?
A felony arraignment in Richmond County Supreme Court Criminal Term follows a grand‑jury indictment and is more formal than a misdemeanor arraignment. At this stage, the defendant is provided with the indictment, enters a plea, and the court addresses bail under stricter standards than for misdemeanors. If the defendant was already arraigned in Criminal Court before the indictment, the earlier appearance was a preliminary arraignment. The case will then proceed to pretrial motions and discovery. Having an attorney who practices before the Richmond County Supreme Court is essential to protect your rights at every step.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has represented defendants in New York courts since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Along with his Of Counsel team, Mr. Sris brings extensive experience to criminal defense matters, including those in Richmond County. Firm‑wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. in your case.
If you are facing a criminal charge and have an arraignment scheduled in Staten Island, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. We are available by appointment at our New York location, and our phones are answered 24 hours a day.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.
Related pages: Criminal lawyer New York County (Manhattan) | Criminal lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn) | Criminal lawyer Queens County (Queens) | Criminal lawyer Nassau County (Long Island) | Criminal lawyer Suffolk County (Long Island)
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