How long does a criminal case take in Queens County
The timeline for a criminal case in Queens County depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, and the court in which it is heard. For misdemeanor cases, the NYC Criminal Court — Queens handles the matter; arraignment usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest, and trial may take place 30 to 90 days later. For felony charges, the Queens County Supreme Court Criminal Term has jurisdiction, and the case typically proceeds through a grand jury indictment, with trial occurring three to twelve months or more after arrest. New York’s speedy trial statute (Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30) imposes readiness deadlines on the prosecution — 90 days for misdemeanors and six months for felonies. First-time defendants may be eligible for an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), which postpones the case for six to twelve months and results in dismissal if no new arrests occur. To discuss the timeline for your specific case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Cases Mean in Queens County
Queens County is one of five boroughs of New York City and covers neighborhoods such as Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills, and many others. Criminal matters in the borough proceed in two separate courts depending on the severity of the charge. The NYC Criminal Court — Queens hears misdemeanors and violation-level offenses, while felony cases are adjudicated in the Queens County Supreme Court Criminal Term, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435. The Queens County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes all criminal cases, and defendants are entitled to counsel; public defenders from the Legal Aid Society or 18-b panel attorneys are available for those who qualify.
The types of offenses prosecuted range from petty disorderly conduct and public intoxication violations to serious felonies such as burglary, robbery, assault, and drug trafficking. New York’s bail reform, effective January 2020, eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, meaning many defendants are released on their own recognizance pending trial. However, violent felonies and certain qualifying charges may still result in bail being set or the defendant being held. Understanding the court structure and the local practices — including how the District Attorney’s office handles plea offers and diversion programs — is essential to navigating a criminal case in Queens County.
Our firm’s New York location serves clients with matters in Queens County courts. We are familiar with the procedures and personnel in the borough’s criminal justice system, and we help individuals understand the charges they face, the likely timeline, and the options available at each stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. He and his Of Counsel team review the facts of each case, examine the arrest reports, and assess the evidence. They identify procedural and constitutional issues — such as improper stops, searches without probable cause, or failures to provide Miranda warnings — that may lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges. Where appropriate, they negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction of charges, a diversion program like the Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), or a favorable plea agreement. If the case cannot be resolved, they prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
Because Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also work in federal courts and in other states, they bring a broad perspective to criminal defense. They understand the incentives and tactics of law enforcement and prosecution, and they work to protect clients’ rights at every stage — from arraignment through trial and, if needed, appeal. For Queens County offenses, the team appears regularly in both the Criminal Court and the Supreme Court Criminal Term, and they handle the full range of criminal charges.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has been representing criminal defendants since founding the firm in 1997. He draws on his background as a former prosecutor to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and build a thorough defense. 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 Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive combined legal experience, including former state prosecutors and former law enforcement officers. This breadth of experience allows the firm to handle a wide range of criminal matters, from minor municipal court infractions to serious felony trials. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work together on cases, ensuring that each client benefits from the collective knowledge of the team. To request a consultation about a criminal case in Queens County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a misdemeanor case take in Queens County?
A misdemeanor case in Queens County typically takes between 30 and 90 days from arraignment to trial, although many are resolved sooner through dismissal, plea, or diversion. The NYC Criminal Court — Queens handles misdemeanors; the defense and prosecution may negotiate a disposition, or the case may proceed to hearings and trial. For first-time offenders, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) can postpone the case for six to twelve months, after which the charges are dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble.
How long does a felony case take in Queens County?
Felony cases in Queens County Supreme Court often take three to twelve months or longer from arrest to trial. The process includes a grand jury indictment, pretrial motions, discovery, and potential hearings. The prosecution’s readiness under CPL § 30.30 must occur within six months (excluding defense-requested delays), and the actual trial date is set by the court’s calendar.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?
An ACD is a New York disposition that places the case on hold for six to twelve months; if the defendant stays out of trouble, the charges are automatically dismissed. It is a common resolution for first-time arrests on minor offenses in Queens County. No guilty plea is entered, and the record is sealed after the dismissal.
Does New York have a speedy trial law?
Yes, New York Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30 imposes deadlines on the prosecution: 90 days for a misdemeanor and six months for a felony. The clock runs from the commencement of the criminal action and excludes periods caused by the defendant (such as adjournments requested by the defense). If the prosecution is not ready within the statutory time and the delay is not excluded, the case may be dismissed.
What should I do if I am arrested in Queens County?
If arrested, remain silent, do not discuss the facts with police, and request to speak with an attorney immediately. The arresting officer must advise you of your rights. Exercise your right to counsel before answering questions. After arrest, you will be taken before a judge for arraignment, usually within 24 hours. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights at that first appearance.
Can I seal a criminal record in Queens County?
Certain convictions may be sealed under New York CPL § 160.59 after a waiting period of ten years, and automatically seal for ACD dismissals, acquittals, and many non-conviction outcomes. Sealing prevents most employers and the public from accessing the record. An attorney can review your criminal history and advise whether your offense qualifies.
Our firm handles criminal matters throughout New York City and Long Island. See our pages for: Kings County Criminal Lawyer, New York County Criminal Lawyer, Nassau County Criminal Lawyer, and Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer.
Resources: Queens County Supreme Court | N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30 | New York State Courts
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