What happens at a criminal arraignment in Camden County

A criminal arraignment in Camden County is your first formal court appearance after being arrested or receiving a summons. At this hearing, the judge reads the charges against you, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest, and the court decides whether you will be released or detained while the case proceeds. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so pretrial release in Camden County is determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score rather than money. The arraignment takes place at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage (101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103) for indictable offenses, or at the Municipal Court for disorderly persons charges. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Camden County court procedures can help protect your rights from the very first appearance. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Happens at an Arraignment in Camden County

When you appear for an arraignment in Camden County, the process typically follows the same general structure but differs depending on whether the charge is an indictable crime (felony-level) heard in Superior Court or a disorderly persons offense heard in Municipal Court. The court clerk will call your case, and the judge will state the charge and the statute you are alleged to have violated. You will be asked to enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the court sets a date for the next proceeding—a pretrial conference for Superior Court matters or a trial date for Municipal Court matters.

Because New Jersey eliminated cash bail, the judge reviews a Public Safety Assessment report that provides a risk score based on your background, ties to the community, and the nature of the charge. The assessment recommends either release on your own recognizance, release with conditions, or pretrial detention. The court may also address whether you qualify for a public defender. Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Counsel who appears on criminal matters should plan filings and appearances accordingly. Having an attorney present can help you respond to unexpected motions and address any release conditions the prosecutor raises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Jersey have cash bail?

No, New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, so pretrial release in Camden County is not determined by money but by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score. The PSA computer algorithm evaluates factors such as age, pending charges, and prior failures to appear. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. Release conditions can range from simple own-recognizance release to electronic monitoring. For a consultation about how bail reform may affect your case, call (888) 437-7747.

What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Camden County?

Pre-Trial Intervention is a diversionary program available to first-time indictable (felony) offenders that, if successfully completed, results in complete dismissal of the charges. In Camden County, PTI applications are processed through the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage. A defendant must meet eligibility criteria and accept supervision for one to three years. A conditional discharge serves as the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession. An experienced criminal lawyer can assess your eligibility early in the case.

Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?

Yes, New Jersey law allows expungement after statutory waiting periods: five years for indictable crimes and two years for disorderly persons offenses, with additional eligibility under the Clean Slate law. Successful completion of PTI results in automatic dismissal, which can then become the basis for an expungement petition. The petition must be filed in Camden County Superior Court. Results may vary. consult with counsel about the timeline that applies to your matter.

What is a disorderly persons offense in Camden County?

A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while a petty disorderly persons offense carries up to 30 days and a $500 fine. These charges are heard in the Municipal Court, whereas indictable crimes are prosecuted in Superior Court. Common disorderly persons offenses include simple assault, shoplifting of goods under $200, and minor drug possession. An attorney can explain the potential consequences specific to your charge.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Camden County?

Bring a valid photo identification, all documents related to your arrest, and any communication you have received from the court or prosecutor. It is also helpful to bring a copy of the complaint or summons, which will list the charges and the court date. If you have hired private counsel, your attorney will typically appear with you and advise you on what to say. Do not bring contraband or weapons; courthouse security will screen all visitors.

What happens if I miss my arraignment?

If you miss your arraignment in Camden County, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and your pretrial release could be revoked or conditions made more restrictive. You should contact your attorney immediately and arrange to resolve the warrant voluntarily. The court may reschedule the arraignment once you appear, but missing a court date can harm your credibility in future proceedings.

Can I speak at my arraignment?

You have the right to remain silent, and it is generally advisable not to make substantive statements about the facts of the case at an arraignment. The proceeding is procedural; the judge expects you to enter a plea and address release conditions. Any statement you make can be used against you later. For guidance on the specific wording to use when entering your plea, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Will an attorney be appointed for me at arraignment?

If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will determine whether you qualify for a public defender at or before the arraignment, and if eligible, one will be assigned to represent you. In New Jersey, a public‑defender application fee may apply but can be waived based on financial need. You may also choose to hire your own lawyer. Because the arraignment can directly affect your release and future court dates, having counsel present is strongly advisable.

How long does an arraignment last?

An arraignment in Camden County usually takes only a few minutes once your case is called, although the total time spent in court may be longer depending on the court’s calendar. The hearing itself is brief—the judge reads the charges, you enter a plea, and release terms are addressed. Complex cases with contested release may take longer. Contact the firm to discuss what to expect given the nature of your charge.

What role does the prosecutor play at arraignment?

At an arraignment, the prosecutor represents the state, announces the charges, and may argue for detention or specific release conditions under the Public Safety Assessment framework. If the state seeks detention, the prosecutor must present a basis for believing detention is necessary to protect the community or ensure the defendant’s return to court. Your attorney can challenge the prosecutor’s arguments and present mitigating information on your behalf.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he has practiced since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in Camden County and throughout New Jersey. The firm’s New Jersey location serves clients in all 21 counties, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, and Collingswood. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

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