What happens at a criminal arraignment in Chemung County
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest. In Chemung County, it is the proceeding where a judge reads the charges against you, advises you of your rights, and asks how you plead. If you are facing a criminal charge anywhere in the Elmira area—including Horseheads, Big Flats, or the towns of Chemung, Erin, or Van Etten—you will be brought before a judge in the Chemung County Criminal Court (for misdemeanors and violations) or the Chemung County Supreme Court Criminal Term (for felonies) at 224 Lake Street in Elmira. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we represent people at arraignment hearings throughout the Southern Tier. Our New York location appears with defendants in Chemung County courts and works to protect their rights from the very first appearance. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What happens during a criminal arraignment in Chemung County
When you appear at the arraignment, the judge will first confirm your identity and inform you of the charges filed. You have the right to hear exactly what the prosecution is alleging. The judge then advises you of several rights: the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and the right to a trial. In New York, if you cannot afford an attorney, the court will assign one—typically through the Legal Aid Society or the 18‑b panel, depending on eligibility.
After your rights are addressed, the judge asks for your plea. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. For most people, a plea of not guilty is entered at arraignment so that the defense can investigate and negotiate. If you are in custody, the judge will also address bail or release conditions. New York’s 2019 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies; many individuals are released on their own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions. In cases involving violent felonies or certain qualifying charges, the judge may set bail or remand the defendant.
The arraignment is a critical procedural step, and having an experienced attorney with you can shape the course of your case from the beginning. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at arraignments in Chemung County to argue for release, preserve your rights, and begin building the defense.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal purpose of an arraignment in New York?
An arraignment is the formal reading of criminal charges against a defendant in open court. It is the proceeding that triggers every subsequent step in a criminal case. Under Article 170 of the New York Criminal Procedure Law, the court must advise the accused of the charges, inform them of the right to counsel, and receive a plea. The arraignment also provides the first opportunity to address bail or release conditions. For many defendants in Chemung County, the arraignment is the proceeding where they first learn the specific statute they are accused of violating and the classification of the offense—whether it is a violation, misdemeanor, or felony.
When does arraignment take place after an arrest?
An arrested person must be arraigned without unnecessary delay, generally within 24 hours of arrest. The exact timing depends on when the police complete booking and when a court session is available. In Chemung County, the centralized court location in Elmira handles all arraignments Monday through Friday. If you are arrested over the weekend or on a holiday, your arraignment may be held at the next court session. A prompt appearance is a statutory right, and a delay beyond the legally permitted timeframe can give rise to a motion to dismiss or release.
Do I need a lawyer at an arraignment in Chemung County?
You are not legally required to have an attorney present at arraignment, but it is extremely important. The arraignment sets the stage for everything that follows: the court decides your release conditions, you enter a plea, and the prosecution may reveal the strength of its case. An experienced defense attorney can argue for a release on your own recognizance, object to excessive bail, and begin to identify procedural or constitutional issues. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals at arraignments throughout Chemung County. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What happens with bail at a Chemung County arraignment?
Bail is no longer required for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies in New York under the 2019 bail reform legislation. For charges that are still bail‑eligible—such as violent felonies or certain domestic violence offenses—the judge will evaluate whether to set bail, impose supervised release, or remand you to jail. Factors the judge considers include the seriousness of the charge, your criminal record, ties to the community, and flight risk. Our New York location helps clients present the strong $1 for release at the arraignment.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will assign one to you at the arraignment. In Chemung County, you complete a financial eligibility form and, if you qualify, a public defender or a lawyer from the 18‑b assigned counsel panel will be appointed. You also have the right to hire private counsel at any time. While assigned counsel can handle the arraignment, many individuals choose to retain a private attorney who can dedicate more time and resources to the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel accept private clients and offer flexible consultation arrangements.
What court handles arraignments in Chemung County?
Misdemeanor and violation arraignments are held in the Chemung County Criminal Court; felony arraignments are held in the Chemung County Supreme Court Criminal Term. Both courts are located at the Chemung County Courthouse complex at 224 Lake Street in Elmira. Felony cases begin with an arraignment at the lower court level for jurisdictional purposes but may be transferred to Supreme Court after indictment. Whether you are facing a Class A misdemeanor or a felony, you will appear in one of these Elmir‑based courtrooms.
What happens after arraignment?
After arraignment, the court schedules the next proceeding and the defense begins investigating the case. For misdemeanors, that usually means a conference date and a trial date a few weeks later. For felonies, the case proceeds to a preliminary hearing or the presentation of evidence to a grand jury. Your attorney will file motions, obtain discovery materials from the prosecutor, and negotiate possible dispositions. The timeline varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar. An experienced criminal lawyer can advise you on what to expect in your specific matter.
Can I change my plea after arraignment?
Yes. A not guilty plea entered at arraignment can be changed later. Many people enter a not guilty plea initially to preserve their rights while their lawyer investigates and negotiates with the prosecutor. If a plea agreement is reached, the court will schedule a change‑of‑plea hearing where you formally enter a new plea. In Chemung County, the prosecution—whether handled by the district attorney’s office or an assistant district attorney—may agree to reduce or drop charges as part of a negotiated resolution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve cases on the trusted … Terms.
How do I find a criminal defense lawyer in Chemung County?
You can find a criminal defense lawyer by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of courtroom experience, founded the firm in 1997. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with prosecutorial and law‑enforcement backgrounds. Our New York location represents clients at arraignments and throughout the criminal process in Chemung County. Call to schedule a consultation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. His experience includes work as a former prosecutor, and he is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters. Results may vary.
The firm’s Of Counsel are experienced litigators who collaborate on every case. Collectively, they represent defendants at arraignments, hearings, and trials across the five‑jurisdiction footprint. Our New York location serves clients in Chemung County and throughout the Southern Tier.
Serving clients across New York
In addition to Chemung County, our firm represents individuals in other New York counties. If your case is in another jurisdiction, visit the pages below for more information:
New York County (Manhattan) criminal defense • Kings County (Brooklyn) criminal defense • Queens County criminal defense
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