What happens at a criminal arraignment in Putnam County

An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest in Putnam County, New York. This hearing is not a trial—it is a formal reading of the charges against you, an advisement of your rights, and an opportunity to enter a plea. In Putnam County, the specific court where your arraignment occurs depends on the level of the charge. Misdemeanors and violation‑level offenses are heard in the local town or village justice court or the centralized Putnam County Criminal Court, while felony charges are arraigned in Putnam County Supreme Court, located at 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512. At this critical stage, the judge determines conditions of pretrial release and sets the next court date. Because New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies in 2020, many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under supervised release following arraignment. The decisions made at this hearing can significantly affect the course of your case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals at arraignment throughout Putnam County and can guide you through the process. To discuss your situation, contact the firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What to Expect at a Criminal Arraignment in Putnam County

Putnam County’s criminal courts operate within the Ninth Judicial District of New York. The county is served by several town and village justice courts that handle misdemeanor and violation‑level matters, as well as the centralized Putnam County Criminal Court and the Supreme Court for felonies. Each court follows the procedural framework of the New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) and the New York Penal Law (PEN).

At the arraignment, the court will:

• Read the charges against you.
• Inform you of your right to counsel and your right to remain silent.
• Ask you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, no contest.
• Determine conditions of release—this may include release on your own recognizance, supervised release, setting of bail, or, in rare cases, remand.
• Schedule future proceedings, such as a conference, a hearing, or a trial date.

In Putnam County, the assigned prosecutor and, if you are represented, your defense attorney will typically discuss any pending issues at or immediately after the arraignment. For certain first‑offense cases, the court may consider an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) under CPL § 170.55. If granted and successfully completed—usually over a period of 6 to 12 months—the charge is dismissed and the record sealed. Because the timeline and eligibility for such programs depend on the specific charge and your history, having an experienced attorney present at the arraignment is essential.

The court also addresses the speedy‑trial considerations under CPL § 30.30, which requires the People to be ready for trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and within six months for felonies. An attorney can monitor these deadlines from the start. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Putnam County justice courts, the Criminal Court, and the Supreme Court and can help you navigate the procedural steps that follow the arraignment.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Arraignment and Criminal Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., an experienced attorney will prepare with you before the arraignment. This preparation involves reviewing the accusatory instrument, discussing the factual allegations, and strategizing the plea and release conditions. A major focus is avoiding unnecessary detention or restrictive bail conditions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel leverage their familiarity with Putnam County courts and the local judiciary to present the most favorable position at this early stage.

The firm’s approach to criminal cases extends well beyond the arraignment. From the initial appearance through discovery, motion practice, hearings, and trial, the team works to protect your rights and pursue a favorable resolution. Because New York’s bail reform eliminated cash bail for many offenses, the right presentation at arraignment can secure your immediate release. For cases that proceed, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have broad experience navigating the complexities of New York criminal law—from violation‑level offenses to serious felony charges—and collaborate to provide a thorough defense.

Many matters can be resolved without trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the evidence for constitutional violations, discovery deficiencies, and factual weaknesses that may support a motion to dismiss or reduce charges. If a negotiated resolution is in your best interest, the team works to achieve the most advantageous outcome, whether that means a reduction of charges, an ACD, a conditional discharge, or a favorable plea. At every stage, the firm keeps you informed and involved in the decisions that affect your life.

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 a background in accounting and information systems. He founded the firm in 1997 and has built a multi‑state practice that now includes representation in New York. Mr. Sris concentrates on complex criminal defense matters and personally leads each case. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is assisted by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who contribute their own extensive litigation experience. Every attorney at the firm has well over a decade of practice. The Of Counsel team includes former prosecutors and professionals with unique investigative backgrounds that strengthen the firm’s ability to analyze cases and challenge the government’s evidence. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide the focused attention that serious criminal charges demand. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arraignment in Putnam County

Will I be released after my arraignment in Putnam County?

Release after an arraignment in Putnam County depends on the charges, your criminal history, and the judge’s assessment of flight risk. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer permitted for most misdemeanors and non‑violent felonies. Many individuals are released on their own recognizance or under supervised release. However, for violent felonies and certain qualifying offenses, the court may set bail. An attorney can argue for the least restrictive conditions and present mitigating information at the arraignment.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Putnam County?

Yes, having an attorney at your arraignment is strongly advised. The arraignment is your first opportunity to challenge bail, address the charges, and set the direction of your defense. Without counsel, you risk waiving rights or agreeing to conditions that could later make it more difficult to defend the case. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one, but you may have to wait. Contacting a private attorney before your scheduled court date allows for thorough preparation.

What happens if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?

If you plead not guilty, the court will set a schedule for further proceedings, which may include a motion schedule, a suppression hearing, a pretrial conference, or a trial date. In misdemeanor cases, the court will often set a trial date and a readiness conference. For felonies, there will be a preliminary hearing or grand jury action. Your attorney can use the period after the arraignment to conduct discovery, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor. The not‑guilty plea preserves all your rights.

Can I have my case dismissed at the arraignment?

Dismissal at the arraignment is uncommon, but a prosecutor may move to dismiss if the charges are unsupported or an ACD is granted. In some situations, a court can offer an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), which leads to automatic dismissal after a set period if you stay out of trouble. Your attorney can discuss whether such a disposition is available in your case.

What is the difference between the justice court and the Supreme Court for arraignments?

In Putnam County, town and village justice courts handle misdemeanors and violations, while felony cases are arraigned in the Putnam County Supreme Court. Justice courts are smaller and may have more limited hours, but they follow the same procedural law. Your attorney will know which court your case is assigned to and can plan accordingly.

How quickly after arrest is the arraignment held?

In New York, an arrested person must be arraigned without unnecessary delay, typically within 24 hours of arrest. If you are arrested and held overnight, the first appearance is usually the next business day. The exact timing depends on the time of arrest and the court’s operating hours. Prompt legal intervention can help accelerate the process and address release before or at the arraignment.

Additional Resources

For authoritative information on New York criminal law and the Putnam County courts, visit:

• Putnam County Supreme and County Court — official site for the Ninth Judicial District’s Putnam County courts
• New York Penal Law — the substantive criminal statutes
• New York Criminal Procedure Law — the procedural rules that govern arraignment and all other proceedings

Related Locations

• New York County (Manhattan) criminal defense
• Kings County (Brooklyn) criminal defense
• Queens County criminal defense
• Richmond County (Staten Island) criminal defense
• Nassau County criminal defense

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.