What happens at a criminal arraignment in Queens County
An arrest in Queens County is disorienting, but knowing what comes next can reduce the uncertainty. After you are taken into custody and processed, you will be brought before a judge for an arraignment—the first formal court appearance in a criminal case. At the arraignment, the judge advises you of the charges, decides whether you will be released or held, and asks for your plea. In Queens County, arraignments are typically held at the Queens County Criminal Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, New York. The process is governed by the New York Criminal Procedure Law, and recent changes to the state’s bail laws have fundamentally altered how release decisions are made. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney with you at this critical stage can affect the direction of your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at arraignments throughout Queens County. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with an attorney about your situation.
The Arraignment Process in Queens County
At a criminal arraignment in Queens County, you appear before a judge in either the Criminal Court or the Supreme Court, depending on whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony. The court officer calls your case, the judge reads the charges, and the prosecutor may summarize the allegations. You have the right to be represented by counsel; if you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will assign a public defender or an attorney from the 18-b panel. The judge ensures you understand the charges and your rights, including the right to remain silent.
One of the most consequential parts of the arraignment is the bail determination. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. As a result, many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions such as supervised release. For certain violent felonies and offenses listed in the law, the judge may set bail or order pretrial detention. The judge considers factors like the nature of the charges, your ties to the community, and any prior record. Your attorney can argue for the least restrictive conditions and present information that supports release.
After the bail decision, the judge asks how you plead. The standard pleas are not guilty, guilty, or in some circumstances, no contest. In almost every case, an experienced defense lawyer will advise you to enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment to preserve all legal options. The judge then schedules the next court date, which could be a conference, a hearing, or a trial date, and the case moves forward. In Queens County, misdemeanor cases remain in Criminal Court; felony cases that are indicted proceed to the Supreme Court Criminal Term.
New York Bail Reform and Its Impact on Arraignments
Before the 2020 bail reform, a defendant’s ability to post bail often determined whether they remained free while the case was pending. Today, for most charges that are not classified as violent felonies, bail is no longer an option, and judges must release defendants with the least restrictive conditions necessary to ensure their return to court. This shift has made the arraignment process faster and less financially burdensome for many individuals. However, the law still allows bail or remand for serious violent offenses, and the presence of a knowledgeable attorney can be critical in persuading the judge to release you without monetary conditions. In Queens County, judges follow these statutory requirements and also consider any individualized factors raised by defense counsel.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can Help at Arraignment
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to represent you at an arraignment in Queens County, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team will appear with you before the judge and advocate for your immediate release. They will review the charges, identify any legal deficiencies, and negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal where possible. They also advise you on the appropriate plea and explain the likely trajectory of your case. Having an attorney present at the very first appearance ensures that your rights are protected and that you are not rushed into a decision that could harm your defense.
Because the Queens County courts process a high volume of cases, an attorney who is familiar with local procedures and the prosecutors’ office can often secure a more favorable outcome than a defendant who appears alone. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in the arraignment courtrooms of the Queens County Criminal Court and understand what arguments are most effective before the judges who preside there. They work to achieve a prompt resolution, whether that means release without bail, a favorable plea disposition, or the preservation of legal issues for later proceedings.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 after serving as a former prosecutor. His background includes a multi-jurisdictional practice across New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. 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 attorneys bring experience in criminal defense matters, assisting Mr. Sris in representing clients at arraignments and throughout the case. The firm is available 24 hours a day, and staff members speak English, Spanish, and Tamil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a criminal arraignment in Queens County?
An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest, where a judge tells you the charges, decides on release conditions or bail, and asks for your plea. In Queens County, arraignments take place at the Queens County Criminal Court or the Supreme Court, depending on whether the case involves a misdemeanor or a felony. It is your opportunity to hear the formal allegations against you and to have a lawyer appointed if you cannot afford one.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You have the right to a lawyer at your arraignment, and having one with you is strongly recommended. The court will appoint a public defender if you qualify financially, but a private criminal defense attorney can begin building your defense immediately, argue for your release under the least restrictive conditions, and interact with the prosecutor on your behalf. The decisions made at the arraignment can affect the rest of your case.
What happens at the arraignment regarding bail in Queens County?
Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer permitted for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges, and many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under supervision. For certain violent felonies, the judge may set bail or order pretrial detention. Your attorney can present information about your community ties, employment, and health to support a release without monetary conditions. The judge makes the final decision based on the charges and the arguments presented.
What plea should I enter at arraignment?
In nearly every situation, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will recommend entering a plea of not guilty at the arraignment. Entering a not-guilty plea preserves your right to contest the charges, review the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, or file motions seeking dismissal. A guilty plea at this early stage usually leads to immediate sentencing and waives your right to a trial. You should discuss your plea with a lawyer before speaking in court.
What happens after the arraignment?
After arraignment, the court schedules the next date for a conference, a hearing, or trial, and your lawyer begins preparing your defense. If you are released, you must attend all future court dates. If you are held, your attorney may request a bail review. The prosecutor must provide the defense with certain evidence, and your lawyer may file motions to challenge the charges or seek a reduction. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
How can Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. help me with my arraignment?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can appear with you at your arraignment in Queens County, argue for your release, and begin building your defense from the first court appearance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the Queens County courts and the local prosecutors. They will review the charges, advise you on your plea, and work to secure favorable outcomes at this early stage. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
Criminal defense representation in other New York City boroughs: Criminal Lawyer New York County (Manhattan) | Criminal Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn) | Criminal Lawyer Richmond County (Staten Island) | Criminal Lawyer Nassau County (Long Island)
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