Arraignment In Manhattan

Arraignment In New York County (Manhattan)

Each year, approximately 85,000 cases are arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. Although you are required to appear at arraignment, the main issued decided is whether the court will set bail, and if so, for how much. Your criminal defense attorney will also receive certain notices and preserve certain issues that can be litigated later in the case.

Law enforcement officers and other witnesses do not appear that day. At the arraignment, the person accused will learn what charges are pending against them. The person will be escorted to a podium to stand in front of the judge.

The criminal defense attorney will usually waive the formal reading of the charge and enter a plea of “not guilty.” The prosecutor may provide the defense attorney with certain notices which might include the defendant’s statements, identification discovery, or notice of the release of property.

It is important to have an attorney at arraignment because the judge can make decisions that might impact how the case is ultimately resolved. The criminal defense attorney can use the arraignment to learn more about the case. A private attorney can also help guide you through the process to make sure that no mistakes are made. For instance, if you do not appear on time for arraignment then the court can issue a bench warrant based on your failure to appear in court.

Hiring an attorney early in the case means that the attorney can more effectively investigation the allegations and formulate a defense. Call (212) 951-1300 for a free consultation to discuss your arraignment for any criminal cases being heard by the court in Manhattan / New York County.

Where Are The Arraignments Held In Manhattan?

A high number of arraignments occur in New York County in Manhattan. Arraignments in Manhattan run during two sessions each day. The first session is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The second session runs from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. In Manhattan, most arraignments take place in the Criminal Court building located at 100 Centre Street on the first floor.

After you enter the building you will proceed down a central hallway near the circular information desk to the opposite side of the building from the main entrance.

A much smaller number of arraignments in Manhattan are held in the Midtown Community Court located at 314 W 54 Street. Arraignments at this community court are limited to Desk Appearance Tickets and certain designated petty offenses for defendant’s who are arrested in Chelsea neighborhood, Times Square, and Hell’s Kitchen.

What Is Manhattan’s Criminal Court?

With jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, Manhattan’s Criminal Court handles non-felony crimes such as DWI, domestic violence, theft, harassment, or quality of life crimes. Approximately 85% of the Manhattan District Attorney’s caseload is prosecuted in Manhattan’s Criminal Court.

Additional Resources

New York City Criminal Court in Manhattan – Visit the website of the New York State Unified Court System to find information on Manhattan’s two criminal courts located in the Criminal Court building at 100 Centre Street and 346 Broadway between Worth Street & Leonard Street. Find information on arraignments, the Summons Clerk’s Office, and Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs).

Supreme Criminal Term Courthouse in Manhattan – The Supreme Criminal Term Courthouse is located at 100 Centre Street and 111 Centre Street in New York City. Also find information on Manhattan Felony Treatment Court and Manhattan Misdemeanor Treatment Court located at 60 Lafayette Street.

New York City Criminal Courts in Manhattan – Find information on the Criminal Court of the City of New York, a single city-wide court of the New York State Unified Court System in New York City that handles misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Felony case are then heard in the Supreme Court.

New York County District Attorney’s Office on Manhattan’s Criminal Court – Visit the website of the District Attorney’s Office in New York County in Manhattan to find case information and learn about reform. Read more about efforts of the District Attorney’s Office to implement reforms such as the “all hands on deck” initiative that helps prioritize cases and reduce misdemeanor case loads.

Finding An Attorney An Arraignment In Manhattan

If you are facing charges in New York City, then call an experienced criminal defense attorney in Manhattan to discuss the case against you. The attorneys at Greco Neyland, PC represent clients throughout New York County in Manhattan and the Midtown Community Court on 54th Street.

Call or contact us today to discuss your case at (212) 951-1300.

New York Arraignment Resources:

Our New York criminal defense lawyers assist clients accused of or charged with the following:

• Adjournment In Contemplation Of Dismissal (ACD)
• Midtown Community Court
• Criminal Procedure
• Pink Summons