How long does a criminal case take in Kings County
The timeline for a criminal case in Kings County (Brooklyn) depends primarily on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the NYC Criminal Court’s Brooklyn division and typically move from arraignment—which occurs within 24 hours of arrest—to trial in a matter of months. Felony cases, handled by the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term, involve a grand jury indictment and may take a year or more to resolve. New York’s Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30 imposes speedy-trial deadlines: the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days for a misdemeanor and six months for a felony, but continuances, motion practice, and court scheduling often extend the actual timeline. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the procedural steps ahead and work toward a favorable resolution. For a consultation about your specific Kings County matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Defense Means in Kings County
Kings County is New York’s most populous borough, and its criminal courts process a substantial volume of cases each year. Misdemeanor and violation-level charges—such as petit larceny, simple assault, or disorderly conduct—are filed in the NYC Criminal Court, Brooklyn, at 360 Adams Street. Felony-level charges—including burglary, robbery, weapons offenses, and serious drug crimes—are prosecuted in the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term, located at the same 360 Adams Street complex.
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. As a result, many defendants in Kings County are released on their own recognizance or with conditions after arraignment. The Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) process is also used for numerous low-level offenses, meaning an individual may be released at the precinct with a future court date instead of being held overnight for arraignment.
Local procedures unique to Kings County include the availability of an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for many first-offense cases. An ACD adjourns the charges for a period—typically between six and twelve months—after which the case is dismissed if the defendant has not been rearrested. Conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 may also be available for qualifying convictions after ten years. Whether a particular resolution is appropriate depends on the facts of the case, the defendant’s prior record, and the position of the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Criminal Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Undertakes a criminal defense matter in Kings County, the effort begins with a thorough review of the charging documents, the police reports, and the circumstances of the arrest. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether law enforcement complied with constitutional search and seizure requirements, whether the prosecution can meet its burden of proof, and what pretrial motions may narrow the issues or lead to dismissal.
The team appears in Kings County Criminal Court and Supreme Court regularly, advocating during arraignments, bail hearings, and pretrial conferences. Because so many cases in Kings County are resolved through negotiated dispositions, the firm works to identify alternatives—such as a reduction to a lesser charge, entry into a diversion or treatment program, or an ACD—that minimize the long-term impact on the client’s record, immigration status, or professional license. When trial becomes necessary, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare a defense that is grounded in the specific evidence and the procedural realities of the Kings County courts. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., launched in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris handles criminal matters collaboratively with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—independent practitioners who bring decades of trial experience, including prior careers in prosecution and law enforcement. This collective background means a Kings County client benefits from multiple perspectives, from analyzing the strength of police testimony to anticipating prosecutorial strategy. The firm’s Kings County practice operates with a clear focus on giving each client direct attention and developing a defense strategy tailored to the specific courthouse and charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a criminal case take in Kings County?
The length of a criminal case in Kings County depends on whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, but a misdemeanor often resolves in a few months while a felony can take a year or more. Misdemeanors are heard in the NYC Criminal Court, Brooklyn, where the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days under CPL § 30.30. Felonies are prosecuted in the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term, subject to a six‑month readiness deadline. In practice, delays for motion practice, evidence disclosure, and court congestion frequently extend these periods. Early involvement of a defense attorney can help manage the timeline and identify opportunities for a quicker resolution.
What is the typical process for a criminal case in Kings County?
A criminal case in Kings County generally moves through arraignment, pretrial conferences, motion practice, possible plea negotiations, and, if necessary, trial. At the initial appearance, the judge decides on release conditions—often a Desk Appearance Ticket for minor offenses—and the defendant is formally advised of the charges. The case is then adjourned for the prosecutor to provide discovery and for the defense to file motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence. Many cases conclude with a plea offer that may reduce the charge to a violation or secure an ACD. If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury.
Does New York have cash bail for criminal cases in Kings County?
New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies under the 2020 bail reform legislation, so defendants in Kings County often secure pretrial release without posting money. For charges that still qualify for bail—including many violent felonies—the judge may set bail, impose supervised release, or order detention. The reform significantly reduced the pretrial jail population in Kings County and shifted the focus to release on recognizance or with monitoring conditions. If you are unsure whether bail applies in your case, consult an attorney immediately.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) in Kings County?
An ACD is a disposition available in Kings County that allows a first-time defendant to have the case adjourned for a set period—usually six to twelve months—after which the charges are automatically dismissed if no new arrest occurs. The defendant is not required to plead guilty. If the terms of the adjournment are satisfied, the case ends without a conviction and the record is sealed. An ACD is frequently offered for minor drug possession, petit larceny, and other qualifying first-offense misdemeanors. The DA’s Office and the judge must agree to the arrangement.
Why should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Kings County?
Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kings County gives you someone who understands the local court procedures, the prosecutors’ charging tendencies, and the most effective arguments for your specific situation. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office handles an enormous volume of cases, and a proactive defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the evidence, negotiate a favorable plea, or prepare for trial. Even seemingly minor charges can create a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and immigration status. An attorney can help protect your rights at every stage.
How do I contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a Kings County criminal case?
You can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. by calling (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about a criminal matter in Kings County. The firm’s attorneys are available to discuss your case, explain what you can expect in Kings County courts, and outline a defense strategy. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, and in‑person meetings are scheduled by appointment at a location convenient to you.
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