How long does a criminal case take in Putnam County

The length of a criminal case in Putnam County, New York, depends on the severity of the charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the specific court’s calendar. Misdemeanor cases in the Putnam County Criminal Court, where the top charge carries up to one year in jail, typically proceed to trial within 30 to 90 days after arraignment. Felony cases heard in the Putnam County Supreme Court or County Court often take three to twelve months or longer, particularly when grand jury indictment, motion practice, and plea negotiations are part of the process. Under New York’s speedy-trial statute, Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30, the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days for a misdemeanor and six months for a felony, measured from the commencement of the action. For many first-time offenses, the court may grant an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) that defers the case for six to twelve months; if the defendant stays out of trouble, the charges are then dismissed. If you are facing criminal charges in Putnam County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Affects the Timeline of a Criminal Case in Putnam County?

Several factors influence how long a criminal matter stays open in Putnam County. The classification of the offense is the most significant driver. Violations and Class B misdemeanors, for example, tend to resolve more quickly than Class A misdemeanors or Class E, D, C, B, or A felonies. The court’s docket congestion also plays a role; the Putnam County Supreme Court at 20 County Center in Carmel handles both civil and criminal matters, and the available trial dates can extend the schedule.

Whether the defendant is detained or released pending trial also affects the pace. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many people are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions. For those who do remain in custody, the statutory speedy-trial clock under CPL § 30.30 moves more quickly, and the case may be advanced on the calendar. Other variables include the need for forensic testing, the number of witnesses, ongoing plea negotiations, and the filing of pre-trial motions, all of which can extend the timeline beyond the statutory readiness deadlines. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each case individually to identify the fastest, most favorable resolution possible. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a misdemeanor case take in Putnam County?

A misdemeanor case in Putnam County typically moves from arraignment to trial or disposition within 30 to 90 days, though some matters resolve sooner through plea negotiations or an ACD. The Putnam County Criminal Court handles all misdemeanor and violation-level offenses. Under New York’s speedy-trial law, the prosecution must be ready for trial within 90 days of the commencement of the action. Many misdemeanor cases are disposed of at the first conference or shortly thereafter if the defense and the District Attorney’s Office reach an agreement.

How long does a felony case take in Putnam County?

Felony cases in Putnam County generally take between three and twelve months to resolve, but complex matters can last well over a year. The case must first go through a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment. Once indicted, the matter is transferred to the Putnam County Supreme Court. The statutory readiness deadline for felonies under CPL § 30.30 is six months from the commencement of the action, but the court often grants adjournments for motion practice, discovery, and further investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to expedite the process while preserving all viable defenses. Results may vary.

What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?

An ACD is a New York procedure that postpones a criminal case for six to twelve months and then automatically dismisses the charges if the defendant meets court-ordered conditions. It is commonly offered to first-time offenders charged with non-violent misdemeanors. During the adjournment, the individual must typically avoid any new arrests and may be required to perform community service or attend a program. After the ACD period expires without incident, the case is dismissed and sealed, leaving no record of a conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help determine whether an ACD is a viable option for your situation.

Does New York have cash bail?

New York largely eliminated cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies in 2020, though bail is still permitted for certain violent felonies and qualifying offenses. Most defendants in Putnam County are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions, such as supervision or travel restrictions. If a person is held on bail, they are entitled to a bail hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in arguing for release under the least restrictive conditions the law allows.

What is the speedy-trial rule in New York?

New York’s CPL § 30.30 requires the prosecution to be ready for trial within 90 days for a misdemeanor and six months for a felony, or the case may be dismissed. The clock starts when the criminal action is commenced, usually at arraignment. Certain periods, such as delays requested by the defense or the time needed to complete mental-competency evaluations, are excluded from the calculation. If the People fail to declare readiness within the statutory period, the court may grant a motion to dismiss the charges.

Can a criminal case be dismissed because of delays?

Yes, if the prosecution does not meet its speedy-trial readiness obligation under CPL § 30.30, the court may dismiss the case. The defense must file a motion to dismiss on statutory speedy-trial grounds, detailing the periods of delay chargeable to the prosecution. Even when the readiness deadline has been missed, the outcome depends on the specific excludable periods that apply. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel carefully review the procedural history of every Putnam County case to determine whether a statutory speedy-trial claim supports dismissal.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Putnam County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer for a misdemeanor, but self-representation is risky because even a Class A misdemeanor conviction carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural violations, negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office, and seek a favorable resolution such as a reduced charge or an ACD. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations so you can understand your options before making any decisions.

What court hears criminal cases in Putnam County?

The Putnam County Criminal Court handles misdemeanors and violations, while the Putnam County Supreme Court and County Court handle felony cases. The courthouse is located at 20 County Center in Carmel, New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts and are familiar with the local procedures, including the preferences of the District Attorney’s Office and the typical scheduling practices.

How can a lawyer speed up my criminal case?

A defense lawyer can expedite a case by quickly evaluating discovery, filing targeted motions, and engaging in early plea negotiations to reach a timely resolution. In some instances, the attorney may also invoke the statutory speedy-trial deadlines to push the matter forward. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. works diligently to move cases through the Putnam County court system as efficiently as the law and the facts allow, always with an eye toward the client’s best interests.

What is the maximum penalty for a felony in New York?

New York felony penalties range from probation-eligible Class E felonies, carrying up to four years, to Class A-I felonies, which carry a maximum of life imprisonment. The specific penalty depends on the classification of the offense, the defendant’s prior record, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel analyze every element of the charge to identify potential reductions or defenses. Results may vary. in any individual case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in Putnam County and throughout the Hudson Valley. The firm’s New York location serves clients facing any type of criminal charge, from traffic infractions to serious felonies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to protect each client’s rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the most favorable outcome under the law. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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