What happens at a criminal arraignment in Broome County

At a criminal arraignment in Broome County, the defendant is brought before a judge, informed of the charges, advised of their constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea. For misdemeanor cases, the arraignment occurs in the Broome County Criminal Court. For felony charges, the proceeding takes place before the Broome County Supreme Court Criminal Term, located at 92 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901. New York law requires that an arrestee be arraigned promptly—typically within 24 hours of arrest. At this first court appearance, the judge determines whether the defendant will be released pending trial or held on bail, and, if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, counsel is appointed. An experienced defense lawyer can argue for release on recognizance, challenge the prosecution’s initial bail request, and lay the groundwork for a thorough defense. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients at arraignments throughout Broome County and are available at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

Understanding the Arraignment Process in Broome County

The Broome County criminal justice system handles arraignments in accordance with the New York Criminal Procedure Law. The court’s primary functions at this stage are to ensure the defendant understands the charges, to advise the defendant of the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and to set conditions of release. If a defendant qualifies as indigent, the judge will assign counsel—typically a public defender from the Legal Aid Society or a private attorney from the 18-b assigned-counsel panel. The judge reads the accusatory instrument, which may be a complaint, information, or indictment, and ensures the defendant has a copy. The district attorney may also provide a brief summary of the allegations. The defendant is not expected to present evidence or argue the merits of the case at this early stage.

Under New York’s 2020 bail reform legislation, cash bail has been eliminated for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. In Broome County, as elsewhere in New York, many defendants are released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions, such as supervised release or electronic monitoring. Bail, however, remains available for violent felony offenses and certain other qualifying charges, including sex crimes, domestic violence felonies, and some repeat offenses. The judge may also impose an order of protection if the case involves an alleged victim. After release conditions are set, the defendant is asked to enter a plea—almost always “not guilty” at the arraignment—and the case is adjourned for further proceedings. A knowledgeable defense attorney can protect the defendant’s interests by advocating for the least restrictive release conditions and preserving all legal objections.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Criminal Cases in Broome County

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach every Broome County criminal matter with early, proactive representation. At the arraignment, they work to secure the client’s release on the most favorable terms possible under New York’s bail statutes. They examine the accusatory instrument for jurisdictional defects and procedural errors, and they engage with the district attorney to explore alternatives to prosecution where warranted—such as the Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible first offenders, a disposition that results in dismissal after a period of good behavior. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the other side builds a case, which allows the firm to identify weaknesses in the government’s evidence from the outset. The firm’s attorneys also prepare clients for each subsequent stage, including pretrial conferences, suppression hearings, and, if necessary, trial. Throughout the process, the firm’s goal is to obtain favorable outcomes—whether that means a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or an acquittal. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background includes extensive experience in complex criminal defense matters across multiple jurisdictions. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience and include former prosecutors and former law enforcement officers. This collective background provides the firm with a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system, from investigation through trial.

The firm serves Broome County from its New York location. When you contact the firm at (888) 437-7747, you reach a team that is equipped to handle criminal cases at every level, from arraignment through appeal. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Broome County’s criminal courts and are familiar with local procedures and prosecutorial practices. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is committed to providing diligent representation and protecting the rights of the accused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What occurs during a criminal arraignment in Broome County?

At an arraignment in Broome County, the judge reads the charges, informs the defendant of the right to counsel and the right to remain silent, determines release conditions, and accepts a plea. The proceeding is not a trial; no evidence is presented. The defendant is typically assigned an attorney if they cannot afford one. The judge decides whether to release the defendant on recognizance, set bail, or impose other conditions. The defendant then enters a plea—almost always “not guilty”—and the case is scheduled for a future court date. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?

While a defendant has the right to represent themselves, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the arraignment is strongly recommended. A lawyer can argue for release without bail or on the lowest bail possible, address procedural defects in the accusatory instrument, and begin building a defense strategy. In Broome County, the court will appoint counsel if you qualify as indigent, but a retained attorney can be contacted immediately. Attorney representation at this early stage can affect the entire course of the case. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I be released without bail at the arraignment?

Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, most defendants charged with misdemeanors or non-violent felonies are released on their own recognizance without cash bail. In Broome County, the judge may impose non-monetary conditions such as pretrial supervision. Bail is still permitted for violent felonies and a limited set of other qualifying offenses. If the prosecution requests bail, your attorney can present arguments and evidence supporting release on recognizance or a lower bail amount. The specific circumstances of your case will influence the court’s decision.

What plea should I enter at the arraignment?

The standard plea entered at an arraignment is “not guilty.” This preserves all of the defendant’s rights, including the right to challenge the charges, to seek discovery, and to negotiate with the prosecution. Entering a guilty plea at the arraignment is almost never advisable without first consulting an attorney and reviewing the evidence. After a “not guilty” plea, the court will schedule the case for a conference or hearing. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What happens after the arraignment?

After the arraignment, the case is adjourned for further proceedings, which may include pretrial conferences, motion practice, and, if no resolution is reached, trial. In Broome County, depending on the severity of the charges, the case will proceed either in the local criminal court (misdemeanors) or in the Supreme Court Criminal Term (felonies). The defense may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, or seek discovery. The court will set a schedule, and the parties will continue to discuss potential plea offers. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys walk clients through each step and work to achieve a favorable outcome.

Official sources: Broome County Supreme Court | New York Penal Law | New York Criminal Procedure Law

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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.