What happens at a criminal arraignment in Steuben County
You were arrested last night in Corning. After being processed at the station, you were given a desk appearance ticket or held for arraignment. Now you are heading to court—perhaps the Local Criminal Court or, for a felony, the Steuben County Supreme Court in Bath. The first court proceeding you will face is the arraignment. At an arraignment in Steuben County, the court formally advises you of the charges, ensures you understand your rights, and asks how you plead. Whether the charge is a Class A misdemeanor or an indictable felony, understanding what will happen and having experienced criminal defense counsel by your side can make a critical difference. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Steuben County courts and can help you navigate this first appearance. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Direct Answer: What to Expect at an Arraignment in Steuben County
An arraignment is the first formal court proceeding after an arrest. In Steuben County, the specific courtroom depends on the level of the charge. Misdemeanors and violation-level offenses are heard in the local criminal court—such as a town or village justice court—or the County Court. Felony cases are handled in Steuben County Supreme Court. At the arraignment, the judge or justice will read the charges aloud, inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney, and ask you to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide information about assigned counsel. Bail or release conditions may also be addressed. The prosecutor may announce a bail recommendation, but since New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is no longer required for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Instead, many defendants are released on their own recognizance. This is a procedural hearing; no evidence is presented and no witnesses testify. The judge will set future dates for motions, discovery, or trial. Having an attorney present at this stage is important because what is said—or not said—during arraignment can affect the rest of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before my arraignment hearing?
Before your arraignment, try to secure an attorney and gather any documents related to your arrest, including the desk appearance ticket or bail receipt. You should refrain from discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer, including on the phone or social media. Write down everything you remember about the arrest while details are fresh. If you have not yet retained counsel, you can request a public defender at the arraignment. Showing up prepared and on time reflects positively on you. To discuss representation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Will I be asked to enter a plea at my arraignment?
Yes, you will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at the arraignment. In almost every situation, your attorney will advise you to plead not guilty to preserve all your rights and allow time to review the evidence and investigate potential defenses. A guilty plea entered at arraignment cannot be taken back easily. Pleading not guilty simply moves the case forward to the next phase. If you are represented by our firm, Mr. Sris or a member of our Of Counsel team will guide you through this decision based on the specifics of your case.
How does bail work at a Steuben County arraignment?
After New York’s 2020 bail reform, cash bail is eliminated for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies; instead, defendants are typically released on their own recognizance or with conditions. For certain violent felonies and qualifying offenses, the judge retains the authority to set bail. If bail is set, you may be able to post it directly or through a bail bondsman. The judge considers factors like flight risk, the nature of the charges, and your ties to the community. Our attorneys can argue for release on recognizance and present information supporting your community connections.
What happens if I cannot afford a lawyer?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you should ask the court to assign counsel at your arraignment. The judge will determine whether you qualify financially. In Steuben County, assigned counsel may come from the public defender’s office, Legal Aid, or the 18-b panel. Court-appointed attorneys have heavy caseloads, so you might consider retaining private counsel if possible. Our firm offers payment options; call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Do I have to speak at my arraignment?
You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it. The only thing you need to say—after consulting with your attorney—is your plea. Any statements you make to the judge, even offhand remarks, could be used against you later. Let your attorney do the talking. Our legal team will ensure that your rights are protected from the very first court appearance.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony arraignment in Steuben County?
The core procedure is similar, but a misdemeanor arraignment takes place in a local criminal court, while a felony arraignment is in Steuben County Supreme Court. At a felony arraignment, the prosecutor has likely already presented the case to a grand jury and obtained an indictment, though some felony arraignments occur on a felony complaint before indictment. The judge will address bail or remand, set a schedule for motions, and inform you of your right to a preliminary hearing or grand jury presentation. Felony cases are more serious, making early legal representation even more critical.
Can an attorney appear on my behalf at the arraignment?
In New York, for many misdemeanors and violations, your attorney can appear on your behalf if you have signed a waiver of personal appearance. This is not automatic and depends on the charge and the judge. For felonies, personal appearance is typically required. Having a lawyer present, whether you attend or they appear for you, ensures that your rights are asserted from the start. Contact our firm to learn whether we can handle your arraignment through a waiver.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring your identification, any paperwork from the arrest (including the desk appearance ticket or bail receipt), and a copy of the charges if you have one. Do not bring weapons, food, or unnecessary personal belongings; court security will screen you. Dress neatly and respectfully. Arrive early to find parking and go through security. If you have hired an attorney, confirm the meeting time and location beforehand.
How long does an arraignment take?
The arraignment itself is usually brief, often lasting only a few minutes per defendant. However, you may wait for your case to be called. The court calendar can be crowded, especially on designated criminal docket days. Plan to be at the courthouse for several hours. The timeline varies based on the court’s schedule. After the arraignment, your case will move forward according to the judge’s timetable.
What happens after the arraignment?
After the arraignment, the case proceeds to the pre-trial phase, which may involve discovery, motion practice, and potential plea negotiations. The judge will set deadlines for the exchange of evidence and for filing motions. In some eligible first-offense cases, your attorney may explore an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), which can result in charges being dismissed after a period of good behavior. A trial date will eventually be set if the case does not resolve. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can guide you through each stage.
How do I find a criminal defense lawyer for an arraignment in Steuben County?
You can find a criminal defense lawyer by contacting our firm directly at (888) 437-7747. We represent clients throughout Steuben County, including Bath, Corning, Hornell, and surrounding communities. Our attorneys are experienced in handling arraignments in local courts and the Supreme Court. A phone consultation can help you understand your options quickly. To discuss the specifics of your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has concentrated his practice in criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring substantial experience across a wide range of criminal matters, including misdemeanor and felony defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing criminal charges in Steuben County, drawing on decades of collective legal work to develop defense strategies tailored to each client’s situation. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
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