Manhattan Criminal Court and Supreme Court: What to Expect

Most criminal cases in Manhattan begin with an arraignment at New York County Criminal Court, 100 Centre Street. Felony cases that continue after an indictment are heard in New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, which sits in the same building and in the courthouse across the street at 111 Centre Street. This short guide explains what to expect.

Which Manhattan court handles your case

• Criminal Court, 100 Centre Street: handles misdemeanors and lesser offenses, and conducts arraignments and preliminary proceedings in felony cases.
• Supreme Court, Criminal Term, 100 and 111 Centre Street: handles felony cases after an indictment, or after a waiver of indictment when the law allows it, from hearings and plea negotiations through trial and sentencing.

From arrest to arraignment

• After an arrest: the person is taken to the precinct and then to Central Booking for processing, and is usually arraigned within about 24 hours. Arraignments in Manhattan are held every day, including evenings and weekends. Family members can find the Central Booking phone numbers on our resources page.
• With a Desk Appearance Ticket: the arraignment is on the date printed on the ticket, generally within 20 days. Missing that date can lead the court to issue a warrant.

What happens at the arraignment

The charges are presented, a lawyer represents you, and a plea of not guilty is usually entered. The judge decides whether you are released and on what terms, may issue a temporary order of protection, and sets the next court date. For most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, New York law does not allow bail: the judge must release you, sometimes with non-monetary conditions. Bail or remand is possible only for qualifying offenses.

When a felony case moves to Supreme Court

In a felony case, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office decides whether to present the case to a grand jury. If the grand jury votes an indictment, the defendant is arraigned again, this time on the indictment, in Supreme Court. The case then continues with discovery, hearings, plea negotiations, and, if needed, trial. Some felony charges are instead reduced to misdemeanors and resolved in Criminal Court.

Practical tips for court days in Manhattan

• Bring government-issued identification and the paperwork you received.
• Arrive early and expect security screening and lines at the entrance, especially in the morning.
• 100 Centre Street is about three blocks south of Canal Street, near the Canal Street and Chambers Street subway stations. Parking nearby is limited, so public transit is usually easier.
• Write down the next court date and courtroom, and keep every paper the court gives you.

Criminal defense in Manhattan courts

Sharifov & Associates, PLLC represents clients at arraignments in Manhattan Criminal Court and in felony cases in New York County Supreme Court. If someone you know has been arrested in Manhattan, or you received a Desk Appearance Ticket, call our New York City office at 718-368-2800.