Arraignments move quickly, but the decisions made here can affect your freedom and your options going forward. That’s why having a defense lawyer by your side is so important. At The Fast Law Firm, we represent people in arraignments across New York City to ensure your rights are protected from the start.
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If you’ve been arrested in New York City, the arraignment is your first appearance before a judge. It usually happens within 24 hours and sets the stage for everything that follows in your case. During this hearing, the court will review the charges, decide on bail or supervised release, and schedule your next court date.
The arraignment is a critical step in your case. Here’s what typically happens:
Because arraignments happen quickly, often within a day of arrest, there is little time to prepare. Having counsel ready ensures your side is heard when bail or release conditions are decided.
Arraignments in Manhattan are held at Manhattan Criminal Court. This courthouse is one of the busiest in the city, processing a wide range of charges from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Manhattan Criminal Court Information:
Because this is one of the busiest arraignment courts, cases may be delayed for hours.
Most Brooklyn arraignments take place at Brooklyn Criminal Court. This courthouse handles thousands of cases every year and operates nearly 24 hours a day to process new arrests.
Brooklyn Criminal Court Information:
Expect long wait times; cases are often called late in the evening.
In Queens, arraignments take place at Queens Criminal Court. Like Brooklyn, this court runs around the clock to handle the steady flow of cases.
Queens Criminal Court Information:
Bring a government ID if you plan to visit; security screening is required.
At The Fast Law Firm, we approach every case with the urgency and attention it deserves. We’re the law firm that slows down to get to know you. That begins with founder Elena Fast, whose leadership shapes how we defend our clients and how we treat them as individuals, not case numbers.
Elena is personally involved in building your defense from day one. She listens, evaluates the facts with care, and collaborates closely with our team to develop a strategy tailored to your goals. It’s a level of involvement you don’t often find in a city as fast-paced as New York, and it’s something our clients value.
We prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and take your case as seriously as you do. Prosecutors know when they’re up against a defense team that’s ready for trial. So do judges. If you’re ready to fight back, we’re prepared to help.
The arraignment sets the stage for the rest of your case. A strong defense attorney can:
At The Fast Law Firm, we understand how each borough’s court operates. We will present you in the best possible light and make sure your rights are protected at the very first hearing.
The arraignment sets the tone for your case, and having an experienced attorney by your side means your rights and future are defended from the beginning. We represent clients across New York City, and we know how to advocate effectively at this first appearance.
Arraignments happen fast, and the decisions made there can impact your freedom immediately. Call The Fast Law Firm today so we can act quickly to protect your rights.
Most arraignments take place within 24 hours of arrest.
Yes. Your attorney can argue for lower bail or request supervised release instead.
The court may order supervised release, or your lawyer can seek a bail reduction.
Yes. The arraignment affects bail, release, and the direction of your case. Having an attorney makes a significant difference.
Yes. Most arraignments are open to the public, but seating may be limited, and security checks are required.
The hearing itself may last only a few minutes, but wait times before the case is called can be several hours.
I was trying to help a foreigner (Non English speaking) friend who was not only implicated in a false criminal case but was also indicted by the jury already. The case seemed very hopeless but thanks God, we were able to find Esq Elana Fast, who took his case and worked very diligently and professionally….
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Elena is the kind of Attorney I would retain if I ever needed it. I was lucky enough to find her when my client desperately needed the best and the best is what he got. Elena is sharp, professional, and extremely competent. She stands by her clients and is committed to getting them the best…
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Elena is great. I wasn’t familiar with New York law and she explained everything well. She went to great lengths to make me feel comfortable and my family too. She has great people around her like Ifill, he’s a great guy and they very much care about their clients. Elena was there for me every…
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