If you’ve been arrested in New York City, your arraignment happens quickly—usually within 24 hours. This first appearance sets the tone for your entire case. The judge will decide whether you are released, placed under supervision, or held on bail. It’s also where the charges are read, your plea is entered, and your defense officially begins.
At The Fast Law Firm, we know how overwhelming this moment can feel. While many people turn to a public defender at arraignment, doing so can leave you at a disadvantage. Public defenders work hard and care deeply about their clients, but the system itself limits how much they can do at this early stage. Having private counsel by your side from the start can make a significant difference.
The Reality of Public Defenders at Arraignment
Public defenders are an important part of New York’s justice system. They represent thousands of people every year who cannot afford private counsel. The problem isn’t their dedication—it’s the circumstances they face in NYC’s busy courts.
At arraignment, public defenders often meet clients for the first time moments before stepping in front of the judge. They rarely have time to:
- Review the arrest report in detail
- Contact family members who might help with bail
- Investigate background facts that could affect release conditions
- Build a longer-term defense strategy on the spot
Because arraignments in New York City move so fast, the lack of preparation time can put you at risk of unfavorable bail decisions or conditions of release that could have been challenged more effectively.
Why Private Counsel Offers an Advantage
Hiring private counsel before arraignment gives you more than just a lawyer at your side—it gives you preparation, advocacy, and a defense plan from the very beginning. At The Fast Law Firm, we start working immediately to protect your rights and set you up for the best possible outcome.
Private defense counsel can:
- Prepare before court – We review your case file, speak with your family, and gather key details about your background.
- Push for better release terms – By showing the judge ties to the community, employment, or lack of prior record, we can argue for release without bail or with supervised release instead.
- Shape the early strategy – Every decision made at arraignment affects what comes next. We think beyond the first appearance, planning how to approach motions, plea discussions, or trial.
- Give you individual attention – Unlike a public defender with dozens of cases in the same courtroom, we focus on your case alone.
This focused approach can prevent small mistakes at arraignment from snowballing into larger problems later in your case.
How Arraignment Decisions Shape the Rest of Your Case
It’s easy to think arraignment is just a formality, but it carries lasting consequences. Judges form first impressions about you and your case at this stage, and those impressions can influence everything that follows. Bail decisions can affect whether you’re free to continue working and supporting your family while your case proceeds.
When you have The Fast Law Firm at your side, we make sure the court sees more than just the charges. We bring in context, highlight your strengths, and push back against assumptions. That advocacy not only helps you at arraignment but also sets the groundwork for negotiations and motions that may follow.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Time is short after an arrest. The sooner you bring in private counsel, the stronger your position will be when you step into arraignment court. Waiting until later in the process may limit your options, especially if bail has already been set too high or if early opportunities to challenge the case are missed.
We understand that hiring a private lawyer feels like a big step in a stressful moment. But having an advocate who knows NYC’s arraignment courts, who can act immediately on your behalf, and who is focused solely on your case can make the difference between being held and walking out the courtroom doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a public defender to private counsel after arraignment?
Yes, you can. But some early opportunities may already have passed. Having private counsel from the start is the best way to protect yourself.
What if I can’t afford bail at arraignment?
Private counsel can argue for supervised release or other alternatives. In NYC, judges can consider non-monetary options, but they need to hear the right arguments presented clearly.
Does hiring private counsel really matter if my case might end in a plea?
Yes. The quality of representation at arraignment shapes plea discussions later. Strong advocacy at the start puts you in a better position if negotiations happen.
Protect Your Rights with The Fast Law Firm
Your arraignment is the first and most important chance to protect your future. Relying on an overburdened public defender at this stage can leave you at risk. At The Fast Law Firm, we give your case the immediate attention it deserves. We will fight for your release, prepare a defense strategy, and stand beside you in NYC’s fast-paced courts.
If you or a loved one is facing arraignment in New York City, don’t leave the outcome to chance. Contact The Fast Law Firm today and put an experienced defense team on your side from the very beginning.