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What to Expect at Your Arraignment in the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse
If you have been arrested or indicted for a federal crime in Brooklyn, you are likely going to have an arraignment in the near future. Knowing what to expect at your arraignment in the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse can help you protect your rights and take steps to begin building a strong defense.
The Brooklyn Federal Courthouse at 225 Cadman Plaza E. handles federal cases in the Eastern District of New York, including Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. A criminal offense may be a federal charge for a variety of reasons, including if it involves violating federal crime laws rather than New York laws, if it involves multiple states, or if it involves interstate or federal agencies or organizations.
What an Arraignment for Federal Charges in Brooklyn Is
An arraignment is a formal court hearing when you have been charged with a crime. This is the first time after your arrest that you appear before a federal judge. The Brooklyn Federal Courthouse only handles arraignments for those being charged with federal crimes. In 2024, there were 2,647 federal crimes, many of which were through the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse.
Arraignment matters because it is where you receive specific information about important topics, such as what your charges are, what your rights are, and what your bail and release conditions are. If you hire a federal crime lawyer, they can explain these rights and responsibilities and help you make decisions that do not lead to additional penalties or challenges defending yourself during your criminal trial.
This Is What Happens During Arraignment
During arraignment, you are brought before a magistrate judge who facilitates the hearing and makes decisions about what happens next. During a hearing, several things happen, including:
- Reading of your charges. Your specific charges are going to be read aloud to you. The judge or prosecutor can also provide you with a copy of the charges against you.
- Entering a plea. Once you are told of your charges, you can enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. In Eastern New York in 2024, there were 687 guilty pleas in federal courts. In most cases, defendants enter a plea of not guilty.
- Setting bail and release conditions. The judge can determine whether you must remain in the custody of the US Marshals before the trial or if bail can be set. The amount of bail is often determined based on the severity of your charges, your criminal record, whether you have a history of failing to appear, and your employment and community ties.
- Scheduling the next court date. One of the last steps in your arraignment is setting the date for your next court appearance.
Why You Should Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer From The Vitaliano Law Firm Before Your Arraignment
Federal crime cases can be complex, involving strict legal requirements and confusing legal processes. Arraignment is one area of a case that leaves many people feeling confused, anxious, and overwhelmed. During this process, a Brooklyn federal crime attorney can help you feel in control while also taking steps to begin building a strong defense against your charges.
One area where a lawyer’s guidance is essential is entering a plea. Whether you should plead guilty, not guilty, or no-contest is entirely case-dependent. A lawyer can offer advice that gives you the highest chance of outcomes such as not-guilty verdicts, dismissed charges, plea bargains, and reduced penalties. Often, determining how to plead involves analyzing the facts of your case, the evidence against you, and the specific defense strategy you are pursuing.
Whether you need help deciding how to plead, need guidance about the specific processes to follow, or want representation in court, legal representation is essential. At The Vitaliano Law Firm, we have years of experience representing those charged with federal crimes. We understand how intimidating the arraignment process can be, which is why we offer personal guidance and strategic advocacy throughout these hearings.
FAQs
What Are Common Arraignment Mistakes?
Some common arraignment mistakes include trying to argue your case in front of the judge, entering a plea without speaking with a lawyer, showing disrespect to the judge, or ignoring bail conditions. These errors can make it difficult for you to defend against federal charges and may even lead to additional penalties. A lawyer can help you avoid these key errors by walking you through what to do during the hearing and representing you in front of the judge.
What Is the Most Common Plea at an Arraignment?
The most common plea at an arraignment is not guilty. Often, a defendant is advised to plead not guilty, as entering a plea occurs before evidence can be reviewed and plea bargains can be negotiated. Pleading not guilty can help you preserve your innocence or can be a valuable way to give your lawyer a chance to develop a defense strategy for your case.
How Long Do the Authorities Have to Arraign You?
The time authorities have to arraign you can vary, but it should generally happen swiftly to preserve your right to a fair and speedy trial. For many federal offenses, federal crime laws require you to have a preliminary hearing within 14 days if you are in custody or 21 days if you are not in custody. This typically happens on the same day or the day after you are arrested and charged.
Can an Arraignment Be Waived?
Yes, in certain cases, an arraignment can be waived. To do this, you must sign a waiver to acknowledge that you have received a copy of the charges and fully understand the charges against you, enter a plea of not guilty, and acknowledge that you are waiving your right to appear in person. A judge must read, accept, and sign the waiver for it to be valid. A lawyer can explain if this is a good option for you and can provide you with the proper documents.
Reach Out to a Brooklyn Federal Crimes Attorney
Arraignment in federal crime cases is the first time you are in front of a judge for your criminal case. Contact The Vitaliano Law Firm to learn how legal representation can help you begin your defense on a strong note.
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An accomplished legal advocate, Michael E. Vitaliano is the founder and principal of The Vitaliano Law Firm, based in New York City. Mr. Vitaliano is a leading criminal defense lawyer and experienced advocate in handling all criminal matters in state and federal court.
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