Criminal Arraignment

Manhattan Criminal Arraignment

Item: Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC
Rating: 5
Author: J.P.

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If you have been arrested in New York or have received a Desk Appearance Ticket, you will inevitably have the unpleasant experience of going to your Manhattan Criminal Court Arraignment. The Arraignment process is the same regardless of the underlying offense. The court proceedings for a Sex Crime, marijuana possession (drug crime), or a Driving under the influence charge ie DWI will all begin with your arraignment. Appearing in court before a judge can be an intimidating experience. What is decided at your arraignment can have a significant impact on your case down the road. For this reason it is important to call a Manhattan Criminal Arraignment Lawyer from our office to help guide you through the process. We have offices to assist you in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx and Brooklyn as well as all of the Counties including Long Island and Westchester County.

After your initial arrest and booking process, or if you have received a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT), you will be required to attend your arraignment hearing. It is advisable that you retain a Manhattan Criminal Arraignment Lawyer as early in the process as possible. Manhattan Criminal Court has changed their hours in recent years, from hearing arraignments 24 hours a day Thursday through Sunday, to their current schedule which is Monday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

With the assistance of your Manhattan Criminal Lawyer you will learn that you are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise. After you have entered your plea of "not guilty", critical decisions that will be made by the judge at your arraignment is whether you will be released (released on your own recognizance or "ROR"), or if bail will be set and if so, how much. Judges have a large decree of discretion in making this determination. The judge will look at the seriousness of the crime, whether the defendant has a prior criminal history (includes not only crimes committed, but any prior warrants issued), and whether the defendant has substantial ties to the community. Community ties include factors such as whether the defendant owns a home or property in the area, if they are employed full-time, and whether or not they have friends and family in the area. While the judge takes these considerations into account, it is up to your Criminal Arraignment Lawyer to convince the judge to release you without bail (ROR), or keep the amount of bail ordered as low as possible. Having a New York Criminal Lawyer represent you at this hearing can be of great importance and significantly influence its outcome.

The arraignment process can be the beginning of a long road ahead. Having the guidance of a Manhattan Criminal Arraignment Lawyer to guide you through the New York Criminal Court system is important to ensure that your rights are being protected. Whether you face a domestic violence charge, driving with a suspended license matter, a simple traffic ticket violation or a complex white collar crime, when you call the offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC we can help you through this stressful time. We offer you a free consultation when you call us at 800.696.9529. We have offices not only in Manhattan, but throughout the New York area, including Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Suffolk County and Nassau County.

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★★★★★

My wife and I met under some unconventional circumstances. After I had some legal problems, Mr Bilkis and his firm continually got me out of trouble. I then had his firm represented my wife and he got her out of trouble! We are still married and got our ways straightened away. We both can't thank him enough for saving our lives and our families! J.P.

I contacted Stephen Bilkis' office for an issue regarding a family member and I could not be happier with the results. I have recommended the firm to friends and family, all of whom were also ecstatic with Mr. Bilkis and all members of his staff. P.R.

I was in need of legal assistance for a very sensitive matter for a family member. I contacted the law offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC and was met with staff whose demeanor was supportive, compassionate and professional. The lawyer handling our case had many years of experience and treated us as if we were his own family. Our experience was so good, and we became so close to all of the staff and all of the attorneys who assisted us, that we consider them our extended family and continue to send them our home baked gifts for the holidays. P.A.K.

I hired Stephen Bilkis and Associates to represent me on a legal matter a few months ago and am grateful for their swift action and resolution on my behalf. I was impressed with their professionalism and would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat. M.B.

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