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What happens at a criminal arraignment in Camden County
At a criminal arraignment in Camden County, New Jersey, the court formally reads the charges against the defendant and asks how the defendant pleads—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This first court appearance takes place in either the Camden County Municipal Court for disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor equivalents) or the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division—Criminal Part for indictable crimes (felony equivalents). New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so the court determines pretrial release based on a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) rather than money. A defendant who cannot afford private counsel may be screened for a public defender. At this stage, the judge also addresses bail conditions, scheduling, and any initial procedural motions. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the arraignment can help protect your rights—explaining what happens next, advocating for reasonable release conditions, and laying the groundwork for the defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appear regularly in Camden County courts and can guide you through the arraignment and beyond. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at a Camden County Arraignment
After an arrest, a complaint is drafted by law enforcement and filed with the appropriate court. For disorderly persons offenses, the complaint goes to the local municipal court. For more serious indictable crimes, it is filed in the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage, at 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. Shortly after arrest, the defendant appears before a judge for the initial arraignment. New Jersey’s bail reform means the court no longer sets cash bail; instead, it uses a risk-based Public Safety Assessment to decide whether the defendant is released on conditions, placed under supervised release, or detained pending trial. The judge reviews the complaint, confirms that the defendant understands the charges, and takes a plea. If the defendant pleads not guilty—which is common at this stage—the case moves into the pretrial phase for discovery and motion practice. The arraignment is also when eligibility for a public defender is determined. For some first-time offenders, the prosecutor or judge may mention pretrial diversion programs such as Pre‑Trial Intervention (PTI) or conditional discharge as a path toward a dismissal of the charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No, New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Camden County is now determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not by money. The court evaluates flight risk and danger to the community to decide whether to release the defendant with conditions, impose supervised release, or order pretrial detention. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey.
What is Pre‑Trial Intervention (PTI) in Camden County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first‑time indictable offenders in Camden County that can result in a complete dismissal of charges. Successful completion of one to three years of supervision leads to dismissal. PTI applications are processed through the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage. For first‑time drug possession charges in municipal court, a similar program called conditional discharge may be available.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes, New Jersey law allows expungement of certain criminal records after prescribed waiting periods. For indictable crimes the waiting period is typically five years; for disorderly persons offenses it is two years. The Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. Petitions for expungement are filed in Camden County Superior Court. An attorney can help you determine your eligibility and prepare the petition.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Camden County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a fine. These cases are heard in Camden County Municipal Court or the Superior Court, depending on the circumstances. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days in jail and a fine. Indictable crimes—felonies—are handled exclusively by the Superior Court.
What happens if I plead guilty at the arraignment?
If you plead guilty at the arraignment, you waive your right to a trial and the court can proceed to sentencing immediately or at a later date. In some disorderly persons cases, the judge may accept the plea and impose a sentence the same day. Because a guilty plea results in a conviction, it is important to first discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the potential consequences and whether a negotiated resolution is in your best interests.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You have the right to be represented by an attorney at your arraignment, and although you may appear without one, it is not advisable. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the charges, argue for the most favorable release conditions, and begin building your defense. If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court may assign a public defender. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
You should bring a valid photo ID, any arrest paperwork you received (such as the complaint or summons), and a list of any medications if you are in custody. Your attorney can advise you on additional documents that may be helpful. Dress conservatively and arrive early enough to meet with your lawyer before the hearing begins.
Can the charges be dropped at the arraignment?
It is possible but uncommon for charges to be dismissed at the arraignment. The prosecutor may withdraw a charge if there is a clear lack of evidence or a procedural defect. More often, a not‑guilty plea is entered and the case proceeds to the pretrial stage, where discovery and negotiations occur. An attorney can evaluate whether a motion to dismiss is appropriate in your case.
What is the difference between a municipal court arraignment and a Superior Court arraignment?
Municipal court arraignments handle disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses, while Superior Court arraignments address indictable crimes (felonies). Municipal court sessions are generally more informal and the docket moves more quickly. Superior Court arraignments involve more formal procedures before a judge of the Superior Court, and the matter is prosecuted by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
How long does an arraignment take in Camden County?
The time an arraignment lasts depends on the court’s calendar and the number of defendants appearing that day. A straightforward disorderly persons arraignment may be minutes long; an indictable offense with contested release conditions can take longer. Your attorney can give you a general sense of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
What happens after the arraignment?
After the arraignment, the criminal case moves into the pretrial phase. The court sets a schedule for discovery, where the prosecution must provide the evidence against you. Your attorney will review the discovery, file motions if appropriate, and engage in plea negotiations. If no resolution is reached, the case will eventually proceed to trial or a pretrial diversion program may be considered.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor with extensive trial experience. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Together with his Of Counsel, he brings over 120 years of combined legal experience, and the firm has obtained 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear in Camden County courts and are equipped to handle cases ranging from disorderly persons offenses to serious indictable crimes.
For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional resources: Camden Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey · New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (Title 2C)
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