What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bergen County

Last reviewed: June 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

A criminal arraignment in Bergen County is the defendant’s first formal appearance before a judge after an arrest. For indictable offenses—what New Jersey considers felonies—arraignment takes place in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Criminal Part, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack. The judge reads the charges, ensures the defendant understands them, and asks for a plea. In most cases, the defendant enters a not‑guilty plea at this stage, preserving the opportunity to negotiate or litigate later. For disorderly persons offenses—New Jersey’s misdemeanor‑equivalent charges—the first appearance is heard in Bergen County Municipal Court, where the defendant is also advised of the charge and may enter a plea. Because New Jersey eliminated cash bail in 2017, the court does not set a money‑based bond; instead, pretrial release is based on a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) that evaluates flight risk and danger to the community. Release may be on recognizance or with conditions. Having an experienced defense attorney present at arraignment helps protect the defendant’s rights, challenge the PSA recommendation, and preserve arguments that may affect the rest of the case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing criminal charges at both the Superior Court and Municipal Court levels in Bergen County. Call (888) 437‑7747.

New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act; pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score, not money.

Source: N.J.S.A. Title 2C; Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017. New Jersey Legislature

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

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Understanding the Arraignment Process in Bergen County

What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bergen County depends on whether the charge is an indictable crime or a disorderly persons offense. For indictable matters—such as aggravated assault, certain thefts, or drug distribution—the case proceeds through the Bergen County Superior Court. After a grand jury returns an indictment, the defendant is scheduled for arraignment before a Superior Court judge. The prosecutor formally states the charges, and the defendant, through counsel, enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or—in limited circumstances—no contest. The court also reviews pretrial release conditions under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. For disorderly persons offenses—like simple assault, petty theft, or marijuana possession under 6 ounces—the matter is handled in the Bergen County Municipal Court, where judges conduct first appearances and arraignments on a rolling basis. The procedural timeline varies by court calendar, but municipal court matters generally move more quickly than Superior Court cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in both the Bergen County Superior Court and the municipal courts throughout the county, including courts serving Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn.

New Jersey’s approach to pretrial detention is markedly different from other states because there is no cash bail system. Instead, the PSA weighs factors such as the nature of the charge, the defendant’s prior record, and any history of failure to appear. The court may impose non‑monetary conditions like electronic monitoring, regular reporting, or restrictions on travel. Defendants have the right to challenge the PSA score and present countervailing evidence at arraignment. Early engagement of counsel is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. work to build a record at arraignment that supports release without detention and preserves issues for later litigation. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases in Bergen County

When a client faces a criminal charge in Bergen County, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining every aspect of the government’s case—the arrest, the charging documents, and the PSA recommendation. At arraignment, counsel challenges any deficiency in probable cause, argues for the least restrictive release conditions, and enters a plea that protects the client’s long‑term interests. After arraignment, the defense team files discovery requests, reviews evidence, and investigates whether procedural violations or constitutional issues require suppression of evidence. For indictable offenses, the team prepares for grand jury proceedings, files pre‑trial motions, and crafts a strategy tailored to the Bergen County Superior Court, where the judiciary follows the New Jersey Court Rules and local practice guidelines of the 2nd Vicinage. For disorderly persons cases in municipal court, the approach focuses on swift resolution, diversion where available—such as conditional discharge for first‑time drug offenses—and sentencing mitigation. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on a combined 120 years of legal experience to achieve outcomes that prioritize the client’s liberty, record, and future. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal trial work. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has represented clients in criminal matters across all five jurisdictions for more than 28 years. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice concentrates on complex criminal defense, and he maintains a small personal caseload to ensure direct involvement in every matter. Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—each with over a decade of practice experience—who bring additional knowledge in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial advocacy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA.

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 Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA)—a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. The judge may impose non‑monetary conditions such as electronic monitoring or weekly check‑ins. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Challenges the PSA recommendation at arraignment and argues for the least restrictive conditions. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Bergen County?

Pre‑Trial Intervention (PTI) is a diversionary program for first‑time indictable offenders that allows charges to be dismissed after successful completion of supervision. The Bergen County Superior Court oversees PTI applications, and participants must complete a period of 1 to 3 years under court supervision, including counseling or community service. For first‑time drug possession charged in Municipal Court, the equivalent program is conditional discharge. PTI can keep a conviction off your record. To discuss your eligibility, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged after an arraignment?

Yes, New Jersey allows expungement after a waiting period: 5 years for indictable crimes and 2 years for disorderly persons offenses. The state’s Clean Slate law further expanded eligibility. If you complete PTI or conditional discharge successfully, the charge is dismissed and may be expunged without waiting. Petitions are filed in Bergen County Superior Court. A clean record improves employment and housing prospects. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What is a disorderly persons offense in Bergen County, NJ?

A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. These cases are heard in Bergen County Municipal Court rather than Superior Court. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days and a $500 fine. Common examples include simple assault, shoplifting under $200, and possession of marijuana under 6 ounces. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly represent clients in municipal courts throughout Bergen County. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer at an arraignment in Bergen County?

Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer at arraignment is strongly advisable because the decisions made there—release conditions, scheduling, and plea entry—affect the entire course of the case. A lawyer can challenge the PSA score, argue for recognizance release, preserve speedy‑trial rights, and advise on the consequences of a plea. Without counsel, a defendant risks a detention order or conditions that disrupt employment and family life. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. stands ready to appear at arraignment in both Superior Court and Municipal Court. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

What should I bring to my criminal arraignment in Bergen County?

Bring a valid photo ID, the complaint or summons you received, and any paperwork related to pretrial services or the PSA interview. Do not bring weapons, drugs, or electronic devices that could violate court security rules. Arrive early to the courthouse at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, and plan for a process that may take several hours. If you are represented by counsel, your attorney will advise you on what to bring and may be able to present documentation to support your release. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Primary sources:
New Jersey Courts ·
New Jersey Legislature ·
Bergen Vicinage

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