What happens at a criminal arraignment in Camden County
A criminal arraignment is the formal court proceeding where the charges against you are read aloud, you enter a plea, and the judge addresses bail or pretrial release. In Camden County, New Jersey, arraignments are held at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage (101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103). Whether you face a disorderly persons offense (similar to a misdemeanor) or an indictable crime (a felony-level charge), the arraignment is your first opportunity to respond to the allegations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. are experienced in Camden County criminal procedure and can advise you before and during this critical court appearance. To discuss your arraignment or any pending criminal matter, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the Arraignment Process in Camden County
At the arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges listed in the complaint or indictment. You will be asked to enter a plea—typically “not guilty,” “guilty,” or “no contest.” If you have not yet retained counsel, the judge will inquire about your need for a public defender, provided you meet financial eligibility requirements. Because New Jersey abolished cash bail under the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017, a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) will have been generated before the hearing. The PSA scores your risk of flight and danger to the community. Based on the PSA and any arguments by the prosecutor and your attorney, the judge may order pretrial release with conditions, release on your own recognizance, or pretrial detention without bail. The court at 101 South Fifth Street serves all Camden County municipalities, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, and others.
Arraignments for disorderly persons offenses are generally heard in Camden County Municipal Court, while indictable offenses are handled in the Criminal Part of Superior Court, Camden Vicinage. Having an attorney present at this stage is important because decisions about pretrial release, the scope of conditions, and the scheduling of future dates can influence the rest of your case. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how prosecutors and judges approach these initial proceedings and works with his Of Counsel to safeguard your rights from the outset.
What Happens After the Arraignment
After the arraignment, the case moves into the pretrial phase. For indictable crimes, the court will schedule a pretrial conference within approximately four to six weeks, during which discovery, potential motions, and plea negotiations are discussed. For disorderly persons offenses, the matter typically proceeds to a trial date or is resolved sooner. If you are eligible for diversionary programs such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for first-time indictable offenders or conditional discharge for drug-related municipal court cases, your lawyer can begin the application process immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Camden County courts and are familiar with the local procedures and judicial expectations that can influence the timeline and outcome of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a criminal arraignment?
A criminal arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest or summons. The judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, and asks for a plea. In Camden County, the proceeding also addresses pretrial release based on a Public Safety Assessment. Having an attorney at this stage can help you understand the charges and any immediate consequences.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Camden County?
While you may appear without counsel, you are strongly advised to have an attorney present. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can argue for favorable pretrial release conditions, identify procedural defects, and begin formulating a defense. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor and can provide guidance during and after the arraignment.
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 determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA)—a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. The court will decide whether you are released with conditions, on your own recognizance, or detained pending trial.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Camden County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders. Successful completion of one to three years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications are processed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage. Conditional discharge is available in Municipal Court for first-time drug possession. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assess eligibility and guide you through the application.
Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged?
Yes. New Jersey permits expungement after a waiting period: five years for indictable crimes and two years for disorderly persons offenses. The state’s Clean Slate law has expanded eligibility. Successful completion of PTI results in automatic dismissal. Petitions are filed in the Superior Court, Camden Vicinage. An attorney can help you determine if you qualify and handle the petition.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Camden County?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. These cases are heard in Camden County Municipal Court. Indictable crimes, comparable to felonies, are prosecuted in Superior Court and carry significantly higher penalties.
Where is the criminal arraignment held in Camden County?
Arraignments for disorderly persons offenses occur in the Camden County Municipal Court, while indictable offenses are handled in the Criminal Part of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage. The main courthouse address is 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures at this courthouse.
What plea should I enter at the arraignment?
In virtually all cases, an attorney will advise you to plead “not guilty” at the arraignment. A not-guilty plea preserves your right to contest the charges, to negotiate with the prosecution, and to pursue diversion or dismissal. A guilty plea at this early stage is generally not advisable because you have not yet reviewed the state’s evidence or explored all available defenses.
What happens if I miss my arraignment in Camden County?
If you fail to appear for your arraignment, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. A warrant can result in your arrest at any time, and the court may revoke or increase pretrial conditions. If you realize you cannot make your scheduled court date, contact your attorney immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assist with rescheduling and addressing the warrant.
How can a criminal defense lawyer help at the arraignment stage?
A lawyer can review the complaint or indictment for legal defects, argue for your release under the least restrictive conditions, preserve your right to a speedy trial, and advise on plea entry. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. bring extensive combined legal experience and regularly appear in Camden County courts. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
About Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is a multi-state firm that represents clients in criminal, family, and immigration matters. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris works with an experienced Of Counsel team to handle cases in Camden County and throughout New Jersey. Whether you are facing a disorderly persons offense or a serious indictable crime, our New Jersey location serves clients in all 21 counties. For a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
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