What happens at a criminal arraignment in Salem County

You received a notice to appear at the Salem County Superior Court in Woodstown. You’ve never been in a courtroom before, and the words “arraignment” and “indictable” don’t mean much to you right now. The first thing you should do is speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before that court date. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss what the arraignment means for your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Your options at the arraignment in Salem County

At the arraignment, the judge will read the charges against you and ask how you plead. You have three options: not guilty, guilty, or no contest. What you say—and what you don’t say—carries serious consequences. A not-guilty plea preserves every defense available under the law. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly at the Salem County courthouse and can advise you which plea makes sense before you say a word in court. The arraignment is also when bail or pretrial release conditions are set. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so the judge will use a Public Safety Assessment to decide whether you are released or detained pending trial.

What to expect at your arraignment

Plan to arrive at the Salem County Superior Court, 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You’ll pass through security and find the courtroom listed on your notice. When your case is called, you will stand before the judge with your attorney. The judge will confirm your identity, read the charges, and ask for your plea. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set future court dates and address release conditions. The entire proceeding usually takes only a few minutes, but the decisions made that day affect every step that follows. Having an attorney at your side ensures procedural rights are protected from the very beginning.

Salem County handles disorderly persons offenses (the equivalent of misdemeanors) in the Municipal Court and indictable crimes (felonies) in the Superior Court, Criminal Part. The arraignment process is similar in both courts, but the stakes are much higher for indictable offenses. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients at both levels and know how local judges and prosecutors approach pretrial matters.

Understanding potential penalties

The penalties you face depend on the degree of the offense charged. Disorderly persons offenses can bring up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days and a $500 fine. Indictable crimes range from fourth-degree (up to 18 months) to first-degree (10 to 20 years with a presumption of imprisonment). A conviction also creates a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. New Jersey offers diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention for first-time indictable offenders, which can lead to dismissal after successful completion. An experienced attorney can help you understand which penalties apply to your specific charges and whether diversion is a possibility.

For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis.

About Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to every matter they handle. Together, they appear regularly in Salem County courts on behalf of people facing criminal charges. When you call (888) 437-7747, your case gets the attention of an attorney who understands the local courts and how to build a defense under New Jersey law.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer at the arraignment?

Yes, you have the right to an attorney at your arraignment, and having one present can protect you from making statements that could be used against you later. The arraignment sets the tone for the entire case. An attorney can ensure the charges are properly read, argue for favorable release conditions, and enter a plea that preserves your rights. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for a public defender, but private counsel can dedicate more time and resources to your defense.

What if I plead guilty at the arraignment?

A guilty plea at the arraignment means you are convicted immediately and sentenced, possibly the same day. You waive your right to trial, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the evidence. Unless your attorney has negotiated a plea agreement in advance, pleading guilty at the first appearance is rarely in your best interest. A not-guilty plea gives you time to review the discovery and explore defenses.

Will I be sent to jail after the arraignment?

It depends on the charges and the Public Safety Assessment score. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. The judge decides whether to release you on your own recognizance, impose supervision conditions, or detain you pending trial, based on your risk of flight and danger to the community. An attorney can argue for the least restrictive conditions.

Can the charges be dropped at the arraignment?

Charges are rarely dropped at the arraignment, but your attorney can ask the prosecutor to reconsider if there are obvious legal deficiencies. The prosecutor may voluntarily dismiss a charge if the complaint is defective, or the court may dismiss for lack of probable cause at a later hearing. Most dismissals happen after the arraignment, once evidence is examined.

What is a disorderly persons offense in Salem County?

A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, handled in the Salem County Municipal Court. It carries up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses are even less serious but still create a criminal record. Indictable offenses (felonies) are handled in the Superior Court, Criminal Part.

How do I get Pre-Trial Intervention in Salem County?

You must apply through the Salem County Superior Court, and eligibility is generally limited to first-time indictable offenders. PTI is a diversionary program that, if completed, results in dismissal of the charges. Your attorney can file the application and argue for your admission. Conditional discharge is a similar program for first-time drug possession cases in Municipal Court.

What should I bring to my arraignment?

Bring your notice to appear, identification, and any paperwork related to your arrest, but let your attorney handle the substantive discussion with the court. Dress conservatively and arrive early. If you have an attorney, the two of you will present a unified front. Do not bring weapons, and expect to pass through security screening.

Can I represent myself at the arraignment?

You have the right to represent yourself, but doing so without understanding New Jersey criminal procedure can harm your defense. The judge will ask if you understand the charges and the risks of self-representation. Even at the arraignment, unfamiliarity with the rules can lead to a poor plea decision or release conditions that are more restrictive than necessary.

Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

If you have an arraignment scheduled in Salem County, call (888) 437-7747 to speak with an attorney. The firm’s New Jersey location serves clients throughout Salem County, including Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, and surrounding communities. We can review your charges and appear with you at the Superior Court, 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.