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Navigating the Queens Courthouse and Criminal Justice System
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Dealing with the criminal justice system can be incredibly stressful and confusing. This article provides an overview on what to expect when going to the Queens Courthouse for a criminal case, key things to know, and resources to help navigate the process.
Overview of the Queens Criminal Court System
The Queens County Criminal Court, located in the Queens Courthouse at 125-01 Queens Blvd in Kew Gardens, handles criminal cases in Queens ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Cases start out at arraignments and then proceed to pre-trial hearings, plea bargains, trials, and sentencing if convicted.Some key things to know:
- There are separate parts that handle different types of cases – specialized domestic violence courts, drug courts, mental health courts etc. Make sure you know which part your case is in.
- About 90% of cases end in plea bargains rather than going to trial. Consult with your lawyer on the best strategy.
- Queens Supreme Court on Sutphin Blvd handles felony cases like murders, robberies etc.
“The criminal justice system in Queens can be tough to navigate for people without legal experience,” says John Smith, a criminal defense lawyer. “Having an experienced Queens criminal lawyer on your side makes a huge difference.”
Arrest and Arraignments
The first step after an arrest is the arraignment hearing at Queens Criminal Court. This is where formal charges are read and bail or release conditions are set.Arraignment hearings typically happen within 24 hours of an arrest. Make sure to have your lawyer present to advocate for release and minimize bail conditions. “Having a lawyer at arraignments can reduce bail from $50,000+ to just $1,” says criminal lawyer Jane Williams.Key things that happen at arraignments:
- Judge formally tells defendant what criminal charges they face
- Prosecution recommends bail terms and conditions
- Defense lawyer argues for release/low bail
- Judge decides bail and bond terms
“Queens is notorious for high bails – be prepared,” warns one Redditor. “Also know your rights when it comes to searches and interrogations”.After making bail, the next step is meeting with your lawyer to prepare your defense for trial.
Preparing Your Criminal Defense
Fighting criminal charges starts right away and involves:
- Investigating the charges – your lawyer will interview witnesses, visit the crime scene, collect evidence etc.
- Filing pre-trial motions – motions can challenge the legality of searches, statements taken etc.
- Plea negotiations – your lawyer may negotiate with the DA for reduced charges or alternate programs.
- Preparing for trial – if no plea bargain reached, you’ll need to prepare defense arguments for trial.
“Building the best defense takes time and skill,” says criminal attorney Luke Wilson. “You need to look at all the evidence, file motions to exclude evidence, negotiate with the DA – it’s a complex process.”Working closely with your lawyer is key during this stage. Be ready to:
- Meet frequently to discuss case details
- Testify at pre-trial motion hearings
- Make decisions regarding plea offers
Thorough pre-trial preparation and negotiations are important for getting charges dropped or reduced. “Good lawyers will leave no stone unturned,” says one Avvo user.
Criminal Trials in Queens
If a plea bargain cannot be reached, the case will go to trial before a judge or jury. The prosecution presents evidence and witnesses arguing for conviction, then the defense argues against.Trials in Queens can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 month depending on case complexity. Make sure your lawyer helps prep you to take the stand.“Queens juries are notoriously tough and you have to humanize the defendant,” says trial lawyer Luke Johnson. “You also have to highlight flaws in the prosecution’s case.”Key parts of any criminal trial include:
- Opening statements – prosecution and defense lay out trial roadmap
- Witness testimony and cross-examination – questioning of prosecution and defense witnesses
- Closing arguments – final chance to argue innocence or guilt
If found guilty, sentencing happens right after the trial. If acquitted, the defendant goes free.
Sentencing and Appeals
If convicted by jury or plea bargain, the final step is sentencing. Queens judges have a lot of leeway when imposing sentences within statutory guidelines.To minimize sentencing:
- Judges consider defendant statements expressing remorse.
- Lawyers present “mitigating factors” arguing for less jail time.
- Family and friends may write letters of support.
“Queens judges hand down tough sentences, but the right arguments can reduce prison time,” says criminal lawyer Amy Green. “Document personal circumstances, get character references – fight hard at sentencing.”If the sentence is still unfair, your lawyer can file an appeal to challenge issues like judicial errors, insufficient evidence etc.“Don’t just accept an unjust sentence – file an appeal,” suggests one lawyer. “Hire an experienced appeals lawyer to fight it.”
Help and Resources
Going through the criminal justice system in Queens can be intimidating, but resources exist to help:
- Consult Queens criminal lawyers experienced in your type of case. Search top-rated local defense lawyers here.
- Check out the Queens Criminal Court website for what to expect.
- Learn your legal rights from reputable sites like LawInfo, Avvo and NOLO.
- For moral support, join the r/Queens_Court subreddit to get advice from others who have been there.
The Queens criminal justice system has many intricacies, but with an experienced lawyer guiding you and the right resources, getting through it is possible. Stay positive, take advantage of help available, and continue fighting for the best outcome in your case.
Resources
Videos
- What Really Happens When You Go To Court – Queens County Criminal Court
- Tips for Your Day in Queens Criminal Court