Arrested in Manhattan? What Happens Before Your First Court Date

What should you do right after an arrest?

Stay calm and do not physically resist. You can clearly say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Avoid trying to explain the incident or persuade an officer that the accusation is wrong before speaking with counsel. Statements can become evidence. ³

You can still tell officers and medical staff that you need medical care, an interpreter, or help with an urgent health issue. Give accurate identifying information. Do not provide false information.

If police have called and asked you to come to a precinct, speak with a lawyer promptly. A lawyer can contact the detective and discuss the next steps. Do not ignore a warrant or court order.

What happens at the precinct and central booking?

Processing may include questions about your identity, fingerprints, photographs, and a check for warrants. Police may take and document your belongings. Keep any property voucher you receive. If you remain in custody, you may be moved to central booking while the paperwork for court is prepared. ⁴

Tell your lawyer where and when you were arrested, whether anyone questioned you, and whether you signed anything. Share the names of witnesses and any urgent concerns about children, work, housing, or medical care.

What if you receive a Desk Appearance Ticket?

A Desk Appearance Ticket, often called a DAT, directs you to appear in criminal court on a later date. It does not mean the accusation has been dismissed. Read the court location, date, and time carefully. ²

Use the time before court to speak with a lawyer and preserve information that may help your defense. Take clear photos of every page of the ticket. Keep the original somewhere safe and add the date to your calendar.

Our NYC Desk Appearance Ticket page explains how Gina can help with a DAT case. If you live outside New York, tell your lawyer early so you can discuss travel and whether any court permission is needed.

How soon will you see a judge?

For someone held after an arrest, New York law requires arraignment without unnecessary delay. In NYC, arraignment is generally expected within about 24 hours, although a delay may require a case-specific explanation. This timing does not apply in the same way to someone released on a DAT for a later court date. ^2,4,5

A delay does not automatically dismiss the charges. If a loved one has been held for a long time, give the lawyer the arrest time and last known location so the lawyer can check the situation.

Where is Manhattan Criminal Court?

New York County Criminal Court is at 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013. The court handles misdemeanors and initial proceedings in felony cases. Manhattan also has other court locations, including Midtown Community Court. Follow the location on your papers and confirm it with your lawyer. ⁶

Before leaving for court, check the date, time, building, and courtroom or “part.” Bring your papers and identification, and allow time for security. Ask your lawyer what to expect that day. A DAT appearance and an appearance while someone is in custody can follow different schedules.

What happens at your arraignment?

At arraignment, you are told the charges and advised of your rights. You have the right to a lawyer. If you qualify financially, the court can appoint one. Your lawyer can discuss the complaint and advise you before a plea is entered. ¹

The judge also addresses release or detention, and may set a return date or issue an order of protection. Read any order before leaving. Ask your lawyer to explain anything you do not understand.

Do not accept a plea simply because you want to finish quickly. Ask what it could mean for your record, immigration status, job, or professional license. Those concerns may require advice beyond the immediate court penalty.

Will you have to pay bail?

Not every arrest allows a judge to set money bail. New York law limits bail in many cases. Depending on the charge and the circumstances, a person may be released on a promise to return, released with conditions, held on bail where authorized, or held without bail where the law permits. ⁷

A lawyer must review the exact charges and the rules that apply. A first arrest does not guarantee release, and a felony accusation does not automatically require bail. Give your lawyer accurate information about your address, work, family responsibilities, and any other pending cases.

Follow any order of protection carefully

An order of protection may restrict contact, require you to stay away from someone, or affect where you can live. The wording of your order matters. A full stay-away order and a limited order can impose different restrictions.

If your order bars contact, the other person’s invitation does not cancel that restriction. Only the court can change or end the order. Ask your lawyer how to address belongings, childcare, or shared housing without violating it. ⁸

How a family member can help before court

When calling a lawyer about someone in custody, have these details ready if you know them:

• Full legal name and date of birth.
• Approximate arrest time and the precinct or last known location.
• Any arrest number, ticket, court paper, or charge information.
• Urgent medical needs and a reliable family contact number.

You do not need every detail before calling. Explain what you know and what is still unclear. A lawyer may also ask for documents showing the person’s address, employment, or family responsibilities.

Avoid discussing the facts of the accusation on ordinary jail calls, social media, or group messages. Keep those conversations for counsel through an appropriate private channel.

Preserve information while it is still available

The first court appearance is only part of preparing a defense. Tell your lawyer promptly about anything that could help establish what happened:

• A nearby store, apartment building, or vehicle that may have recorded the incident.
• Messages, call logs, photos, receipts, or travel records from the relevant time.
• People who saw what happened, including how they can be reached.
• Injuries or medical treatment connected to the incident.

Keep original files and complete conversations. Do not delete messages, edit recordings, or post evidence online. Let your lawyer handle contact with witnesses or anyone protected by a court order. Video may be overwritten, so identify the location and approximate time as soon as you can.

Questions people ask after a Manhattan arrest