Queens Criminal Court

The Queens Criminal Court, an integral component of the New York State Unified Court System, serves as the primary judicial body for handling criminal cases within Queens County. Situated on a sprawling 5.4-acre site, the Queens Criminal Courthouse and its adjacent prison complex are strategically bounded by Queens Boulevard, Hoover Avenue, 132nd Street, and 82nd Avenue.

This architecturally significant building, set back from Queens Boulevard with a thoughtfully landscaped mall, houses a multitude of essential facilities, including the Criminal Court, the Criminal Term of the Supreme Court, offices for the Departments of Probation and Correction, and the offices of the District Attorney.

The Queens Criminal Court diligently processes all criminal proceedings and hearings within the county. Individuals seeking to access criminal records or understand ongoing cases will interact directly with this county criminal court.

It’s important to note that the Queens District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases exclusively within the Queens Criminal Court’s jurisdiction. If you find yourself with a case in this court, it is highly advisable to consult with a qualified attorney to fully comprehend the court’s procedures and your fundamental legal rights.

Duties of the Queens Criminal Court

The criminal court is tasked with the comprehensive management of all criminal case proceedings and hearings within Queens County. With thousands of cases filed annually, as reported by NYK, the court plays a pivotal role in maintaining justice. The county’s criminal rate hovers around 4.5%, underscoring the court’s constant engagement with various offenses. Here are the key duties undertaken by the Queens Criminal Court:

• Offense Adjudication: The court adjudicates a wide spectrum of criminal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors (less serious crimes) to felonies (more serious crimes). It handles almost all types of criminal cases, including the numerous street crimes that occur within the county.
• Arraignments and Pre-Trial Proceedings: This marks the initial critical step in resolving a case. Upon a case being reported, the court conducts arraignments, which are initial court appearances, followed by various pre-trial hearings and eventually, trials.
• Sentencing: Following the completion of all legal actions and trials, and after hearing all parties involved, the court delivers a sentence for the convicted party. It is responsible for determining guilt or innocence and subsequently imposing appropriate sentences on those found guilty. This final statement by the court concludes the specific case’s judicial process.
• Case Custody and Management: The court holds custody over a broad range of criminal cases, including but not limited to theft, assault, and drug possession. All types of criminal case records filed within its jurisdiction are meticulously maintained and are generally available through the county criminal court.
• Record Maintenance: The court meticulously maintains comprehensive case files. These files contain all documents pertinent to a case, such as initial complaints, indictments, motions, and transcripts of proceedings. All documentation attesting to the case report is diligently preserved within the criminal record system.

Queens Criminal Court Rules and Procedures

The Queens Criminal Court strictly adheres to the New York State Penal Law and Criminal Procedure Law. Specific rules and protocols govern various procedures, including the admissibility of evidence and appropriate court decorum. These detailed rules are formally quoted and available for public access on the official New York State Unified Court System website (nycourts.gov).

Framework of Queens Criminal Court

The criminal court is structured to efficiently handle numerous cases simultaneously. Its typical framework is organized into distinct authorities and sub-authorities, with various departments operating under the court system. This organizational design facilitates the smooth progression of cases and the effective management of data, thereby simplifying access to criminal court information and proceedings.

• Judges: Judges serve as the presiding authorities over trials and are responsible for making all legal rulings. They represent the ultimate judicial authority within the courtroom.
• Court Clerks: These essential personnel are responsible for maintaining all court records and meticulously managing schedules. They play a crucial role in setting court dates and times for case hearings.
  • Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except for holidays.
• Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs): ADAs represent the People of the State of New York in prosecuting crimes. They work diligently on behalf of the public of Queens County.
  • Working Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Contact for General Information: 718-286-6000
• Defense Attorneys: These legal professionals are responsible for representing defendants who have been accused of crimes. They ensure that the accused party’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
• Court Officers: Court officers are tasked with maintaining order and security within the courtroom and throughout the courthouse premises. They work to ensure the decorum and safety of all court proceedings.

Departments of the Criminal Court

As a citizen of Queens County, you can contact the following officials and departments for any questions or to obtain information about the criminal court:

• General Information: 718-298-0792
• Criminal Court Clerk’s Office: 718-298-0888
• Summons Clerk’s Office: 718-298-0792
• Supreme Court Chief Clerk: (718) 298-1408

Queens Criminal Court Case Lookup

There are several convenient methods to look up a Queens Criminal Court case, ensuring that everyone has access to court information. The Queens Criminal Court plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just legal process for criminal cases in Queens County.

• Online Access: This is often the easiest and most preferred method for accessing court information. The New York State Unified Court System website provides an online portal for the general public. You can search for upcoming court appearances by entering “Queens Criminal Court” and a name.
  • Note: This online search option primarily provides information on upcoming court dates and may have limited access to detailed case specifics.
• Phone Inquiry: You can call the NYC Criminal Court Information Line for queries and other information on a specific case.
  • Phone Number: (646) 386-4900
  • Arraignments: 718-298-0736
  • Central Booking: 718-268-4523
  • Fax number for Arraignments: (718) 520-7251
• In-Person Visit: If you are unable to access the online portal or prefer a direct approach, you can visit the criminal court in person. After providing some basic information about the case, a court officer will assist you with accessing records and other related information.
  • Queens Criminal Court Address: The Queens Criminal Court and the Summons Part are located at 125-01 Queens Blvd. near Hoover Avenue & 82nd Avenue.
  • Public Transportation Directions: Take the E or F train to the Union Turnpike Station. The Q60, Q37, Q74, and Q46 buses all have stops conveniently close to the Courthouse.
  • Note: The county court may have certain restrictions on providing information for some specific types of cases due to legal limitations or privacy concerns.

Conclusion

The Queens Criminal Court plays an absolutely crucial role in ensuring a fair and just legal process for all criminal cases within Queens County. This article has provided comprehensive information on accessing the criminal court, detailing its key rules and operational framework, as well as providing official contact information for its various departments. Furthermore, we have explained the various accessible methods for looking up individual criminal cases and their associated records, noting that any associated fees may vary by county.

FAQs

What are the different stages of a criminal case in Queens Criminal Court?

The typical stages of a criminal case in Queens Criminal Court include arraignment, pre-trial hearings/plea bargaining, trial, and sentencing.

What resources are available to help victims of crime in Queens County?

The Queens District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Unit offers comprehensive support and resources to victims of crime. You can find more detailed information on the official Queens DA website.

What are the court hours and days of operation?

The Queens Criminal Court operates on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Arraignment Court, however, operates 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

How do I find out my court date or the status of my case?

You can call the NYC Criminal Court Information Line directly at (646) 386-4900 for queries regarding your court date or the current status of your case.

What types of criminal cases does the court handle (misdemeanors vs. felonies)?

The Queens Criminal Court handles misdemeanors (crimes punishable by up to 1 year in jail) and also conducts preliminary hearings for felonies (more serious crimes generally punishable by more than 1 year in jail).

How do I look up a criminal case in NY?

You can search by name for upcoming court appearances on the New York State Unified Court System website. However, it’s important to note that detailed case information for past or ongoing cases may be limited through this public search option.