Albany Criminal Court – Albany, NY

About Albany Criminal Court

The Albany City Court – Criminal Part is located at the Public Safety Building on Morton Avenue, distinct from the Civil and Traffic parts found at City Hall. This court handles the initial processing of all criminal charges within the City of Albany, including arraignments for felonies and the adjudication of misdemeanors and violations. It is a high-volume court that operates in conjunction with the Albany Police Department, which is housed in the same complex.

Court Services and Operations

The Criminal Part presides over arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for non-felony offenses. It is responsible for issuing orders of protection, setting bail, and managing the calendars for thousands of cases annually. The court handles matters ranging from disorderly conduct and traffic infractions to more serious misdemeanor charges. The facility includes a holding area for defendants in custody and operates separate calendars for domestic violence and drug treatment court matters.

• Arraignments: Initial court appearances and bail setting.
• Misdemeanors: Handling of lower-level criminal offenses.
• Violations: Adjudication of non-criminal offenses.

Visitor Information

Visitors to the Public Safety Building must pass through security screening, including a magnetometer. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited inside the courtroom. The court accepts various forms of payment for fines and surcharges, including credit cards with proper identification. Public parking is available on the street, though it can be limited during peak hours. The location is accessible by public bus routes serving the South End neighborhood.