Kings County Criminal Court

About Kings County Criminal Court

The Kings County Criminal Court, situated at 120 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, is a vital component of the New York City Criminal Court system. This facility serves the borough of Brooklyn (Kings County), handling the vast majority of criminal cases from their initial stages. It is responsible for arraignments (where defendants are formally charged), the processing of misdemeanor cases, and the preliminary stages of felony cases before they are transferred to the Supreme Court. The court operates with a high volume of activity, ensuring due process for thousands of individuals annually. While the main clerk’s office operates during standard business hours, the arraignment parts are famously open long hours, often including nights and weekends, to process arrests in a timely manner. 🏛️

Case Types and Services

The court’s jurisdiction covers a specific range of criminal matters and procedural steps. Its primary functions include:

• Arraignments: The first court appearance for individuals after an arrest, where bail is set or release is granted.
• Misdemeanors and Violations: The court retains jurisdiction over misdemeanors (crimes punishable by up to one year in jail) and lesser offenses like violations and infractions throughout their entire lifecycle, including trial and sentencing.
• Felony Hearings: Handling the initial processing and preliminary hearings for felony charges before they are indicted and moved to the Supreme Court.
• Summons Court: Adjudicating summonses issued for low-level “quality of life” offenses, such as open container violations or disorderly conduct.

Security and Entry Policies

Security at 120 Schermerhorn Street is rigorous and managed by New York State Court Officers. Visitors should expect lines, especially during morning hours.

• Screening: All entrants must pass through metal detectors, and bags are subject to x-ray inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons of any kind, pepper spray, craft scissors, glass bottles, and sharp tools are strictly forbidden.
• Electronics: Unlike federal courts, New York State courts generally allow cell phones inside, but they must be kept on silent mode. Taking photos or recording video/audio within the courthouse is strictly prohibited without judicial permission. Use of phones inside the courtroom itself is typically banned.

Location and Transit

Located in the bustling civic center of Downtown Brooklyn, the court is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, making it accessible from all parts of the city.

• Subway Access: The court is within walking distance of several major hubs. The Jay Street-MetroTech station (A, C, F, R lines) and the Borough Hall station (2, 3, 4, 5 lines) are just blocks away.
• Bus Routes: Numerous bus lines, including the B41, B45, B67, and B103, stop near Livingston Street and Smith Street.
• Parking: Street parking is extremely limited and heavily metered. Visitors are strongly advised to use public transit or one of the many paid commercial parking garages located on Schermerhorn, Smith, or Livingston Streets.

Payments and Bail

The Cashier’s Office handles payments for fines, surcharges, and bail.

• Payment Methods: The court accepts cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), money orders, and certified bank checks.
• Personal Checks: These are generally not accepted for bail or fines.
• Bail: Bail can often be posted at the courthouse (Cashier’s window) or at city correctional facilities depending on the time of day and custody status of the defendant.