Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term

Overview

Felony Adjudication and Judicial Services

The Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, serves as the primary tribunal for handling felony cases within the Second Judicial District of New York, which covers all of Brooklyn. As part of the New York State Unified Court System, this institution is responsible for the adjudication of serious criminal indictments, ranging from violent felonies to complex financial crimes. The court handles all stages of the criminal process after indictment, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, evidentiary motions, and jury trials. Additionally, it oversees grand jury proceedings for the county. The court is distinct from the New York City Criminal Court, which primarily handles misdemeanors and preliminary proceedings, although the Supreme Court may also exercise jurisdiction over lesser offenses when associated with felonies.

Modern Facility and Specialty Courts

Operations are housed primarily at 320 Jay Street, a modern courthouse facility in Downtown Brooklyn that opened in 2005. This building was designed to accommodate the high volume of cases in Kings County with advanced technological capabilities. Beyond standard criminal trials, the Criminal Term manages several problem-solving and specialty divisions designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior. These include the Brooklyn Mental Health Court, the Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court, and the Brooklyn Treatment Court, which offer diversionary paths and mandated treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration for eligible defendants.

Visitor Protocols and Security

Access to the courthouse is strictly controlled. All visitors, including attorneys and the general public, must pass through airport-style security screening, which includes magnetometers and x-ray inspection of bags. Electronic devices such as cell phones are generally permitted within the building but must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms; taking photographs or recording video is strictly prohibited without a specific judicial order. The court enforces a professional decorum policy, and visitors are advised to dress appropriately (business casual is recommended; shorts, tank tops, and clothing with offensive graphics are often prohibited). The facility is centrally located in the Civic Center area, making it highly accessible via major subway and bus lines.