Queens Criminal Courthouse (Supreme Court, Criminal Term & NYC Criminal Court)

Overview of the Queens Criminal Courthouse

The Queens Criminal Courthouse, located at 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens, serves as the central hub for criminal justice proceedings in Queens County. This facility houses two distinct judicial bodies: the Criminal Term of the Queens County Supreme Court and the New York City Criminal Court. The Supreme Court jurisdiction primarily covers felony cases—serious crimes prosecuted by indictment—ranging from violent offenses to complex financial crimes. The Criminal Court handles misdemeanors, violations, and the preliminary stages of felony cases, including initial arraignments. As one of the busiest courthouses in New York City, it plays a critical role in the legal system, operating alongside the District Attorney’s Office located nearby. The building itself is a prominent structure near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike, functioning as the focal point for the borough’s legal activities.

Court Divisions and Functions

The courthouse is organized to manage a high volume of cases through various specialized parts.

• Arraignment Part: This is the entry point for most criminal cases. It operates daily, including weekends and holidays, to process individuals recently arrested. Here, bail is set, and initial pleas are entered.
• All Purpose Parts (AP): These courtrooms handle pre-trial motions, hearings, and plea negotiations for misdemeanors and felony complaints before they are indicted or resolved.
• Trial Parts: Dedicated courtrooms where bench and jury trials are conducted for both felony and misdemeanor matters.
• Specialized Courts: The facility also hosts problem-solving courts such as Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court, which focus on rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration for eligible defendants.

Security and Building Regulations

Access to the Queens Criminal Courthouse is strictly controlled. All visitors, including attorneys and the general public, must pass through rigorous security screening at the main entrance. This involves metal detectors and x-ray machines for bags. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, glass containers, sharp objects, and tools. While cell phones are generally permitted inside the building, they must be turned off or silenced in courtrooms. Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited within the facility without explicit written permission from a supervising judge. The court enforces a decorum policy requiring respectful attire; sunglasses and hats (except for religious reasons) should be removed in courtrooms.

Location and Accessibility

The courthouse is situated in the civic center of Kew Gardens, adjacent to Queens Borough Hall. It is highly accessible via public transportation, sitting directly above the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike subway station. Parking in the immediate vicinity is extremely limited and primarily restricted to authorized personnel. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transit or designated paid parking garages nearby. The building is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms to ensure equal access for all citizens.