Criminal Court - Bronx County

About This Court

Bronx County Criminal Court handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary felony proceedings, including arraignments and pre-indictment hearings.

Bronx Criminal Court has one of the highest criminal caseloads in the city, with a large number of arraignments processed daily. All proceedings are stenographically recorded by court reporters. There is no audio recording. Transcript requests go through the court reporter's office, and high volume can lead to longer wait times.

All proceedings are recorded by stenographic court reporters. No audio recordings are made or provided. The court reporter's stenographic notes are the sole official record.

Who Can Request

Defendants and their attorneys may request transcripts. Prosecutors and court-appointed parties (e.g., guardians ad litem) also have access. Victims and the general public generally cannot obtain criminal court transcripts without a court order.

What You Can Request

• Certified transcript: Yes. Official transcripts are available.
• Audio copy: No. Audio recordings are not provided to litigants.
• On-site listening: Not available.

Recording method: Stenographic (court reporter)

What You Need (Data Checklist)

• Case name and index/docket number
• Date(s) of the proceeding
• Judge's name and courtroom/part (if known)
• Your contact information (name, phone, address)

Court-Specific Process

1. Contact the Bronx Criminal Court court reporter's office by phone, mail, or in person to request a transcript.
2. Provide the defendant's name, docket number, hearing date, and the name of the judge or courtroom part.
3. The court reporter who recorded the proceeding will produce the transcript; if that reporter is unavailable, the office coordinates reassignment.
4. Pay the court reporter at the statutory per-page rate upon completion, and pick up or receive the transcript by mail.

Fees & Timing

Per-page rates are set by statute (typically $1.00-$1.75 per page for an ordinary copy, higher for expedited or certified copies). Turnaround varies based on reporter workload; the Bronx's heavy volume can mean longer waits. Inquire with the court about fee assistance for indigent defendants.

Common Pitfalls

Before You Submit