CAP Court brings daily, consistent arraignment schedule to Monroe County, enabling quicker access to legal counsel and support services for defendants

Monroe County, New York – In a significant move to reform the criminal justice system in Monroe County, the Centralized Arraignment Part Court (CAP Court) was officially launched on Monday. This innovative initiative, celebrated by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello along with other key figures such as 7th Judicial District Administrative Judge William K. Taylor, District Attorney Sandra Doorley, and Public Defender Julie Cianca, promises to enhance efficiency and fairness in the county’s legal proceedings.

The creation of the CAP Court marks a pivotal moment for Monroe County, consolidating arraignments into one centralized location rather than the previous scattered system. This reform is designed to streamline processes and reduce the strain on local law enforcement and court staff, who previously managed arraignments across 20 Town Courts, two Village Courts, and one City Court.

“The Centralized Arraignment Part Court is a win-win for our criminal justice system and our community. Under this new model, law enforcement officers are able to return to duty faster, defendants will have quicker access to legal representation, and court operations will run more efficiently,” said County Executive Bello.

The drive behind the CAP Court stemmed from a desire to centralize the arraignment process, which had been inconsistently handled across various courts. This effort was prioritized in the county’s 2025 budget, reflecting a strong commitment to improving governmental operations within the justice system. Judge Taylor echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction at achieving a long-standing goal through extensive collaboration among local stakeholders.

Monroe County’s approach is expected to offer numerous advantages. For law enforcement, it means less time spent supervising defendants awaiting arraignment, as they will now transport suspects directly to the Monroe County Jail. Here, trained corrections officers will take over supervision, allowing police officers to focus on essential community services.

Sheriff Todd K. Baxter emphasized the public safety benefits, stating, “Resources that may not necessarily be readily available if the arraignment is conducted in a town court. This is especially beneficial for domestic violence survivors awaiting an order of protection, allowing them to get a safety plan in place faster.”

The CAP Court also addresses logistical challenges by scheduling arraignments at consistent times each day, including weekends and holidays, thereby reducing unpredictability for all parties involved. This regularity is crucial for ensuring that legal counsel and necessary services, like mental health and substance abuse assessments, are readily available.

Furthermore, the presence of an Assistant District Attorney at every arraignment guarantees a more seamless and equitable legal process. District Attorney Doorley praised the initiative for reducing complications that often arose from late-night or weekend court sessions and acknowledged the additional funding provided by County Executive Bello to support the extended hours required by her staff.

As of Monday, the CAP Court will conduct daily arraignments at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weeknights, with additional sessions at 7:00 p.m. on holidays and weekends, all held at the City Public Safety Building. This strategic implementation signifies a significant step towards a more just and efficient criminal justice system in Monroe County, setting a precedent that could inspire similar reforms in other jurisdictions.