About Kings County

Kings County occupies the southwestern tip of Long Island and is coterminous with the borough of Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City. Covering approximately 70 square miles, it is bounded by the East River and New York Harbor to the west and north, Jamaica Bay to the south, and Queens County to the east. Despite its relatively compact size, Brooklyn's landscape is extraordinarily diverse, ranging from the dense brownstone neighborhoods of Park Slope and Bedford-Stuyvesant to the waterfront promenades of DUMBO, the beachfront communities of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, and the industrial corridors of Sunset Park. This geographic variety mirrors the borough's rich cultural tapestry, making Kings County one of the most distinctive urban environments in the United States. With a population of approximately 2,736,074 residents, Kings County is the most populous county in New York State and one of the most densely populated counties in the entire nation. Brooklyn is home to an extraordinary mosaic of communities, including large Caribbean, Haitian, Russian, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and West African populations, alongside long-established Italian, Jewish, and Irish neighborhoods. This demographic richness has shaped everything from local politics and cuisine to civic institutions and street culture. The borough has experienced significant population growth and transformation in recent decades, driven in large part by waves of gentrification that have reshaped neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Crown Heights. The economy of Kings County is robust and multifaceted, anchored by its deep integration into the broader New York City metropolitan economy. Brooklyn has emerged as a major hub for technology startups, creative industries, healthcare, and professional services, with the Brooklyn Navy Yard serving as a thriving industrial park hosting hundreds of manufacturers and innovators. The borough's county seat is the city of Brooklyn, which serves as the administrative and civic heart of Kings County. Major employers include NYU Langone Health, Kings County Hospital, and a vast network of small and medium-sized businesses. Brooklyn's real estate market remains one of the most competitive in the country, and its retail, hospitality, and food sectors continue to attract both residents and visitors from around the world.

Practice Areas in Kings County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
Learn More ›
DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
Learn More ›
Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
Learn More ›
Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
Learn More ›
Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
Learn More ›
Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
Learn More ›

Courts in Kings County

Kings County is served by several courts operating under the New York State Unified Court System. The Kings County Supreme Court, located at 360 Adams Street in Brooklyn, handles major civil cases involving amounts over $25,000 as well as serious felony criminal matters. The Kings County Criminal Court, also situated at 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, and felony arraignments. The Kings County Civil Court at 141 Livingston Street handles civil disputes involving smaller dollar amounts, housing matters through its Housing Part, and small claims cases. Family Court in Kings County, located at 330 Jay Street, handles matters involving child custody, child support, domestic violence family offenses, juvenile delinquency, and adoption proceedings. The Surrogate's Court at 2 Johnson Street oversees probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters. Together, these courts form a comprehensive judicial infrastructure serving the county's enormous and diverse population.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Kings County

In Kings County, the distinction between federal and state jurisdiction is critically important for residents navigating legal matters. State courts, including the Supreme Court, Criminal Court, Civil Court, and Family Court, handle the vast majority of everyday legal issues such as criminal charges under New York Penal Law, landlord-tenant disputes, divorce and custody proceedings, and personal injury claims. Federal jurisdiction in Kings County falls under the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which is headquartered at 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn. The Eastern District handles cases involving federal law, constitutional claims, immigration matters, federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights violations under federal statutes, bankruptcy proceedings, and disputes between citizens of different states involving amounts exceeding $75,000. When a legal matter involves both state and federal law, or when a party believes their federal rights have been violated, understanding which court system has proper jurisdiction is essential, and consulting with a qualified attorney familiar with both systems is strongly advised.

Common Legal Situations in Kings County

Given its dense urban population, diverse demographics, and complex housing market, Kings County residents frequently encounter a wide range of legal issues. Landlord-tenant disputes are among the most prevalent, particularly involving eviction proceedings, habitability complaints, and security deposit disagreements in one of the country's most competitive rental markets. Criminal defense matters, ranging from misdemeanor charges such as disorderly conduct and drug possession to serious felonies, represent a significant portion of the county's court activity. Family law issues including divorce, child custody, child support modifications, and orders of protection are also extremely common, reflecting the borough's large and transient population. Employment law matters such as wage theft, discrimination, and wrongful termination arise frequently given Brooklyn's vast workforce across industries including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and retail. Traffic violations and license-related issues, personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall incidents on the borough's busy streets, and immigration-related legal needs further round out the legal landscape that Kings County residents regularly navigate.

Why Go To Court for Kings County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Kings County residents with access to experienced legal professionals who understand the complexity and demands of practicing law in one of the busiest court systems in the United States. Whether you are facing a criminal charge in Brooklyn Criminal Court, a contentious custody dispute in Family Court, or a civil matter in Supreme Court, the Go To Court team is equipped to provide knowledgeable and dedicated representation. Residents can reach the free Go To Court hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that legal help is never out of reach regardless of the hour or urgency of your situation. With transparent fixed-fee arrangements coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making quality legal services accessible and affordable for every Brooklyn resident.

Free — available now

In Kings County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive an eviction notice in Brooklyn?

If you receive an eviction notice in Kings County, you should not ignore it and should seek legal advice promptly, as New York law provides tenants with important rights and specific procedures that landlords must follow before a lawful eviction can occur. You may be entitled to contest the eviction in Kings County Housing Court, and in many cases tenants can raise defenses such as improper notice, habitability violations, or retaliatory eviction. Contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance of protecting your housing rights.

How does the bail process work if I am arrested in Kings County?

If you are arrested in Kings County, you will be arraigned before a judge at Brooklyn Criminal Court, typically within 24 hours of your arrest, at which point the judge will determine whether to set bail, release you on your own recognizance, or order supervised release. Under recent New York bail reform laws, many misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges are not bail-eligible, meaning you may be released without monetary conditions. However, for serious charges or where a judge finds a qualifying risk, bail may be set, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can argue on your behalf for the most favorable release conditions.

How is child custody determined in Kings County Family Court?

In Kings County Family Court, child custody determinations are made based on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment, the child's relationship with each parent, the continuity of the child's education and social life, and in some cases the child's own preferences depending on their age and maturity. The court may award sole or joint legal and physical custody depending on the specific circumstances of each family. Mediation and attorney-assisted negotiation are common ways to resolve custody disputes without a full trial, though contested cases will be decided by a Family Court judge.

What are my rights if I am stopped by police in Brooklyn?

In Brooklyn, as throughout New York, you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to a search of your person or belongings, although you should comply with lawful orders and not physically resist officers even if you believe the stop is unlawful. You are required to provide your name if an officer has reasonable suspicion that you have committed a crime, but you are not required to answer further questions without an attorney present. If you believe your rights were violated during a police encounter, documenting the details and contacting an attorney as soon as possible is essential to preserving any potential legal claims.

How long does a divorce take in Kings County, and what factors affect the timeline?

An uncontested divorce in Kings County, where both spouses agree on all terms including property division, child custody, and support, can typically be finalized within three to six months, though court backlogs can sometimes extend this timeline. A contested divorce, where the parties disagree on one or more significant issues, can take considerably longer, often one to several years depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of court proceedings required. Factors such as the division of real estate assets, business interests, high-value retirement accounts, and disputes over custody of children all significantly affect how long the process will take.

Neighbouring Counties

Kings County is bordered by Queens County to the east, and is surrounded by New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, with Richmond County (Staten Island) accessible across the harbor and New York County (Manhattan) lying across the East River to the northwest.