If you have been recently arrested anywhere in New York City, chances are you may have been issued a Desk Appearance Ticket by the arresting officer. People are often confused when they receive these citations, because while they are cited for a crime and technically arrested, they are then released. Because of this, it seems that a Desk Appearance Ticket is no more significant than receiving a New York City Traffic Ticket. If you have received a DAT (otherwise known as a pink summons, or possibly a white ticket), you should contact a New York City Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer as soon as possible. This citation signifies the opening of a criminal case against you, and needs to be addressed. Handling a DAT matter in New York City Criminal Court is a daunting task, there are plenty of legal details and court rules to be followed. A New York City Criminal Lawyer can help you make your way through this legal process, and lend support. We have offices not only in New York City, but throughout the New York Area, from Manhattan to Suffolk County.

The good news is, if you have received a DAT, it is probably due to the fact that you do not pose a high risk of fleeing the area, and do not have a criminal past. A New York City Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer will be valuable in educating you on legal issues involved in your case and what to do next. A DAT is normally issued for lesser level crimes like Marijuana Possession, possession of a controlled substance or other Drug Crime. They would also be issued for possession of a weapon (small knife), which is known as Criminal Possession of a Weapon. There are types of crimes that would rarely receive a DAT because of their inherently dangerous nature, such as a Sex Crime/Abuse or Domestic Violence case. A driving under the influence or DWI violation would also rarely receive a DAT.

A DAT is issued for a violation or misdemeanor, but almost never a felony. A violation could be issued for something like disorderly conduct, and while you can receive a DAT for this, it is not technically a crime. A violation can however, can be punishable with up to fifteen days of jail time. A misdemeanor is the most common type of offense to receive a DAT, and can bring the offender up to a year in jail. An E felony is rarely handled with a DAT, although some counties may be more likely to issue one than others. They are generally nonviolent felonies that can bring from 1-4 years prison time if convicted.

Your New York Criminal Lawyer will explain to you that when the officer issued you a DAT, this may have given you the mistaken impression that a DAT is not that serious. While you were fortunate enough to not be taken into custody to await your Arraignment, this is still a legal matter that requires legal guidance. You are required to attend your New York City Arraignment, or you will receive a bench warrant for your arrest. The time and place of your Arraignment hearing is on your ticket. The hearing itself is actually quite brief; you will hear your charges and give the judge your plea. Note that these matters can result in fines and possibly jail time. It is important that you contact a New York Criminal Lawyer to walk you through this process. When you call Stephen Bilkis & Associates you will receive guidance and free advice. We can meet at your convenience in any of our conveniently located offices from throughout NYC and Long Island. Phone our office today at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW. We offer help whether you are charged with a white collar crime or a criminal trespassing matter so call us now if you need legal help