Receiving a Desk Appearance Ticket is a confusing experience. A NY Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer can go over with you what this means, and tell you that a Desk Appearance Ticket is a legally significant matter and needs to be attended to. The NY Criminal Court system is complex. A NY Criminal Lawyer can accompany you at your hearing, and assist you in moving forward with your case. It is important not to think that because you were let go and arrested and taken into custody by the police that this is only a NY Traffic Ticket and not that serious. A NY Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer will explain that a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) can amount to a criminal charge, from a misdemeanor to a felony. A DAT is also known as a pink summons ticket (or a white ticket). Depending on the charges, these tickets can amount to a criminal conviction and criminal record. Contact our office today and receive a free consultation and legal guidance. We have offices throughout NY, including NYC, Nassau and Suffolk County and Westchester County.

DATs are usually issued when a person is involved in a criminal offense (first time), with no previous record. They can be issued for violations or misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are categorized as offenses that are punishable for less than one year in jail. A DAT can be occasionally issued for a Class E felony or a Class D felony, although these aren't seen as frequently. A felony is defined as an offense that is punishable by one year or more of incarceration. At the discretion of the police, you may be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket, which enables you to return home after your arrest. This is in contrast to an arrest where you are kept in a holding cell for 24 hours or more until you are arraigned. You are obligated to appear in court for your NY Arraignment as specified on your ticket. It is important to abide by the conditions set forth on your ticket, as your failure to appear can cause the court to issue a warrant for your arrest. When you appear for your arraignment, the court will read the charges against you. You will then have the opportunity enter your plea of not guilty or guilty. You will argue your case later in the case process.

Your New York City Criminal Lawyer will can clarify for you that there are certain offenses that will generally receive a Desk Appearance Ticket more than others. Matters involving Petit Larceny (shoplifting) or Marijuana Possession (low-level Drug Crime) are often seen, as well as Criminal Possession of a Weapon (low-level weapons such as a small knife). On the other hand, there are matters that would rarely merit a DAT; a DWI violation (driving under the influence with a blood alcohol of .08 or greater), any type of Sex Crime, or an incident that results in Domestic Violence. It is important to note that not responding to these charges appropriately may create a significant problem for you. A NY Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer from our office should be contacted right away, as there are New York Criminal Court rules of evidence and procedures that may need to be dealt with. Receiving a DAT is the beginning of a criminal court matter against you. The matter may go to trial and may even culminate in a criminal conviction. A qualified New York Criminal Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates will be able to help you through this matter and ensure that you case is handled appropriately. We have offices conveniently located throughout NY, including Manhattan, Queens and Long Island. Call us at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW and we can provide you with advice and a free case evaluation.