Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 04:49 pm

NYC Desk Appearance Tickets Criminal Lawyers

Receiving a Desk Appearance Ticket in New York City can be really confusing and intimidating. These tickets contain a lot of information, legal codes, abbreviations, and numbers that may not make sense to the average person. Having an experienced NYC criminal defense lawyer who specializes in Desk Appearance Tickets can help explain everything and guide you through the legal process.

Who is Eligible for a DAT?

Police officers are generally required to issue DATs instead of normal arrests for minor crimes like misdemeanors and low-level felonies[4]. There are exceptions though – for example, domestic violence cases usually require going through the full booking process so that orders of protection can be issued[5].

According to NY criminal procedure law, police don’t have to issue DATs if[2]:

• The person has open warrants or failed to appear in court recently
• The person won’t provide contact information
• It’s a case involving violence or sex offenses
• The court may need to immediately suspend the person’s driver’s license
• The person appears to need medical or mental health care

What Happens if You Don’t Appear?

It’s absolutely crucial to appear in court on the date listed on your DAT[1]. If you fail to show up, the judge will very likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means the police can arrest you and book you like a normal arrest whenever they find you[3].

In addition to new criminal charges for bail jumping, a warrant can also have devastating immigration consequences if you are not a U.S. citizen[6]. Even just a simple DAT for a minor offense can lead to detention and deportation if you don’t handle it properly.

Why You Should Hire a NYC DAT Lawyer

Although the police may tell you that you don’t need an attorney for a DAT, it’s highly recommended to hire one[6]. DAT cases go through the same criminal court system as regular arrests, which means there can be serious penalties like jail time and a permanent criminal record.

An experienced DAT lawyer can[4]:

• Explain the charges and potential sentences
• Review the facts of your case for defenses
• Assess your prior record to determine risks
• Negotiate favorable plea deals or dismissal
• Guide you through the court process

Having a knowledgeable lawyer represent you at your arraignment and beyond can greatly help reduce charges or even get them dismissed entirely in some cases[5]. Don’t take chances with your freedom and criminal record – hire a top NYC criminal defense attorney for your Desk Appearance Ticket.