If you have committed an offense and were arrested, you may have received a Desk Appearance Ticket. You may be confused as to what this all means, because while you were cited, you were allowed to go and were not taken into custody. Some may be under the mistaken assumption that because of this, a Desk Appearance Ticket is somewhat like a Westchester Traffic Ticket. A Westchester County Desk Appearance Lawyer can clarify what these tickets are, and how they can affect your rights. Dealing with the Westchester County Criminal Court can be stressful and confusing. The tickets are known by several names besides a Desk Appearance Ticket, it can also be called a DAT, or a white ticket, and sometimes it is referred to as a pink summons ticket. This ticket is the opening of a criminal matter and as such needs to be treated seriously. It is recommended that you call a Westchester County Criminal Lawyer for some guidance in this matter. When you call us, we can offer a free case evaluation at any of our offices throughout NYC, Westchester County and Suffolk County.
A DAT is frequently seen with certain types of offenses. Generally, for the police to issue you a DAT, you are more than likely a first time offender, and have no prior criminal record. These tickets are generally given for misdemeanors, violations and infrequently a felony (Class E or D). Your Westchester County Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer can educate you on the differences between a misdemeanor and a felony. Misdemeanors carry a penalty of one year (365 days) of jail time. Felonies are crimes that carry a penalty of over one year of incarceration. Generally when someone is arrested, they are held until their Westchester County Arraignment, which can be for up to 24 hours (or occasionally longer). Because you received a DAT however, you were released. Be aware that you must attend your Westchester County Arraignment as indicated on your DAT. Failure to attend your hearing could cause the issuance of an arrest warrant. When you appear in court, you will only hear your charges, and you have the chance to declare whether you are guilty of your charges, or not guilty. The hearing is very brief, and the judge will not want to hear anything more about you case at that time.
A DAT is frequently seen in relation to small theft crimes, such as shoplifting (Petit Larceny), as well as minor Drug Crimes. A minor drug crime would include offenses like Marijuana Possession, for example. Other lower level offenses could receive a DAT, such as Criminal Possession of a Weapon (possession of a small knife or switch blade, for example). On the other hand, a DAT would not commonly be issued in a circumstance where a Sex Crime has taken place, or where there has been a Domestic Violence Crime or where a large White collar crime has been committed. If someone was charged with driving under the influence, (DWI), it would be highly unlikely that they would receive a DAT as well. Irrespective of your underlying charge, a Desk Appearance Ticket is a serious legal matter. Your charges can result in a criminal trial against you. Criminal court requires that particular rules be followed; failure to do so can jeopardize your case. Because there is a lot at stake, you need to call a New York Criminal Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC. We can guide you through the complex New York Criminal court process, and ensure that your rights are protected. Call us today for a free consultation at 800.696.9529. We have offices throughout New York including Westchester County, Manhattan, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island.