Manhattan Desk Appearance Ticket

If you have received a Desk Appearance Ticket, you may be at a loss as what to do next, or understand what it means. A Manhattan Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer can explain to you that receiving a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) is a serious legal matter. You may need to have a Manhattan Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer represent you in court and help you navigate through the Manhattan Criminal Court system. Some may be under the mistaken impression that because they were initially “let go” and did not go to jail it can’t be that bad, that is it only a Manhattan traffic ticket. A Manhattan Criminal Lawyer will tell you that this can be a criminal charge against you that can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. A DAT, or as some refer to it as a pink summons ticket or pink ticket, can result in a criminal conviction, and a criminal record. It is important to contact our office today and receive your free consultation. Regardless of where you are in New York, we have an office near you from Manhattan, to Westchester County or Long Island including Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Desk Appearance Tickets are usually given when a person has committed a first time criminal offense, and has no prior criminal record. They are generally given for violations or misdemeanor. By definition, a misdemeanor is punishable by one year or less in jail. Police may also give a DAT for a Class E felony or D felony, though this is not very common. A felony is punishable by incarceration for over one year. At the option of the police, you may be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket which will allow you to return home after being arrested, rather than spend up to 24 hours or more in a holding cell. You are required however, to appear in court on the date and time indicated on your ticket for your Manhattan Arraignment. Failure to do so could result in a warrant for your arrest being issued. At your arraignment, you will be notified of the charges against you, and you will enter your plea (guilty or not guilty); you will not have the opportunity to argue your case, that will come later.

Your New York Criminal Lawyer will explain to you that there are offenses that more commonly receive a Desk Appearance Ticket than others. A low-level Drug Crime, such as Marijuana Possession is one of the most common. Cases involving Petit Larceny, otherwise commonly known as Shoplifting are also frequently seen. Tickets for Criminal Possession of a Weapon (such as a small knife) can be issued. There are particular offenses where you would rarely if ever see a Desk Appearance Ticket, such as a Domestic Violence criminal charge, (driving under the influence of Alcohol) DWI offense, or a sex crime for a sexual offense such as Rape. Regardless of what you have been charged with, it is important to contact a Manhattan Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer from our office right away. Failure to properly respond to these charges could have a significant legal impact on your case. There are New York Criminal Court procedures and rules of evidence that must be followed. Also keep in mind that this is the beginning of a criminal case against you, and it can go to trial and result in a conviction. An experienced Criminal Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC can guide you through this complicated process and ensure that your rights are protected. We have offices available throughout New York City as well as Long Island, Westchester County and Suffolk County. When you call us at 800.696.9529, we can offer you support and a free consultation.