If you are charged with a crime in NYC, you may have received a desk appearance ticket. This is a form of legal representation that can be helpful to some defendants, but it can also cause a lot of headache and stress for many people. Despite what you may hear from some police officers, there is no reason to ignore a DAT and think it is nothing more than a traffic ticket.
Regardless of what you hear from the arresting officer, you must still retain an experienced attorney in New York City to defend you against your charges. This is especially true if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, as the consequences of being convicted can have serious consequences.
What are the steps I need to take after receiving a DAT?
When you receive a DAT, the first thing you need to do is contact an experienced NYC Desk Appearance Ticket Attorney. These lawyers will represent you from the moment you receive a DAT until your case is resolved. They will help you determine the best approach to your case and provide you with information on how the court system works in New York.
Do I need a lawyer for a desk appearance ticket?
When a person is given a desk appearance ticket, they are arrested by the police. This is different than the normal arrest process, where they are brought to central booking and spend a night in jail before being released.
You must appear in court on the date specified on the DAT. Failure to do so can result in a bench warrant being issued, which means that law enforcement will have the authority to arrest you at any time and take you into custody. This can be very dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
What type of offenses are issued a DAT?
The most common crimes that are issued a DAT in NYC include drug possession, shoplifting, marijuana offenses, trespassing, and assault. However, the police are not required to issue DATs in certain situations, such as if you are a foreign national or non-New York resident. The police will not issue a DAT to a person who has a criminal history, is intoxicated, cannot provide proper identification, or has been arrested for domestic violence.
Why isn’t Everyone Arrested With a DAT?
It used to be that all people who are arrested in NYC were taken into custody and sent through the traditional booking and arraignment process. Fortunately, the state of New York has made changes to this process that allow defendants to be issued DATs for many minor offenses.
Some of these changes have been put into place in the year 2020. This is especially true for felony offenses that were previously treated as non-mandatory DATs.
What should I do if I get charged with an E Felony in NYC?
When you are accused of a felony in NYC, you should always seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The maximum punishment for a felony is a year in prison, and an attorney can help you avoid spending that long behind bars.
