Desk Appearance Ticket: What You Need to Know

 In Criminal Defense

On January 1, 2020, new regulations implemented by the New York State Legislature changed the criminal justice reform in New York State regarding the modifications to the Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) process. New rules imposed require that misdemeanors and now various felony charges are issued Desk Appearance Tickets. 

What is a Desk Appearance Ticket?

In New York City, a desk appearance ticket (DAT) is a written order issued by the police to appear in the New York City Criminal Court for an arraignment. The ticket is issued in place of putting an individual through the formal arrest process. Although individuals are not considered guilty at the time they receive a DAT, they are categorized as arrested by the NYPD. Individuals must appear in court by the return date and are expected to respond to criminal accusations. If a person does not appear in court upon the return date, then the court will issue an arrest warrant. 

Desk Appearance Ticket Charges

Desk Appearance Tickets are now required to be issued for misdemeanor criminal offenses and certain Class E felony charges, including the following: 

How is the Desk Appearance Ticket Differ from a Regular Arrest?

People who are issued a DAT are categorized as being arrested, but they do not have to be held in jail until they see a judge at arraignment. They are fingerprinted, processed, and released with an appearance ticket to come back to court at a later date. Apart from appearing at a later date, there are no other differences in how a criminal case proceeds after arraignment and the outcomes, including jail time and probation. With the new rules issued by the New York State Legislature, more arrests will be made using a Desk Appearance Ticket and should not be taken lightly. You’re going to need a lawyer prior to going to court. At The Gallucci Law Firm, we are able to conduct investigations, interview witnesses, and do all the necessary actions, including getting the case dismissed before you go to court!

What are the Next Steps After Getting a Desk Appearance Ticket in New York?

Once a person has received a DAT from an NYC police officer, the first step is to contact a criminal defense lawyer right away to have representation upon the return date in court. Failure to appear in court will result in an immediate arrest. At the court date, individuals are informed of their charges and have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. If a person pleads not guilty, he or she will receive another court date, which can be avoided if you hire The Gallucci Law Firm immediately upon receipt of the DAT.

Hire a New York City Defense Attorney

If you have recently received a Desk Appearance Ticket and are looking for a criminal defense attorney, The Gallucci Law Firm is ready to assist you. Renowned criminal defense attorney, Mario Gallucci, has over 30 years of experience in Criminal Law in New York City and knows how to win for his clients. Please contact us today at The Gallucci Law Firm in Staten Island, NY so we can review the details of your Desk Appearance Ticket case and create the best defense plan specifically made for you.

NY & NJ Areas We Serve

We are proud to provide expert legal services to those throughout New York and New Jersey, because your case matters. Mario Gallucci will fight by your side at every stage of the legal process and will give your case his unconditional investment. Learn more about the NY and NJ areas we serve below.

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