What is a Desk Appearance Ticket?

A Desk Appearance Ticket, or DAT as it is known in New York, is a ticket issued by police that requires you to appear on a future date for an arraignment. It is generally a misdemeanor offense, but it can be used for felony cases.

Whether a person gets a DAT depends on many factors, but most of the time they are issued for misdemeanor crimes and violations. It is important to remember that you can still be charged with a crime even if you received a DAT, so you need to call an attorney as soon as you receive one.

The process of a Desk Appearance Ticket is very similar to a regular arrest. It starts with an arraignment, which is an official court proceeding that involves an interview of the defendant before they are released or held in custody. This interview is a vital part of the criminal justice system and helps law enforcement collect evidence and statements from a suspect before they are arrested.

If you have been issued a DAT and you do not know what it means, contact an experienced Long Island Desk Appearance Ticket Lawyer immediately. Your case can be complicated and it is important to have an attorney representing you.

A Desk Appearance Ticket is issued in place of an arrest or ticketing. It is not a conviction, and it does not show up on background checks. However, it can have serious consequences depending on the specific charges you are facing.

There are certain statutory requirements that the police must follow when issuing a Desk Appearance Ticket. It is best to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable about DATs and knows how to defend your case effectively.

When a Desk Appearance Ticket is issued, it usually states the charges you are facing and the date and location where you will have to appear for a hearing. You will have to bring the document to the specified court where you will be heard.

You should always appear at the time and place that is stated on the ticket. Failure to do so can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

The arraignment is the first official court proceeding in a criminal case and it involves an Assistant District Attorney and a Criminal Court Judge. It gives the prosecutor a chance to officially file criminal charges in a complaint and the judge a chance to set bail for you. It is also an opportunity for your lawyer to argue on your behalf.

Your lawyer can help you decide if a guilty plea is in your best interests or if it would be more beneficial to contest the charges at trial. They may also decide to seek an alternative resolution, such as a diversion program.

Often, a Desk Appearance Ticket is a way for police to avoid making you go through the full arrest process, which can take up to 24 hours. This is a great option for people who do not want to spend the night in jail and are concerned about the real-life consequences of being in jail.

How to Handle a Desk Appearance Ticket

When you get a New York desk appearance ticket, it is important to take it seriously. It is a serious criminal matter that should be handled by a skilled attorney. The lawyer will be able to explain your case and help you defend yourself.

The Arraignment of your DAT

Once you receive a Desk Appearance Ticket, you will need to appear in court for an arraignment. This is a hearing where a judge will discuss the charges you are facing and give you the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The arraignment is an essential part of the process in a criminal case, so it is critical that you appear on the date indicated on your Desk Appearance Ticket. If you fail to appear for your arraignment, it could lead to an arrest warrant being issued against you.

How to Avoid an Arrest Warrant?

If you fail to attend your Desk Appearance Ticket arraignment, it can result in an arrest warrant being issued against you. This is a very serious situation that can impact the entire rest of your life. It is recommended that you contact an experienced New York Criminal Defense Attorney right away to ensure your rights are protected.

The Ticket that You Received

A Desk Appearance Ticket is an order from a law enforcement officer that requires you to appear in criminal court on a specific date and time, usually called the "return date." The ticket will tell you how to get to the courthouse. It will also contain instructions on how to sign the ticket and agree to appear as instructed. The ticket will also indicate the name of the officer who issued the ticket, the shield, rank, squad, command, agency if not New York Police Department (NYPD), and whether or not you were fingerprinted.

It is always best to remain calm and patient with law enforcement. Keeping your cool will help the officer and will allow your lawyer to work on your case more effectively.

The Type of Offense that Can Be Charged With a Desk Appearance Ticket

There are many different types of offenses that can be charged with a Desk Appearance Ticket. These include crimes that are considered violations or misdemeanors, as well as felony offenses. Some of these are Class D felonies, which can carry a maximum prison sentence of one year, and others are E felonies, which are considered non-violent crimes that can be punished by up to four years in jail.

Some of the crimes that can be charged with a DAT are assault, drug possession, theft, fraud, and more. These crimes are serious and can have a lasting impact on your future, so it is important that you consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible following the receipt of your DAT.

Oftentimes, police will choose to issue a DAT instead of sending the defendant through the full arraignment process. This may be because the defendant does not have a criminal record or does not appear to be a flight risk.

What Are the Steps to Take After Receiving a DAT?

The first thing you should do after receiving a DAT is to contact an experienced New York criminal defense attorney. This is because receiving a DAT is very serious and you need to prepare for your court date with the help of an experienced lawyer.

Unlike a traffic ticket, which simply states that you are going to appear in court for an arraignment, the DAT actually has you scheduled to attend a Criminal Court hearing at a specific time and place. As a result, it is crucial that you keep your DAT and all documentation provided by the police and that you appear on the specified date/time. Failing to appear for the arraignment or any other court appearance will lead to your warrant being issued, which can only further complicate matters and make it difficult for you to receive the best possible outcome in your case.

In most cases, people receive DATs after committing misdemeanor crimes in New York. These include shoplifting, driving with a suspended license (VTL 511), possession of marijuana, petit larceny, and minor assaults.

It is also possible to receive a DAT for class E felonies, though these are very rare. These are crimes that can carry jail time and other penalties.

When you are given a DAT, it is important to remain calm. Panicking during the police arrest process will only make things worse for you and your legal situation.

You should also contact an experienced New York criminal defense attorney as soon as you are given a DAT so that they can help you build a strong defense. This is because your criminal case can be very complicated, and a good defense could mean the difference between getting a plea deal or facing the full weight of the law.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as you are charged with a crime. An experienced New York criminal lawyer can review the facts of your case, discuss your options, and provide you with a sound defense.

What Are the Different Types of DATs?

The DAT is only issued to individuals who have been charged with a non-violent misdemeanor offense and without open cases or criminal warrants. In addition, you must have no previous criminal record or have a previous felony conviction in the last 10 years.

If you are charged with a felony, a DAT can be used to bring your case into the system and begin processing it officially. This is a much faster process than the typical 24-hour arraignment procedure.

Once your case is brought into the system, it will be treated just like any other criminal case that has been handled in a traditional manner. You will be arraigned in the same way that you would be if you had been arrested, and you may even be able to work out an agreement with the assistant district attorney to try to settle the charge.

Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.

Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. | Criminal Attorney and DWI Lawyer

320 Carleton Ave Suite 4200, Central Islip, NY 11722, United States

(631) 259-6060