Can a Brooklyn Lawyer Get My DAT Dismissed?
New York is different from other states. We have a type of arrest charge that involves a police officer issuing a desk appearance ticket. A desk appearance ticket, or DAT, requires the recipient to appear in criminal court on a specific date to enter a plea – either guilty or not guilty.
Failing to appear in court on the date and time written on the ticket means serious trouble. The judge will issue a warrant for your arrest. When the police catch you,they’ll arrest you and book you into jail.
Police sometimes issue DATs for what they consider minor crimes, as long as the person they’re accusing isn’t considered a flight risk (that means you’re unlikely to skip town in order to avoid going to court). Some of the things Brooklyn police will issue DATs for include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Harassment
- Driving with a suspended license or no license
- Possession of marijuana
- Petty theft andshoplifting
- Theft of services
Having an attorney who specializes in handling DAT cases representing you at your arraignment (the date of your court appearance) may help you get your case resolved, have the charges reduced or even get your case dismissed. While there’s no guarantee on how a judge will rule, lawyershave successfully had their clients’ cases dismissed.
An Experienced DAT Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
As soon as you get a desk appearance ticket, it’s probably a good idea to get in touch with a lawyer. It’s scary to walk into an arraignment by yourself, particularly if this is your first time in court. Even if it’s not your first time in front of a judge, it’s comforting to know that there’s someone in the courtroom who’s on your side and who’s willing to go to bat for you.
Typically, you will have to check in with the courtand wait until they call your case. You may have to remain in court from 9:00 am until 4:30, because you’re joining the ranks of other DAT recipients and a number of other people who will be arraigned that day.
Your lawyer will walk you through the process and be with you to answer your questions. He’ll also explain what you’re up against and present your side of the story to the judge – and that can lift an enormous burden off your shoulders.
If you’re facing a court appearance because police issued you a desk appearance ticket, don’t wait. Call or Text Me at 917-856-1247 right away so I can start developing a strategy to get you the best possible outcome. Again, nobody can guarantee how a judge will rule, but I will fight hard on your behalf.