NYC Desk Appearance Tickets (DAT) Attorney
Mark I. Cohen is an experienced New York City desk appearance ticket attorney who frequently handles Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs) in the New York City Courts. In New York, the police have three options when they witness or receive a report that a crime was committed. First, they can make an immediate custodial arrest. Second, they can issue a summons. Third, beginning on January 1, 2020, they must issue a DAT in most class E felonies and misdemeanor crimes. Do not let the word “ticket” fool you. The fact that a person has received a DAT means that they have been charged with a crime.
Under New York’s new bail reform initiative, effective January 1, 2020, cash bail will be eliminated for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies with the goal of reducing pre-trial incarceration rates. Thus, if you are arrested on a misdemeanor or a class E felony, police must issue a DAT and release you after booking. A person will not be released with a DAT, however, if they are charged with a higher-level felony, a violent felony, a sex offense, bail jumping, or escape.
Rather than remaining in custody until arraignment, a DAT commands an individual to appear for arraignment in front of a New York City Criminal Court judge at a later date. An individual who receives a DAT faces a possible criminal record and punishment including a fine and/or jail or prison time. A person accused by a DAT will need an experienced New York City criminal defense attorney.
Given that under the bail reform initiative, significantly more people will be released and responsible for attending their court date, pre-trial services will be provided to remind people of their court dates if a DAT’s return date is more than 72 hours after issuance. Notifications may come by text message, phone call, email, or regular mail.
By retaining Mark I. Cohen, a defendant who receives a DAT maximizes the chances that:
- He or she may be able to prevail on a motion to dismiss the accusatory instrument (if the instrument is defective);
- He or she will be able to suppress any evidence illegally seized by investigators (if the evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights);
- He or she will be able to prevail at trial;
- He or she will be able to obtain the best plea bargain possible should there be compelling evidence of the defendant’s guilt; and
- He or she will be able to receive a non-incarceratory sentence.
If you have received a DAT, you should contact Mark I. Cohen, an experienced NYC DAT attorney, to maximize your chances of preserving your freedom, reputation, and assets.
