New York City Desk Appearance and Summons Representation
New York City Summons and Desk Appearance Ticket Attorney | Helping You Navigate The Court
When you’re issued a Desk Appearance Ticket or a Summons in New York City, it’s imperative to take it seriously. You don’t want to simply pay the fine, essentially pleading guilty and giving up your right to a fair defense. You certainly don’t want to fail to show up at court on the assigned date, making the matter much worse for yourself, especially for a more serious Desk Appearance Ticket.
What’s the difference between a Summons and a Desk Appearance Ticket in New York City?
For some lower level criminal offenses in New York City (think marijuana offenses, drug possession, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc.), you may be arrested and taken to jail. However, depending on the offense, the police are more likely to issue either a court summons or a desk appearance ticket. These are given to you by the police officer and compel you to come back to court to face the charges at a later date.
A summons is the less serious of the two, and often requires paying a fine or attending a court date in a few weeks or months.
A desk appearance ticket is more serious, as the police will arrest you, process you, and fingerprint you. Once your arrest has been processed, you’ll be free to leave, but you MUST show up to a court date within thirty days to face the charges.
Although the desk appearance ticket experience is easier than having to sit in jail waiting for an arraignment, the criminal charges and penalties are as serious as if you were arrested and taken to jail. Once you go to court to face the charges, the court process proceeds normally - you won’t face a lighter sentence because you got a desk appearance ticket.
Do I need a lawyer for a Desk Appearance Ticket or Summons in New York City?
You have the right to an attorney when you’re facing either a court summons or a desk appearance ticket. Public defenders often have heavy caseloads of clients facing serious charges, and you must be able to prove that you’re financially eligible for one. A private defense firm like The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino is able to devote our full resources to defending you and your case.
While it may seem easier to just pay a few hundred dollars towards a summons, when you pay that fine, you’re automatically pleading guilty to the offense, which will go on your record. If you hire a defense attorney for your criminal summons in New York City, your attorney will defend you against the charges and advise you of any consequences of pleading guilty, helping to protect your record and reputation.
Hiring a defense attorney for a desk appearance ticket is even more vital. Offenses for desk appearance tickets are usually more serious and can result in harsher penalties. The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino is experienced in exploring all defense options for our clients.
The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino practices in Staten Island, Queens, New Jersey, and New York City, and has extensive experience in Criminal Summons and Desk Appearance Ticket Defense, including:
Grand Larceny/petit larceny
Assault
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (drug offenses)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property
Criminal Mischief (property damage)
About Sharon K. Covino
Sharon K. Covino is a dedicated and fierce advocate for her clients. She founded The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino with the core belief that every person deserves zealous and effective legal representation.
Ms. Covino is a former prosecutor who spent over five years at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. During her time as a prosecutor, she handled cases ranging from high level felony offenses including homicide, rape, robbery, burglary, strangulation, assault, arson, DWI, criminal mischief, to lower level driving offenses and larcenies. She has acquired a wealth of knowledge in handling serious felonies and has established a reputation as a knowledgeable, ethical, and trustworthy attorney.
Ms. Covino is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in the New York City criminal court system. She focuses on aggressive defense options for her clients’ cases, while offering them compassionate support during a stressful and difficult time. To get in touch with The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino for a consultation, contact us here.
“If you fail to appear court on the date listed on your Desk Appearance Ticket, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest, complicating your case further. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible following your arrest, so they have enough time to prepare for your court date.
Our firm usually starts by explaining the charges and potential sentences to you, so you have a full understanding of what you’re being charged with. We go over the facts of the case, then review your criminal history and explore potential defense options.”
— Sharon K. Covino
What to Expect When You Hire a Defense Attorney for your Summons or Desk Appearance Ticket
We recommend contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible following your arrest.
Once you hire an attorney, they will go over the charges with you and explain the level of punishment each charge carries. Your attorney will also go over the facts of the case and any mitigating circumstances. A good attorney will review your criminal history and discuss possible sentencing repercussions based on your history.
Regardless of how serious your charge is, it is important that you hire an experienced attorney who can guide you through the criminal justice system and advise you on any conviction consequences.
If you’re in need of a New York City Criminal Summons or Desk Appearance Ticket Attorney, get in touch with The Law Office of Sharon K. Covino today to discuss your case.