Criminal Defense
Got a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) in New York? A DAT is still a criminal case — you were released with a future court date instead of being held, but you must appear or a warrant can issue. We handle DATs for the underlying charges across NYC.
Overview
The basics, what we do, and the issues we see most.
Quick Answer
We handle Desk Appearance Tickets end to end:
Who we help
Every case handled directly by the attorney you speak with at intake.
Theft, assault, trespass, and drug-possession charges in Criminal and District Courts.
Indictments and serious charges handled through hearings, grand jury, and Supreme Court.
The criminal charge plus the separate DMV license and chemical-test refusal proceedings.
People given a DAT or facing a first arrest, navigating arraignment and next steps.
How we handle your case
The same attorney handles your matter from intake through hearing and closeout.
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Frequently asked
Direct answers from the attorney who handles these matters.
Most asked
Yes. A DAT (issued under Criminal Procedure Law § 150.20) means you were released after arrest with a future court date rather than being held — but it begins a criminal case for the underlying offense. It is not a traffic ticket and it does not go away on its own.
Question 2
The court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and any future encounter with police can lead to your being taken into custody. If your date is approaching or already passed, contact a lawyer immediately — it is sometimes possible to address a missed date before a warrant causes further problems.
Question 3
Often, yes — depending on the underlying charge and your record. Many first-time DAT cases (for example, petit larceny under § 155.25) can be resolved with an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) or another non-criminal outcome. We assess what is realistic for your specific charge.
Question 4
You must respond to the ticket. In some cases an attorney can appear on your behalf or with you; in others your presence is required. We confirm exactly what your court requires so nothing is missed.
Guides & resources
Articles and tools updated as NYC rules change.
A common underlying DAT charge — read it in our Penal Law lookup.
Read the full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 220.03 in our statute lookup.
Read the full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01 in our statute lookup.
Resources
Free, official resources from The Law Office of Anthony Sharnov — look up your situation before you call.
Find the traffic court, criminal court, and District Attorney for any New York county — with official contact info.
Estimate the DMV points a ticket adds to your license, and search the Vehicle & Traffic Law.
Search the New York Penal Law by section, offense, or keyword.
Plain-language guides on traffic tickets, criminal charges, points, and summonses across New York.
Free case review
Don’t treat it as minor — it’s a criminal case with a court date. Talk to an attorney before you appear; fees quoted up front.
Same-day response
During business hours
Direct attorney access
Same lawyer from intake to close
Transparent pricing
Fees quoted up front