Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs) in NYC

A Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) may seem minor because you were not taken into custody, but it is still a criminal charge. The date on your ticket is a real court appearance, and failing to appear can result in a warrant.

What a DAT Means

You are being ordered to appear in criminal court on a specific date. The paperwork describes the alleged offense and the court location. At that appearance, the case is formally filed and you will enter a plea.

Why Legal Help Matters

• Early involvement can help resolve cases more quickly and with fewer consequences.
• An attorney can appear with you, speak to the judge, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
• Some DAT cases can be steered toward dismissals, reductions, or dispositions that protect your record.

If you received a DAT in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens, call 212-641-0420 to discuss your options before your court date.