Often times the police will issue a Desk Appearance Ticket (D.A.T.) in lieu of having the arrestee go through the entire arrest process. While the police can chose to issue a D.A.T. instead of sending you through central booking,  they often review certain criteria before doing so. For example, if you have valid identification, the offense is not one that involves domestic violence and you do not have a criminal record, a D.A.T. may be issued. In these cases a ticket is given that requires an appearance on a particular date in criminal court. If you are given a D.A.T. you will return on that date to not only face the misdemeanor or violation charge, but you will see the judge for arraignment. While it is relatively rare, a DAT may charge you with a felony.

Although being issued a D.A.T. may not seem serious, that misguided belief could not be further from the truth. In fact, the criminal defense attorneys at Crotty Saland, LLP have negotiated with the police and voluntarily surrendered clients who were being investgated in very serious matters. Fortunately for these clients, despite the severity of the charges, we have often been able to negotiate a D.A.T. as part of the surrender. Whether the arrest was processed through a D.A.T. or through central booking, if you do not come to court on the required date it is very likely that a bench warrant will be issued for your immediate arrest. Therefore, you should take a D.A.T just as serious as a "regular" arrest and retain a skilled and experienced attorney to fight on your behalf.

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