Once of the most common questions about desk appearance tickets that I
get is "Do I need a lawyer?" This is usually because the arresting
officer said not to worry about it or because it's perceived as a
ticket and therefore harmless like parking or traffic tickets. Unfortunately,
the assurance by the person who arrested you, fingerprinted and photographed
you can't be trusted. If it was a minor offense, why did he/she bother
arresting you and charging you with a crime? The police are often more
concerned about processing your arrest than giving you accurate legal
advice. Furthermore, if the cop who arrested you was in your shoes and
faced with a misdemeanor, he'd probably call a lawyer immediately
because he could lose his career.
Not only is a lawyer a good idea, it's the law. The Sixth Amendment
provides that: " In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall
enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of
the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which
district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed
of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his
favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."
Historically, a person accused of a crime could be forced to act as his
own lawyer which predictably led to convictions because of ignorance of
procedures or how to interpret the law and not actual guilt. The Sixth
Amendment was designed to bring this to an end. So, the Sixth Amendment
applies in criminal prosecutions. In New York, crimes are misdemeanors
or felonies. Because desk appearance tickets are typically issued for
misdemeanors, a desk appearance ticket signals the start of a criminal
prosecution and you need a lawyer. Having representation makes good sense
when you consider what's at stake. Even if it's your first arrest,
a class A misdemeanor carries a one year jail maximum. Even if you aren't
facing jail, any conviction (even to a lesser charge) and even an adjournment
in contemplation of dismissal (ACD) can jeopardize employment, lead to
a permanent record, prevent international travel, cause immigration problems,
and cause civil liability for the same or similar thing you were arrested
for. There also the danger of an unforeseen change in your charges. I
was in New York City criminal court at 100 Centre Street when I saw someone
appear in front of a judge on a desk appearance ticket which charged him
with misdemeanor assault. The prosecutor served notice that the case was
indicted meaning that a grand jury voted felony charges and the judge
set bail. Leave nothing to chance. Don't go to court alone. Go with
an attorney who focuses on criminal law and has the proper experience
to effectively argue your case.