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E Felony & Desk Appearance Tickets (D.A.T.)
Although most felonies in New York are handled by the New York City Police Department, District Attorney's Office and the courts in the standard way, certain felony offenses (E felonies) may result in a desk appearance ticket (D.A.T.) rather than an arrest, booking and spending up to 24 hours in jail prior to being hit with a criminal charge. A police officer may issue a D.A.T. for an E felony when he or she believes that the individual will appear in court for arraignment because there is a valid identification and no criminal record.
If you received a D.A.T. for an E felony, it is important to obtain experienced legal representation right away. In fact, you have a right to testify before the grand jury (the body that votes on the evidence to raise a crime to a felony) should you wish to exercise it. This, among many other factors, is something critical that should be immediately discussed with your counsel to prevent you from inadvertently waiving this right. The attorneys at Saland Law defend clients against D.A.T. and "regular" arrest charges involving E felonies. As former assistant district attorneys in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office under Robert Morgenthau, and as New York City lawyers focused on defending those accused of crimes, we know how the D.A.T. process will unfold. We work diligently to help our clients obtain the best possible outcomes after receiving a D.A.T. for an E felony.
Examples of E felonies are:
- Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, NY PL §215.51
- Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, NY PL §145.05
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth degree, NY PL §165.45
- Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, NY PL §155.30
- Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree, NY PL §240.31
- Computer Tampering in the Third Degree, NY PL §156.25
- Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, NY PL §175.10
- Forgery of a Vehicle Identification Number, NY PL §170.65
- Patronizing a Prostitute in the Second Degree, NY PL §230.05
- Obstructing Governmental Administration in the First Degree, NY PL §195.07
- Possession of Gambling Records in the First Degree, NY PL §225.20
Offenses such as these can be punishable by up to four years in state prison. Equally important, a conviction on one of these crimes can leave you with a felony criminal record that can limit your career paths and your ability to obtain professional licenses and certificates. That is why our lawyers investigate the facts thoroughly to ensure that charging you with an E felony was justified by the evidence.
It is important to obtain an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you know you are charged, either by a D.A.T. or by being arrested, booked and arraigned in the usual way. Many E felonies have similar charges at the misdemeanor level, and our attorneys immediately begin to build your defense, seeking at a minimum a reduction in the charges and at the maximum a complete dismissal.
Our law firm serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Westchester County. Call us at 212.312.7129 or contact us online today to learn more about New York E felonies and desk appearance tickets.
