FAQs

  1. What is a criminal summons?
    A criminal court summons – also known as a "pink ticket" – is issued by a police officer for violating certain laws. Most people who receive a summons are not arrested and fingerprinted unless they fail to show identification. View our Annual Reports for more information.
  2. What do I have to do after I receive a criminal summons?

  3. Can I plea on the web?
    No. Plea by web is not available at this time.
  4. What if I was issued more than one summons?
    A summons can contain only one charge. If you were charged with more than one offense, you will receive a summons for each offense. All summonses will be heard by the court at the same time.
  5. If I lose my summons or cannot read the writing on the summons, how do I find out my appearance date?
    You may check your appearance date on MySummons.NYC. Information about your summons will be available a number of weeks after your summons was issued.
  6. Can I go to the court before the appearance date listed on my summons?
    You may appear up to one week before your scheduled appearance.
  7. Can someone else appear in court for me?
    Only you or, with the judge's permission, an attorney, may appear to answer your summons. A parent, spouse, sibling or friend may not appear on your behalf.
  8. What if the appearance date on the summons is on a weekend or holiday?
    If your appearance date is on a weekend or holiday, please contact the court to set a new date. Phone: 646-386-4937 Monday - Friday (9am-5pm) or email CrimMySummons@nycourts.gov. Visit the Court Holiday Schedule
  9. What happens if I miss my appearance date?
    An arrest warrant* will be issued if you miss your appearance date. You must come to court as soon as possible to resolve the warrant.

  1. Check-in: you will first check in with the clerk who will inform you that a Judicial Hearing Officer will preside over your case unless you specifically request a judge.
  2. Meet with Lawyer: you will be given the opportunity to discuss your case with a court appointed lawyer and decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
  3. Courtroom: you will be directed to have a seat in the courtroom to wait for your case to be called. Cases are called in the order in which they are checked in. You should be prepared to wait in the event that there are many cases called ahead of yours.
  4. Plead Not Guilty – Future Trial Date: if you plead not guilty, you will be informed of your future trial date.
  5. Plead Guilty – Pay fine: if you plead guilty, the judge will inform you of your fine which must be paid at the clerk's window.

Midtown Community Court

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