NYC Public Urination summons...international tourist

New York, NY Viewed 323 times. Posted 3 months ago in Criminal Defense

I received a pink summons for public urination last night in NYC, I am a tourist returning to Australia in less than a week. It says I have to appear in court on Oct 30. What do I do? I cannot return all this way to appear in court. Please advise me on what I should do. It was stupid of me to do what I did, I was desperate, it was late at night and I simply could not find a restroom.

Answers (1)

Howard Woodley Bailey

This attorney is licensed in New Jersey. Posted 3 months ago.

Under most circumstances involving minor charges, you can either appear on your own behalf, or you can retain a lawyer to appear in your absence. In essence, you authorize the lawyer to appear in Court, negotiate with the prosecutor, enter a factual basis and plead to the negotiated disposition. Consult with a lawyer admitted to practice law in NY regarding this type of representation before you leave the country. A failure to appear in Court will otherwise result in the issuance of a warrant that will result in your arrest if/when you ever try to reenter the US. Good luck.

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