Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

My friend got a summon in NY while travelling in PATH train for fare evasion. It is pink in color and and has sec Sec 6861 sub 4 title 17 and need to appear in court at 346 broadway. I would like to know how serious is this and why does he have to appear in court?

He was helping a friend who flew from a different state. He had the metro card but recently they changed the card for subway and path and thus the one his friend purchased didnt work but they gave him a summon for it and not his friend.

1)What are the consequences best and worst case scenarios?

2) if you hire a lawyer does he not have to appear in court? 3)How much does a lawyer charge?


Asked on 4/25/14, 5:16 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Dennis OSullivan The Law Office of Dennis O'Sullivan

Without actually researching the section of law, I can tell you that summonses returnable to 346 broadway are normally unclassified misdemeanors or violations.

Normally a personal appearance is required; however , an attorney can appear without the defendant.

Best case - the matter is dismissed, no harm, no foul;

Worst case is likely to be an amendment to an administrative violation with a fine in the $50-100 range.

If you would like to discuss this matter further, my office has extensive experience with the summons part at 346 broadway.

Dennis O'Sullivan

800 421-5314

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Answered on 4/25/14, 5:31 pm

I handle pink summons cases all the time. Your friend is charged with a misdemeanor so he faces a possible criminal record. There are a variety of possible outcomes that will not give him a record and will seal the record so it won't show up on a background check.

If he hires a lawyer he won't have to appear in court himself.

I don't discuss fees on a public forum so your friend can contact me privately. Feel free to check out my reviews on my website.

Eric Rothstein

[email protected]

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Answered on 4/25/14, 5:40 pm


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