Appearance Ticket Definition

An “appearance ticket” means a complaint or written notice issued by a police officer that directs someone to appear in criminal court because of an alleged violation of state law or local ordinance. A person does not have a right to an appearance ticket instead of arrest. There are certain offenses law enforcement must issue an appearance ticket and release a person from custody if the person has been arrested, such as a misdemeanor or ordinance violation that has a maximum penalty that does not exceed one year in jail or a fine or both.

Arrest Warrants and Bond
Do You Need a Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Michigan?
What are federal misdemeanors? How can a defense attorney help?
Fighting a traffic ticket in Michigan
What will happen to me if convicted?

External Resource

Desk Appearance Tickets – What You Need to Know
What to Know About Desk Appearance Tickets
What is the procedure for appearance tickets?

Arraignment
Pretrial Conference
Arrest Warrant
Bond

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