Arrive for your hearing on-time.

• On most summonses the date and time of your hearing is listed on the bottom of the front of your summons. You must arrive for your hearing by the scheduled time.
  
  
• If you fail to appear for your scheduled hearing on-time, your summons will go to a judge and will be inquested. At an inquest, the judge will review the summons for sufficiency in your absence and make a determination. If the judge finds the summons sufficient, in addition to the assessed fine, you will also be assessed a $200 fine for the violation of failing to appear for the summons. To find out what your options are after an inquest, see What If I Missed My Hearing?
  
  
• If your hearing was adjourned (postponed) and you did not get a new hearing date while you were at Court, you will receive a new date in the mail. If you want to find out if a new hearing date has been scheduled, contact the TLC at (212) 227-6324 during regular business hours.
  
  
• If you cannot make it to your hearing, see What If I Cannot Make It To My Hearing?
  
  
• There are no recording devices allowed in the hearing rooms and all cell phones must be turned off.

• All of the Courts have security guards and all visitors to the Courts are subject to search and may be required to show proof of identity.
  
  

• The complainant is responsible for proving the violation. If the complainant meets this burden, then the respondent has the burden of proving a defense.
  
  
• Bring all documents, photos and witnesses that help to support your defense.