Courtesy of Queens DA’s Office
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown on Monday announced that his office is co-sponsoring the borough’s first-ever summons warrant forgiveness event.
Brown characterized the “Second Chance Summons Warrants Forgiveness” event as a unique opportunity for individuals with outstanding summons warrants for various low-level offenses (pink summonses) – disorderly conduct, consumption of alcohol in public, trespassing or unlawful possession of marijuana, etc. – to have them resolved without fear of being arrested.
The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral located at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. Anyone with a low-level outstanding warrant issued anywhere within the five boroughs is welcome, Brown noted. Those individuals attending the event must have valid, State-issued, photo identification with them. Immigration status will not prevent a summons warrant from being resolved, the DA said.
Members of Brown’s staff and the Legal Aid Society, along with representatives from the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral Lawyers Guild, will evaluate each individual’s summons warrant(s) and offer them the opportunity to have them adjudicated without fear of reprisal. Members of New York’s defense bar will also be available on-site to provide free legal advice.
“An unanswered warrant can result in arrest and, in some instances, jeopardize employment, educational and housing opportunities,” Brown said. “By participating in this event, individuals are offered a clean start by having their summonses adjudicated and ultimately dismissed.”
The initiative is being co-sponsored by the State Office of Court Administration, the City Police Department, the Legal Aid Society, and the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral Lawyers Guild. In addition to having an outstanding warrant adjudicated, the event will give participants access to various community resources and free giveaways.
