Did you know that you can ask an arresting police officer for an NOA (Notice to appear in court) instead of being arrested?
An NOA is a citation that requires you to appear in court. Once there, you can be convicted and sentenced to jail by the judge.
BUT, there is one crucial difference: You are not arrested prior to appearing in court. Thus if the judge dismisses the case, seals the records or withholds adjudication (usually the case on the first offense), you do not have an arrest record!
Note: Police in most states have wide discretion as to whether they make an arrest or issue an NOA for a misdemeanor.
If you have any questions regarding Notice’s to Appear contact the Law Office of Sherrie K. Albin (213) 746-4747
