Hearing Information

You must respond to a summons

*Text OATHreminder to (917) 451-8829 to get text message reminders about your case. If you are unrepresented and need assistance, text OATHhelp to (917) 451-8829 for help.*

You should respond on or before the hearing date listed on the summons. If you do not, then you will be found "in violation" of the charge by default and a higher fine may be imposed.  You can respond to the summons in the following ways. 

Admit to the summons

You may be able to admit to the summons and pay the penalty listed on the summons. Payment of the penalty must be made prior to the scheduled hearing date to avoid a decision finding you in default for failing to respond to the summons.

Fight the summons

OATH hearings are informal.  You do not need an attorney for OATH hearings but you can hire one at your own expense. To  learn about the general OATH hearing process download What is the OATH Hearings Division? (Español) (اللغة العربية) (বাংলা) (中文) (Français) (Kreyòl) (한국어) ( Polskie) (Русском) (اردو)

Below are the different ways you may be able to fight a summons that was issued to you by a City enforcement agency.

• Hearing in Person
  You can fight your summons by coming to the OATH hearing at the location, date and time listed on your summons. You do not need an attorney for hearings at the OATH Hearings Division.
• Hearing by Mail
  You can fight  your summons by sending the OATH Hearings Division a defense in writing by regular mail.
• Online Hearing (One-Click Hearing)
  You can fight your summons by sending OATH Hearings Division a defense using a simple online form.
• Hearing by Phone
  You can fight your summons by speaking to an OATH Hearing Officer over the phone.
• Video (Webcam) Hearing
  You can fight your summons by speaking to an OATH Hearing Officer over webcam

Free translation services and reasonable accommodations, if needed, are available at all hearings.  The Hearing Officer typically sends the hearing decision in the mail, to both sides, within 30 days of the hearing.

Reschedule an Upcoming Hearing

If you want to fight the summons but you are unable to fight the summons on or before the hearing date listed on the summons, then you can request that the hearing be rescheduled. Learn how to reschedule an upcoming hearing. 

Need More Information or Help?

Visit OATH's online Help Center