Step 1 · Who issued it?

The issuing agency is printed at the top of the summons. Most business summonses are heard at OATH, the City's independent hearings office — not at the agency that ticketed you.

Step 2 · Your deadlines

Enter the two dates printed on the front of the summons and we'll lay out your timeline.

Step 3 · Your four options

You must do one of the first three on or before the hearing date. Tap each to expand.

For some first-time violations, you can avoid the fine entirely by fixing the problem and proving it — this is called curing.

  • DCWP: if your charge is curable, you'll get an Offer of Settlement by mail, email, or text. Submit the signed Cure Certification (photos of the fix help) within 30 days of the summons date and before your hearing.
  • Didn't get an offer? A cure may still be available — email LegalSettlements@dcwp.nyc.gov with your summons number and ask.
  • Other agencies offer cures or settlements for some charges — check the summons or ask OATH before your hearing date.

The City's OPEN plan (July 2026) proposes adding cure periods to more violations, including missing deli price displays, no customer scale, and missing bulk-commodity signs.

Hearings are free, you don't need a lawyer, and a hearing officer who doesn't work for the ticketing agency decides. The agency has to prove the charge — you can win.

  • Formats: by phone, online, in person at a borough OATH office, or in writing (send your defense by mail or online before the hearing date).
  • Bring evidence: photos, receipts, contracts, corrected conditions — anything showing the charge is wrong or was fixed.
  • Can't make the date? You can reschedule once, before the hearing date, without giving a reason.
  • Even if found in violation, showing you fixed the problem can matter for the penalty.

Paying the amount on the summons before the hearing date closes the case. But know what you're agreeing to:

  • Paying is an admission — the violation goes on your record.
  • Many laws charge higher penalties for repeat violations, so an admission now can raise the price of the next summons.
  • If a cure is available (see “Fix it”), curing is usually cheaper than paying.

If you don't respond by the hearing date, you're found in violation by default and a higher penalty can be imposed. Unpaid defaults can go to collections and block City licenses and permits.

Already missed it? It's fixable — act fast:

  • Within 75 days of the default decision: your first request for a new hearing is granted automatically — file OATH's request form, no excuse needed.
  • 75 days to 1 year: you must explain in writing why you missed it, with documents; a hearing officer decides.
  • After 1 year: reopened only in exceptional circumstances.

Free help & your rights

SBS compliance advisors

The City's Small Business Services offers free, confidential help understanding violations and inspections — including after a summons is issued. Call 311 and ask for SBS business services.

OATH Help Center

OATH's Help Center explains procedures and can't give legal advice, but can walk you through forms, rescheduling, and hearing formats.

Business Owner Bill of Rights

You're entitled to courteous inspectors who identify themselves, explain what they're checking, and tell you how to contest. In a 2025 SBS survey, only 9% of owners had ever received this document — but the rights apply either way.

Language access

Free interpreters are available at OATH hearings — ask when you respond, or note it when rescheduling.