Criminal Court Summons-What to expect?

[throwaway]

NY State

I just got a criminal court summons. My dog got out of my fenced in yard apparently wondered down the street and barked at the crossing guard lady at the school down the street from my house. The official charge was "permitting a dog to be at large, a violation of city ordinances." I've never been to court or an arraignment before and I was wondering what I should do/expect? Does anyone know what kind of charges/punishments will be? Will it be fines or what?

 

[mightymoose]

Don't sweat it. Just show up and explain that the dog managed to get out as dogs sometimes do- nobody was hurt, and you have since corrected the problem so that the dog can't get out again... right?
The court may dismiss it, or they might just impose a small fine... it would be a petty amount.
If there is any penalty it will be in the form of a very small fine. That fine is likely listed in the city ordinance.