OATH · Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
OATH Hearing Representation
There is a hearing scheduled, and someone needs to appear and make the case.
What it is
OATH is the city’s independent administrative tribunal — where summonses issued by DOB, FDNY, Sanitation and other agencies are actually contested. Hearings can be held in person, by phone, or online, and they run on evidence and procedure. Showing up unprepared and not showing up at all produce closer outcomes than most owners expect.
If it’s left alone
- Not appearing generally produces a default judgment at a higher penalty.
- The opportunity to contest the underlying charge is lost.
- Reopening a default is a separate proceeding with its own standard to meet.
- The resulting debt can be referred for collection against the owner.
How we resolve it
- 01
Review the summons and identify the defenses actually available on these facts.
- 02
Gather the evidence, records and proof of correction the tribunal expects.
- 03
Prepare the argument and the exhibits in the format the hearing officer will use.
- 04
Appear and represent you at the hearing, then explain the decision in plain English.
Other violation types
Start with the record
Find the property record first.
The City’s public tools can help you locate the property, permit and Stop Work Order information connected to your notice.