Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Violation Business Assistance

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    You can get help settling a Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) violation before a scheduled hearing.

    A settlement is an opportunity to plead guilty to the charge in the summons instead of attending the hearing.

    To settle, you must:

    • Plead guilty to the charge and pay a reduced fine
    • Cure (correct) the violations

    You may be able to cure certain first-time charges without paying a penalty. To cure a violation, you must plead guilty and submit certification that you have corrected the violation within 30 days of the inspection. You must submit this certification before your hearing begins.

    You may receive an Offer of Settlement letter that describes your settlement and payment options. This letter also includes information about curable violations, including how to submit a cure certification. If you don't receive this letter in the mail before your hearing date, email DCWP to see if settlement is an option. You must do so before your hearing begins.

    Online

    Learn about settling violations.

    By Email

    Email LegalSettlements@dcwp.nyc.gov.

    If your business received a violation from DCWP, you can contact their Business Compliance Counsel (BCC). They can help you with basic compliance and legal questions, including:

    • Violations on a summons
    • Settlements
    • Laws and rules enforced by DCWP
    • Preparing for a DCWP inspection

    They will refer requests for a legal interpretation to the Legal Division.

    BCC will not:

    • Answer legal questions on the day of your scheduled hearing
    • Provide legal advice
    • Recommend any course of action
    • Give a legal opinion about DCWP's legal interpretations

    If you contact BCC on the day of your hearing, they will refer you to the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

    Online

    Learn how to resolve DCWP violations.

    For information about tobacco laws, go to the Tobacco Laws page.

    By Email

    Email BCC@dcwp.nyc.gov.

    By Phone

    Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

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