(a) If the summons is personally delivered to the defendant within the city of New York, it shall require him to appear and answer within twenty days after its service.

Terms Used In N.Y. New York City Civil Court Law 402

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
(b) If the summons is served by any means other than personal delivery to the defendant within the city of New York, it shall provide that the defendant must appear and answer within thirty days after proof of service is filed with the clerk.