An integrated latch apparatus for a securing and releasing computer equipment from a chassis includes a support bracket, a rotating shaft, a sliding plate having a latching extension, and a handle having a rotating end. The handle is secured at the rotating end to the support bracket about the rotating shaft. The rotating end of the handle includes nudging extensions. A torsion spring is disposed on the rotating shaft such that the torsion spring biases the support bracket against the handle such that the handle is in an open position when the torsion spring is extended towards an equilibrium state and in a closed position when the torsion spring is biased toward a fully compressed state. The nudging extensions engage and laterally move a sliding plate when the handle is rotated between the open position and the closed position.