1. Can I be represented by a public defender?

Yes. In order to have a public defender assigned to your case you must first satisfy the criteria established by the Income Eligibility Guidelines and the potential penalties for the offense(s) for which you are charged must include the possibility of incarceration, a significant fine or the loss of your driving privileges.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

2. Will I have to pay any money to a public defender if one is assigned to me?

Yes. You must pay $200.00 toward the services of the public defender assigned to your case.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

3. If I represent myself can I discuss my case directly with the prosecutor before the case is heard before the judge?

Upon arriving at the Municipal Court you should identify the prosecutor as soon as possible and wait your turn in line in order to discuss your case with him or her.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

4. If the judge suspends my driving privileges as part of my sentence can I obtain a temporary license for travel to and from work?

No. Temporary licenses are not issued in the State of New Jersey for this purpose.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

5. How can I pay my fine?

You may pay a fine with cash, check, money order or credit card.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

6. Can I make payments?

You will be expected to pay the full balance of your fine on the day the judge determines your penalty. Under certain limited circumstances the judge may approve a payment plan but you will have to demonstrate a compelling inability to pay the fine in full.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

7. What if I fail to make payments?

The Municipal Court Office will request that the judge issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you fail to make payments.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

8. Why did the judge not mention points being assessed against my driver’s license?

Points are assessed by the Division of Motor Vehicles not the Municipal Court Judge.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

9. How can I obtain a copy of my driver’s abstract?

You can call the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles at 609-292-7500 or write to “New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles, Abstract Unit, 225 E. State Street, 6th E Fl., Trenton, New Jersey, 08666.” There is a $10.00 fee

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

10. How do I go about signing a criminal or traffic complaint against somebody?

First, you will need to know the name and address of the person you wish to charge. Second, you must know the specific charge(s) you intend to file. Municipal Court clerical staff cannot provide this information for you and are prohibited from rendering any form of legal advice. You may reuest to review a copy of the New Jersey criminal code or motor vehicle statutes, as the case may be.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

11. Is there a fee to file a complaint?

No.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

12. The motor vehicle violation that I was charged with is not listed on the back of the summons.

Please contact the Municipal Court Office

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

13. My traffic violation occurred on the Garden State Parkway

Please contact the Municipal Court Office.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

14. Can I pay the fine in advance of the court date set forth on the summons?

Yes, in most cases you can avoid a court appearance by paying the fine before the court date set forth on the summons. However, you must appear in court if the box “Court Appearance Required” is checked or marked.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

15. Can I plead “not guilty” in advance of my first court date?

If you intend to plead “not guilty” then you should contact the court before the court appearance date indicated on the summons and your first appearance will not be necessary.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top

16. I was involved in an automobile accident that resulted in injury.

It is necessary for you to appear in court if you were injured in an automobile accident and motor vehicle charges were issued.

- Last Update: July 3, 2007 which is 3310 days ago. - Top