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MUNICIPAL COURTS
Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE SUMMON TO A MUNICIPAL COURT
If you are issued a summon to attend a municipal court, it is important that you show up. The judge has the power to issue a fine or an arrest warrant for failure to appear. If a warrant is issued, you will receive a notice that a warrant has been issued however if for some reason you do not receive a notice and you have an encounter with the law, due to a traffic stop or for some other reason, you will be arrested and might spend the night in jail until the next day when the judge will see you and determine whether the warrant will be lifted.
An attorney in municipal court is able to advocate on behalf of a client to lift an arrest warrant. Call our office if you are in this situation.
When you show up for municipal court whether in person or virtually, your name will be checked against the list of defendants who are scheduled to appear. You will need to wait patiently until you name is called. If you are represented by an attorney, the attorney will speak on your behalf with the prosecutor and later will speak to the judge. Clients who are represented by an attorney will be given priority. The Supreme court of New Jersey has given the directive that attorneys are to be seen first in municipal court due to the fact that they are always wanted in other courts to represent other clients and the justice system wants to ensure that every client has his attorney present when they are represented. If you are not represented by an attorney, you will have to wait to speak with the prosecutor and after you speak with the prosecutor you will go in front of the judge. This could take anywhere from one to five hours, so most of the times it will be worthy to hire an attorney who can save you a lot of time. If you are interested in representation call our office at 908-409-0597.
HOW TO PAY A MUNICIPAL COURT FINE
All Municipal courts have a window that you can approach to pay your fines. After your matter has been addressed by the judge, he will direct you to pay at the window. However, many tickets do not require a court appearance and they can be paid at the window without the need to see a judge. Keep in mind that if you decide to pay your fines without a court appearance you will be effectively admitting that you committed the violation of which you are being accused of. If you are paying your fine without seeing a judge, you will need the violation number or ticket number so they can identify which ticket you are paying.
Some fines in municipal court could be paid in installments, however only the judge can approve such plans. So if the money is scarce, it may be a good idea to ask for permission from the judge to pay your fine in installments.
If you are wondering whether the courts accept credit cards the answer is yes. You may click on the following links to find out where to go for payments:
Elizabeth municipal court: https://www.elizabethnj.org/233/Municipal-Court
Newark municipal court: https://www.newarknj.gov/departments/municipalcourt
Linden municipal court: https://linden-nj.gov/directory/linden-municipal-court/
Rahway municipal court: https://cityofrahway.org/210/Municipal-Court
Union municipal court: https://www.uniontownship.com/
Carteret municipal court: https://www.carteret.net/municipal-court/
Roselle municipal court: https://www.boroughofroselle.com/departments/municipal_court.php
Paterson municipal court: https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=13
Clifton municipal court: https://www.cliftonnj.org/440/Municipal-Court
Passaic municipal court: https://www.cityofpassaic.com/
HOW TO PAY A MUNICIPAL COURT FINE ONLINE
In New Municipal courts it is possible to pay your fines online using a debit or credit card. In order to pay your ticket or summon online you will need to go to: https://www.njmcdirect.com/
If you have the Ticket, you will need to enter the information requested on the page just as they appear on your ticket. First enter the court ID., then enter the prefix and last enter the just the numbers on the ticket.
If you do not have the ticket number it is also possible to do a search by driver’s license or license plate.
ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Elizabeth municipal court is located at: 1 Police Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. In the same building where the Police department is located. There is a municipal parking lot behind the building where you will need to pay for the meter.
The Elizabeth municipal court telephone number is 908-558-6800, and the website is : https://www.elizabethnj.org/233/Municipal-Court
The Elizabeth municipal court holds several sessions at multiple hours of the day. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Elizabeth municipal court jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
NEWARK MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Newark municipal court is located at 31 Greene St. Newark, NJ 07102. It is a building dedicated to municipal court rooms. You will need to go through security as in all other courts. There is a private parking lot in front of the building where you will need to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 to be able to park.
The Newark municipal court phone number is 973-733-6520 and the website is https://www.newarknj.gov/departments/municipalcourt
The Newark Municipal court holds several sessions at different hours. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Newark municipal court jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
LINDEN MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Linden municipal court is located at 301 N. Wood Avenue in Linden NJ 07036. The building has parking spaces in front which are limited however there are municipal parking lots nearby that are easily accessible.
The Linden municipal court telephone number is 908-474-8423 and the website is: https://linden-nj.gov/directory/linden-municipal-court/
The Linden municipal court holds several sessions virtually and some in-person. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Linden municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
RAHWAY MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Rahway municipal court is located at 1 City Plaza, Rahway, Nj 07065. There is free parking in front of the entrance of the building however make sure to get there with enough time to find a space. Easily accessible through wheelchair.
The Rahway municipal court telephone number is 732-827-3029. The website is : https://cityofrahway.org/210/Municipal-Court
The Rahway municipal court holds several sessions, some of the sessions are virtually and others maybe in person. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Rahway municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
UNION MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Union municipal court is located at 981 Caldwell avenue, Union, NJ 07083. There is a municipal parking lot that gets filled very quickly if the courts are held in person. The court is in the same building where the police department is located.
The Union municipal court phone number is 908-851-5400. The website address is https://www.uniontownship.com/
The Union municipal court holds several sessions including a night session. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Union municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
CARTERET MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Carteret municipal court is located at 230 Roosevelt Ave. Carteret NJ, 07008. There is municipal parking around the building but spaces are limited so be sure to get there on time if you have an in person court.
The Carteret municipal court phone number is 732-541-3900. The website address is https://www.carteret.net/municipal-court/
The Carteret municipal court holds a session in the morning and in the afternoon. Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Carteret municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
ROSELLE MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
Roselle municipal court is located at 210 Chestnut St. Roselle, Nj 07203. There is street parking and some municipal parking which is limited.
The Roselle municipal court telephone number is 908-245-5600. The website address is
https://www.boroughofroselle.com/departments/municipal_court.php
Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
PATERSON MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Paterson municipal court is located at 111 Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07505. There is a municipal parking lot next to the building. The courtrooms are in the 2nd floor.
The Paterson municipal court phone number is 973-321-1515 and the website address is https://www.patersonnj.gov/department/index.php?structureid=13
Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Paterson municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
CLIFTON MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Clifton municipal court is located at 900 Clifton avenue, Clifton NJ 07013. There is parking available.
The Clifton municipal court telephone number is 973-470-5860 and the website address is https://www.cliftonnj.org/440/Municipal-Court
Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Clifton municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.
PASSAIC MUNICIPAL COURT IN NEW JERSEY
The Passaic municipal court is located at 330 Passaic St. Passaic NJ 07055. You will need to find parking space in one of the municipal meters or municipal parking lots available. Follow the signs to the municipal court as the entrance is not immediately visible from the outside.
The Passaic municipal court telephone number is 973-365-3975 and the website address is https://www.cityofpassaic.com/
Municipal courts in New Jersey are the busiest court in New jersey’s judicial system. The Passaic municipal court’s jurisdiction entails Traffic, Disorderly Person’s conduct, 3rd and 4th Degree Misdemeanor charges. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Domestic violence, zoning, ordinance violations, etc. and the fines and penalties range from a simple fine to a possible jail time depending on the offense.
Disorderly conduct charges are filed against persons whose behavior causes a breach of the peace, an annoyance, public alarm, creates a risk or obstructs the peace. All of these multiple cases are handled in all municipal courts in New Jersey. The volume of cases in some courts is so large that the city usually needs to have multiple court rooms, judges, prosecutors and clerks in order to handle the volume. Such is the case in the Newark municipal court which is one of the busiest in the state. Other courts with multiple court sessions are: Linden Municipal court, Rahway municipal court, Union municipal court, Elizabeth municipal court, Clifton municipal court, Passaic municipal court, Paterson municipal court, Jersey City municipal court, New Brunswick municipal court and many others have multiple court rooms and judges.
After Covid some of these courts converted to a mix of virtual and personal appearances. The virtual appearances are convenient for those that need the flexibility to connect from work or home. However, one of the drawbacks to a virtual appearance is the fact that most people do not know how a virtual court is conducted and the long wait may cause confusion and anxiety. It is worth saying that municipal court are mostly a convenience for those who might not otherwise be able to appear personally.
If you are summoned for a virtual municipal court, you will likely need to appear through zoom, a video application which allow you to connect using your phone, computer or tablet.