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

YES - Provided that the violation is listed on the statewide or local Violation Bureau Schedule. Payment for violations must be received in the Court office on or before the court date (due date for payment) indicated on the bottom of the ticket.

- Last Update: July 27, 2007 which is 959 days ago. - Top

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

Yes - All parties appearing in Court that are listed on the court calendar are required to meet with the Municipal Prosecutor and complainant (police officer, construction officer, etc) at the Municipal Court session prior to appearing before the Municipal Court Judge.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

3. 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 - The State of New Jersey does not have a temporary license for travel to and from employment. If your driving privilege is suspended you cannot operate a motor vehicle until notice of restoration of driving privilege is received from the New Jersey MVC (formerly NJ DMC). Further information can be obtained online at the NJ MVC website or by telephone at (609) 292-6500.
NJ MVC

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

4. Is there a fee to file a complaint?

NO - There is no fee to attempt to file a criminal or traffic complaint.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

To inquire about the penalty amount not listed on the back of the summons, contact the Court office at the telephone number listed on the back of the summons during the business hours indicated, or log on to the website listed on the back of the summons.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

The Municipal Court does not assess motor vehicle points on driver's licensese. The Municipal Court only reports convictions of violations to the NJ MVC. You must contact the NJ MVC directly to inquire about violations and points that are assessed for those violations and convictions. The NJ MVC can be contacted at (609) 292-6500 or online at www.njmcdirect.com or www.state.nj.us/mvc

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

7. How can I pay my fine?

Fine payments can be made at the Court office during busniess hours or on the internet by loggin on to the website on the back of the ticket. Payments accepted at the Court office are checks, cash and money order. Payments accepted on the internet are only credit cards.
Municipal Court website

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

8. Can I make payments?

All payment schedules must be requested and approved in Court by the Municipal Court Judge. A 5-A form must be completed by the defendant in Municipal Court.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

9. What if I fail to make payments?

Failure to make payments may result in a warrant being issued and suspension of driving privileges.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

You must contact the NJ MVC to obtain a copy of your driver's abstract. The NJ MVC can be contacted at (60) 292-6500 or online at www.state.nj.us/mvc

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

The assessment of a public defender fee is determined by the Municipal Court Judge. Application for public defender representation is completed in Court by the defendant at the time the defendant requests public defender representation. That maximum fee that can be assessed is $200.00.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

12. Can I be represented by a public defender?

A defendant must complete an application for public defender representation in Court for review by the Municipal Court Judge. Approval is based according to the Statewide Indigency Guidelines adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

All defendants issued a summons as a result of an accident involving personal injury requires a court appearance. All summonses must be submitted to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office for review to determine whether that matter will be heard at the Municipal Court level or Superior Court at the time of issue. Defendants and the involved parties will be notified of the jurisdictional decision made by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office once the Municipal Court has been notified the same.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

YES - All not guilty please must be entered in advance of the Court date. Failure to notify the Court of a not guilty plea at least seven days prior to the Court date indicated on the ticket may result in two court appearances.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top

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

All citizens may attempt to file a criminal or traffic complaint against an individual(s). A police report and statement must be filed at the police department in the municipality where the incident occurred. Process will then be initiated on the appropriate from of complaint. The police reports, statements and complaint form will then be scheduled for all parties involved for a probable cause hearing. During the probable cause hearing, the Municipal Court Judge will make a determination as to whether probable cause can be established for the issuance of the complaint.

- Last Update: July 30, 2007 which is 956 days ago. - Top