Municipal Court

It is through the Municipal Courts that most residents of New Jersey come into contact with the judicial system, either as a defendant, a victim, or a witness. Since most people will never appear before another court, it is from their experience in the NJ Municipal Courts that most people base their conclusions about the quality of justice in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the quality of justice litigants are exposed to in NJ Municipal Courts is strongly in need of improvement. Taxpayers may not be getting their money's worth when it comes to these venues. The Municipal Courts in New Jersey are considered courts of limited jurisdiction, having responsibility for motor vehicle and parking tickets, minor criminal-type offenses (for example, simple assault and bad checks), municipal ordinance offenses (such as dog barking or building code violations) and other offenses, such as fish and game violations. A Municipal Court usually has jurisdiction only over cases that occur within the boundaries of its municipality. Many serious criminal cases, such as robbery, auto theft, or assault, start out as complaints filed in the NJ Municipal Court but those cases are transferred to the Superior Court located at the county courthouse.

The Superior Court Assignment Judge, as the chief judicial officer in each Vicinage (Judicial Management District), has plenary responsibility for the administration of the Municipal Courts. Following the recommendations of the 1985 Judicial Conference on Municipal Courts, the Supreme Court established the position of Presiding Judge-Municipal Courts in a number of vicinages. Presiding Judges-Municipal Courts, who are selected from among sitting Municipal Court Judges, work with vicinage administrative staff to coordinate the management, oversight and training of the Municipal Court Judges and support staff. Moreover, a number of Assignment Judges have authorized the establishment of a Municipal Division within their vicinage to assist in the administration of the Municipal Courts.

Municipal Court Offenses

 Misdemeanor (technically designated as disorderly person offenses) charges and felony charges are handled differently than city ordinance violations.  If you have been charged with a municipal violation, it is extremely important that you hire an attorney with knowledge and experience specific to municipal court.  Our firm has helped countless clients charged with municipal court violations.  Attorney Rafael Gomez is highly skilled in handling cases involving municipal ordinances.  He has helped with literally thousands of criminal defense and traffic violations cases throughout dozens of courts in New Jersey.  With that kind of experience, anyone facing municipal law violations would benefit greatly from calling his firm and scheduling a legal consultation.  If you have been charged with any of the following crimes, contact a New Jersey criminal defense attorney who handles municipal court cases:

 

  • Solicitation
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Harassment
  • Fighting
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Possession of Marijuana

 

The maximum penalty involved in most municipal violations is 6 months in jail and steep fines.  The consequences of a municipal court violation could have a marked effect on your life.  If you have been charged with a municipal violation, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney that has the background needed to assist you.

 Municipal Court Lawyer in Bergen|Hudson|Passaic|Essex County NJ

There are many successful defense options available to one that has been accused of a municipal violation.  Your past criminal record will play a large part in your conviction.  Having an attorney that understands how to utilize the right tools in municipal court may make all the difference. 

Our firm has helped many clients obtain a favorable outcome.  Municipal ordinance violations are usually resolved within a few weeks and that is why it is important to review your case with an attorney immediately. For truly experienced legal defense involving municipal court, please speak with Rafael Gomez today.

Contact a NJ Municipal Court Attorney today by calling Rafael Gomez at (201) 646-9799.

259 Union Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
Phone: (201) 646-9799 | Fax: (201) 646-9476 | Email: gomez@gomezlegal.com