Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

FAQs - All FAQs
Who do I call to report a dead deer?
If the deer is on a state road (see above for list & number) you will need to call the state.
 
If the deer is on a county road (see above for list & number) you will need to call the county.
 
If the deer is on a township road you can call the public works department 8:30am to 4:30pm at (609) 652-3700 ext. 244.
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not required to have a lawyer for a municipal court matter. The decision is yours.
 
It is important to understand that court staff are interested in answering all procedural questions you may have about how the court will handle your case. However, they cannot offer legal advice or make recommendations to you about your case or recommend a lawyer.
Can I just pay a summons?
Non-criminal matters such as Traffic, Boating, Local Ordinance, Fish and Game, and Parks and Forests violations can often be paid through the mail or at the court office, also known as a Violations Bureau.
 
If you wish to plead guilty and give up your right to a hearing for such a violation, you may do so, provided "court appearance required" has not been checked on the ticket and provided the charge is listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule. If the penalty does not appear on the back of the ticket, contact the court office to find out whether a court appearance is required.
 
To pay your summons complete, the APPEARANCE, PLEA AND WAIVER section on the back of your ticket and bring or mail it with payment in the correct amount, to the Violations Bureau at the address found on the ticket. Payment is due by the court date. Payments received after the court date may be assessed additional penalties.
 
Failure to pay may result in a suspension of your driving privileges and the issuance of a warrant.
When is a court appearance required?
A court appearance is always required for criminal matters, such as an assault, shoplifting, harassment or drug charge. In traffic or other matters, if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket, you must appear in court at the time and place indicated, even if you wish to plead guilty.
 
If "court appearance required" is not checked on the traffic ticket, you must still appear in court if:
 
  • You wish to have a trial
  • The charge is not listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule
  • Personal injury is involved
 
Please notify the appropriate court of disability accommodation needs.
What is the proper courtroom etiquette?
On your court date, you should arrive at the courthouse about 15 minutes early. To assist you, I've listed some examples of proper courtroom "etiquette" as follows:
 
  • You may not use any electronic devices in the courtroom, unless you are a member of the NJ Bar or you have prior written approval from the Trial Court Administrator. This includes cell phones. You must have your cell phone turned off during the court session. Remain quiet until called by the Judge. An audio recording is made of every court session. To preserve all litigants' rights the only people talking should be the people addressed by the court (Judge).
  • When you enter the courtroom, please remove your hat (unless doing so conflicts with your religious belief).
  • You may not eat, drink or smoke in the courtroom.
  • You should only read court-provided informational pamphlets or material pertaining to your case. All parties must be seated (fire regulations).You should remain seated until called. However, when addressing the Judge, you should always stand if physically possible.
  • While children are not prohibited, court is not a "fun" place for children. It is difficult for them to be quiet and stay still, as needed to preserve all parties rights. It is recommended that you arrange childcare for your children and not bring them to court.
How do I enter a plea of not guilty?
If you intend to plead not guilty to the offense charged on the summons and you want to have a trial, you must notify the court at least seven days before your scheduled date. (Address and other instructions can be found on your summons.) If you fail to notify the court, it may be necessary for you to make two court appearances.
What happens on your day in court?

It is very important that you arrive in court on the day and time stated on your ticket, summons, subpoena or court notice. Before the session starts or once court begins, a court staff member will be in the courtroom checking you in and directing you. If you arrive late or if you come and do not see a staff member checking people in, you should notify court personnel at the court window immediately. You may also wish to check the court calendar posted at the entrance to the courtroom to verify that your matter is listed.

At the beginning of the court session, the Judge will give an opening statement explaining court procedures, Defendants' rights and penalties. As each case is called, the Judge will individually advise each Defendant of his or her rights. A case may be postponed to permit the Defendant to hire a lawyer. If the Defendant wishes to go ahead without a lawyer, the Judge will ask for his or her plea. If the Defendant pleads guilty, the Judge will ask questions regarding the offense charged to make sure there is good reason for the guilty plea.

If the Defendant pleads not guilty and all involved parties are present and prepared, the case will proceed to trial. Once the Judge has heard the testimony, he or she will decide if the Defendant is guilty, not guilty or if the case should be dismissed. If the Defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty after a trial, the Judge will impose a sentence.

All Municipal Court proceedings are sound recorded. Please remain quiet. The length of time you will be in court depends on many things. Some cases take longer than others. So, please be patient.

If the Defendant does not appear, a warrant may be issued and his or her driving privileges may be suspended. Witnesses will be notified through the mail when they are to return.

In what order are cases called?
The order in which cases are called is controlled by the New Jersey Court Rules. Cases are generally called in the following order:
 
  • Requests for postponements Arraignments (Advising Defendants of rights/penalties)
  • Guilty pleas
a. Where Defendant is represented by a lawyer.
b. Where the Defendant is not represented by a lawyer
  • Not guilty pleas
a. Where Defendant is represented by a lawyer.
b. Where the Defendant is not represented by a lawyer
Who is entitled to the public defender?
A Defendant is entitled to be represented by the Public Defender when:
 
  • The potential sentence presents a risk of the Defendant going to jail, losing driving privileges or receiving a substantial fine, and
  • The court determines that the Defendant is unable to afford a lawyer
The Defendant will be required to complete an application form that can be obtained from the court. The court may charge a non-refundable application fee of up to $200. The Judge will review the application and decide if the Defendant qualifies for a Public Defender. Proof of income or employment (tax returns, pay stubs, etc.) may be required.
What is a plea agreement?
Before trial, a Defendant may speak with the Prosecutor to try to settle his or her case through a plea agreement.
 
The New Jersey Supreme Court allows plea agreements to be made within the Municipal Courts, except in drunk driving and certain drug-related cases. It is an agreement between the Defendant and the Prosecutor about how the case will be handled. In exchange for a guilty plea, the Prosecutor may amend the charge to one that is less serious or that may result in fewer points on as driver's license. Certain charges may be dismissed or a specific sentence may be recommended. The Judge must approve all plea agreements.
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