Municipal Courts

DWIs, drug offenses, disorderly persons offenses, and motor vehicle offenses  are often handled by the municipal court.  The manner in which a municipal court matter is resolved can not only cost you fines but can result in other problems as well. 

Points on your license can result in increased insurance costs.  There are ways in which to reduce the number of points on your license or to deal with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Services if they seek to suspend your license because of too many points on your driving abstract.  Many motor vehicle charges can result in the loss of your license for a period of time.  Drug and alcohol offenses can also result in the loss of your license.  Young drivers with provisional licenses face additional fines or penalties.

Often, many municipal court offenses can be resolved after discussion with the Prosecutor.  Some offenses, although not technically a crime, can hurt you when you seek employment.  It is therefore important that you have representation when you appear in municipal court.

The average person is more likely to appear in Municipal Court than any other court in our judicial system since municipal courts have jurisdiction over motor vehicle, traffic, fish and game violations as well as disorderly person offenses.

Municipal Courts can also issue temporary restraining orders in the event of Domestic Violence. Municipal Courts can impose penalties including incarceration, fines, restitution, community service, probation, revocation of driver's licenses and other serious sanctions.

Whether you've been to law school or not, all people coming before any court of law are bound by its rules and procedures, whether you are familiar with them or not. What is admissible evidence and what is not; what is the standard of proof that the complaining party must meet. Is "guilty with an explanation" the same as "guilty with a reservation"? What is a "declaration against penal interest"? Legal representation in court is advisable.

Drunk Driving
One of the more serious offenses under Title 39 involves driving while under the influence of alcohol. Being found guilty or pleading guilty to a drunk driving charges mandates, among other things, a loss of your driver's license and the imposition of significant fines and surcharges. Beginning with the initial stop by a police officer through the trial of a drunk driving case, there are important issues to be examined and explored, like whether due process was applied and whether the stop and arrest was fairly made. Drunk driving is wrong, but people who have been arrested for driving under the influence are entitled to a defense. We have handled hundreds of cases involving individuals accused.

Motor Vehicle Point System
Any representation of a defendant who is charged with a traffic offense involving motor vehicle points must evaluate the impact that the points will have if found guilty and whether there is anything that can be done. In today's society, we all commute longer and drive further than ever before for work and for families. Although driving is a "privilege" in the perspective of the law, it is a necessity in modern life.

The accumulation of points affects that "privilege" and costs money in surcharges. People accused of quasi-criminal offenses like traffic violations are entitled to a defense in municipal court.

Was the speed detection device working right? Did the officer know how to use it? Was the offense the fault of some other motorist? Did the Division of Motor Vehicles send out the proper notices? Was the charge made the appropriate charge under the circumstances or do the facts warrant reduction to a lesser offense?

We can represent your interests when contesting motor vehicle charges.

This information should not be considered legal advice and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with an attorney