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Municipal Court

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1. What Types of Cases are Heard in Municipal Court?

Cases heard in municipal court are divided into four general categories:

• Violations of motor vehicle and traffic laws
• Violations of disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses (criminal cases which may result in fines or jail)
• Violations of Fish and Game laws, Parks and Forests, Weights and Measures, SPCA, and Boating Regulations
• Violations of municipal ordinances (local laws)

More serious offenses, known as indictable offenses, are sent to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.  The County Prosecutor decides whether to present the case to the Grand Jury or to return the case to the municipal court as a less serious offense (i.e., a downgrade offense).

2. When is a Court Appearance Required?

A court appearance is always required in criminal matters, such as assault, shoplifting, harassment, drug charges, etc. 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:

• The charge is not listed on the Statewide Violations Schedule
• Personal injury is involved
• You wish to have a trial

3. Is Medford Lakes Court handicapped accessible?

Yes. If you will need additional assistance please contact the court prior to your appearance.

4. I want to sign a complaint. How do I do this?

The Police Department accepts for filing all complaints. In order to sign a complaint for an offense that occurred within the jurisdiction of Medford Lakes Borough, you need to come into the Police Department.  You should have the following information with you:

• Name and address of person whom you wish to sign against
• Time & date of offense
• Statute number which relates to the offense
• License plate number & description of motor vehicle if you wish to sign a traffic summons
• A brief description of the incident

5. I need to change my court date. How do I do this?

You must call the court, 609-654-7589, to request an adjournment. If you need the date changed due to a previously scheduled vacation or work/school conflict, documentation must be provided. No adjournments are granted on the date that you are due to appear. In the case of an emergency documentation and/or a doctor’s note will be required.

Adjournments are not granted for arraignments on indictable matters or first appearances for serious motor vehicle summonses issued for DWI (39:4-50), driving while suspended (39:3-40) or uninsured motor vehicle (39:6B-2).

6. What is mediation?

Mediation or CDR (citizen dispute resolution) is an alternative method for resolving disputes. A trained mediator is present to help the parties involved come to an agreement without the necessity of a municipal court trial. 

The Judge decides what matters are appropriate for mediation. You may ask him to refer your case to Mediation on the day of your arraignment.

7. I need an attorney but cannot afford one. Can I be represented by the public defender?

If you wish to be represented by the public defender you must make application for this through the Judge in the courtroom. In order to be eligible, you must be charged with a consequence of magnitude and your income must fall within the guidelines established. The Judge may require you to submit proof of your income. If approved there may be a fee assessed not to exceed $200.

8. Can you recommend an attorney?

No. The court is not permitted to recommend an attorney.

9. I received a subpoena to testify from your court. Do I have to appear?

Yes. A subpoena requires your appearance. The Judge may find you in contempt or issue a warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear.

10. I received a legal notice indicating a change of court date, but never received an actual subpoena. Do I have to appear?

If you wish to be heard by the court, then it is important you are there. Please keep in mind if the officer did not witness the accident then he/she can not testify and may not be able to prove the state’s case without you.

11. I have posted bail money. When can I get it back?

Bail is a guarantee that the defendant will appear at each court session as scheduled. If the defendant misses any session, the bail money may be forfeited. Bail is returned when the case is completed. You may pick it up the day after your court appearance or it will be mailed to you.

If you posted bail for someone else and you are allowing the money to be used toward the fines, the court needs verification in writing from you if you are not going to be there on the court date.

12. I understand a warrant for arrest has been issued against me. What do I do?

You must post bail either at Medford Lakes Borough or at your local police department as long as it is not NJ State Police barracks. New court dates will not be given until bail is received in this office.

13. The Judge said my fine was $100, why am I paying more?

Assessments are not limited to fines. There are mandatory assessments on disorderly person’s complaints. Court costs are $33, VCCB $50, SNSC $75 in addition to the "fine".

14. Why did the Judge order me to pay more than the amount indicated on the traffic summons?

The amounts indicated on the summonses are the amount due if paid through the violation bureau. The Judge has the discretion to increase or decrease this amount if you were heard in the courtroom.

15. When does my ticket have to be paid by?

This ticket must be paid by the court date indicated on the bottom of your summons if you have not entered a not guilty plea.

16. How many points does this ticket have?

All moving violations have points assessed by Motor Vehicle Services (formerly DMV). You may inquire with them at 609-292-6500 or 609-292-6500. The court does not assess points.

17. The officer said I could pay this ticket. Why do I have to appear in court?

Only the violations listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule are payable without a court appearance as long as the officer did not check off the "court appearance required" box on the bottom of your ticket.

18. I would like to plead guilty to a lesser charge. What do I do?

You must call the court, 609-654-7589, to enter a not guilty plea. We will schedule your case to be heard in court. On the day of your appearance speak to the prosecutor.

19. My driver’s license was suspended because I did not pay my ticket. How do I take care of this?

You must contact the court to find out the amount due. After you pay the ticket you will have to take your receipt to DMV.

20. How may I obtain a receipt for a ticket previously paid?

To receive a receipt you must send the court a self-addressed, stamped envelope at:

Medford Lakes Municipal Court
1 Cabin Circle
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055

21. I lost my ticket and don’t know how much it is. What should I do?

Please call the court immediately, 609-654-7589, with your driver’s license number or plate number for a parking ticket so we can search our computer base.

22. Can I make payment by credit card?

Yes, if you have access to the internet. You can log onto New Jersey Courts website to make a payment electronically. You must have your ticket number and your license plate number available in order to utilize this system.