Municipal Court
Court Administrator: Elisha Benrubi
Court Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30-4:30pm
Court Phone Number: 609-894-8222 ext. 2
Court Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30-4:30pm
Court Phone Number: 609-894-8222 ext. 2
What is Municipal Court?
The Municipal Court is a local court created by state law, whose territory is confined to the city or community in which it is located. Practice and procedures are governed by New Jersey Court Rules. The Municipal Court Judge is responsible for overseeing the administration of his or her Municipal Court. The Assignment Judge of the Superior Court (whose office is located in Mount Holly) is responsible for overseeing the administration of all of the municipal courts in Burlington County.
Payments to the Courts
Easiest way to make payments online!! Click here...
You have the following options to make a payment:
You have the following options to make a payment:
- Mail check or money order - please include your name and ticket/complaint number
- Drop box in front of building - please include your name and ticket/complaint number
- www.njmcdirect.com
- Walk in with cash check money order or card
- Call in by phone with card
- To post bail must come in person cash check or money order or mail in money order or check
What Types of Cases are Heard in Municipal Court?Cases heard in municipal court are divided into four general categories:
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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:
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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, roll call is generally taken. If you arrive late, or if your name is not called, you should notify court personnel immediately.
If the defendant does not appear, the Judge will advise all witnesses when they may leave. Witnesses will be notified through the mail when they are to return. A warrant may be issued for the defendant who fails to appear, and his/her driving privileges may be suspended.
All municipal court proceedings are tape recorded. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone in the courtroom to remain quiet until it is their turn to speak. The length of time you will be in court depends on many things. Some cases take longer than others. Please be patient so that the court may give each case the time and attention it deserves.
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/her rights. A case may be postponed to permit the defendant time to hire a lawyer. If the defendant wishes to go ahead without a lawyer, the Judge will ask for his/her plea. If the defendant pleads guilty, the Judge will ask questions regarding the offense charged to make sure that there is basis for a 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/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 sentence.
If the defendant does not appear, the Judge will advise all witnesses when they may leave. Witnesses will be notified through the mail when they are to return. A warrant may be issued for the defendant who fails to appear, and his/her driving privileges may be suspended.
All municipal court proceedings are tape recorded. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone in the courtroom to remain quiet until it is their turn to speak. The length of time you will be in court depends on many things. Some cases take longer than others. Please be patient so that the court may give each case the time and attention it deserves.
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/her rights. A case may be postponed to permit the defendant time to hire a lawyer. If the defendant wishes to go ahead without a lawyer, the Judge will ask for his/her plea. If the defendant pleads guilty, the Judge will ask questions regarding the offense charged to make sure that there is basis for a 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/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 sentence.