MUNICIPAL COURT
The Municipal Courts, or Township Courts as they are sometimes known as, of the State of New Jersey, have jurisdiction over various types of motor vehicle and criminal offenses. While the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey has jurisdiction over first, second, third and fourth degree crimes, the Municipal Court maintains jurisdiction over various other, non-indictable crimes such as, various forms of shoplifting, disorderly persons offenses, harassment, and certain drug related offenses, etc. In addition to criminal jurisdiction, the Municipal Court maintains jurisdiction over all types of motor vehicle violations.
When you are considering whether to represent yourself in Municipal Court or whether you need to retain the services of a lawyer there are many factors that you should consider. With regard to criminal charges that may be filed against you, you should consider whether the outcome of the Municipal Court Hearing will result in a criminal record against you. The Municipal Court has the authority and jurisdiction to, as part of sentencing, order a period of imprisonment. In addition, the Municipal Court has jurisdiction to issue various forms of fines and order you to pay restitution (reimbursement to the alleged victim for any losses or damages).
When deciding whether you need to retain the services of an attorney for traffic violations in Municipal Court, there are also various factors that you must consider. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has an established violation point system. Many of the violations charged at the Municipal Court level carry Court fines, Court costs and other punishments. A report of the outcome of your Municipal Court Hearing will be sent to the Motor Vehicle Commission, which is solely responsible for issuing surcharges and points. Your motor vehicle insurance company will in all likelihood obtain the same information and, in addition to any points that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may issue, your insurance company may issue risk assessment points which can effect the amount of insurance premiums that you pay.
Negotiated plea agreements are permissible in the Municipal Court. Before simply paying the ticket or appearing in Court and pleading guilty to the violation, you should consider the possibility of a negotiated plea agreement which can be arranged through the prosecutor of the Municipality.