Municipal Court
Phone Numbers | (732)521-4020, 4021 • Fax (732)521-2607
NEW JERSEY COURT SYSTEM MISSION STATEMENT
We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rule of law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and Laws of the United States and this State.
The Monroe Township Municipal Court shall exercise all of the functions, power, duties and jurisdictions conferred upon municipal courts by the provisions of N.J.R.S. 2B:8-1, as amended and supplemented, or any other law.
Pay your traffic tickets online - www.njmcdirect.com. We are pleased to be associated with NJMCdirect - this is a fast, secure and convenient way to access your traffic ticket(s) information online.
Plea By Mail ( Statement in Mitigation or Defense by Certification)
Out-of-state residents have the option to plea by mail. A plea by mail is available to defendants with traffic tickets. Individuals that cannot appear in court should first contact the court to verify this information and have a form sent to you.
Community Dispute Resolution Program (Mediation)
A criminal complaint for a less serious violation, signed by a private citizen, can result in a court hearing. The judge may advise the complainant and defendant to try and resolve the matter through mediation. In such a case, a mediation session will be set up with 2 mediators, complainant and defendant. If successful, upon a mutual agreement, the complaint can be dismissed with a signed agreement between both parties. If an agreement is not reached, both parties will be scheduled for a trial in the Municipal Court with the judge.
Court is held the first, second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at 9:30AM and every Thursday at 7:00PM. On the fourth Thursday of each month, court will be held at 3:00 PM. No Court will be held on legal holidays.
FAQ
What do I need to do if I want to plead not guilty?
You must call the court. Please have your ticket number available.
Does my violation carry motor vehicle points on my license?
The court does not assess points. You must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission in the state in which you have a license. www.state.nj.us/mvc
When is my payment due?
Your payment is due by the date at the bottom of the summons (where it says "court date") unless "Court Appearance Required" is checked off.
How can I pay my ticket?
Payment can be made by mail (the address is located on the top right of the summons)you can pay your ticket online at www.njmcdirect.com or in person.
Am I eligible for the municipal public defender?
Individuals must meet eligibility criteria for the services of the public defender.
- The court must first determine if the defendant is charged with a crime of any other offense, including motor vehicle summonses which may result in a mandatory jail term or other consequence of magnitude. {please read more about consequence of magnitude below}
- A financial questionnaire must be completed regarding current employment, salary, income and assets, statewide eligibility guidelines are then applied.
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINATION OF CONSEQUENCE OF MAGNITUDE (SEE RULES OF COURT- APPENDIX PART VII)
In determining if an offense constitutes a consequence of magnitude in terms of
sentencing, the judge will consider the following:
- Any sentence of imprisonment
- Any period of:
- Driver's license suspension
- Suspension of the defendant's non-resident reciprocity privileges
- Driver's license ineligibility
- Any monetary sanction of $750 or greater imposed by the court, except for the public defender application fees. A monetary sanction is defined as the aggregate of any type of court-imposed financial obligation, including fines, costs, restitution, penalties and/or assessments.
The court may also consider other factors including but not limited to the willingness and ability of the defendant's immediate family, friends or employer to assist in meeting defense costs.
Do I need an attorney?
The municipal court staff cannot advise you whether or not an attorney is needed.
What happens if I plead guilty in court?
If you plead guilty in court, the judge will:
- Determine if there are facts to support the charges and the guilty pleas.
- Confirm that your plead is voluntary.
- Make a finding and impose a sentence.
- And if you plead guilty or are found guilty in court, the penalties listed on the Violations Bureau Schedule do not apply.
What if I plead not guilty in court?
If you plead not guilty, the judge will preside over a trial to determine whether you are guilty or not guilty. The trial may be held that day, but in certain circumstances it may be rescheduled.
If I am found guilty, what happens after court?
You will be required to pay all monetary penalties, as ordered by the judge. Under certain circumstances, the court may permit you to pay over a period of time. You will be given instructions on how to comply with any other parts of your sentence.
How can I appeal a decision of the court?
If you disagree with the judge's decision, you may appeal. The appeal must be filed within 20 calendar days of your conviction. Please contact the municipal court to obtain a copy of the appeal packet and information on the fees involved.
What is a plea Agreement?
Plea agreements are negotiated with the prosecutor, an attorney who represents the state. You will be given the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor to try to settle your case. You are not required to speak to the prosecutor. All plea agreements must be approved by the judge.
What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?
People who do not come to court when:
- summoned
- subpoenaed
- they miss a required payment or
- they have not complied with their sentence requirements
- face additional punishment, such as a fine, suspension of driver's license, arrest and/or jail.
What do I do if I have an outstanding warrant?
A warrant can be issued for nonpayment or failure to appear in court. Once issued, bail can be posted at any police department in New Jersey, by mail or in person at the municipal court. In some cases, a bail waiver can be signed which waives your right to a court appearance.
Contact the Court Administrator's Office regarding municipal court dates and the payment of court imposed fines.
Types of Notices | Municipal Court
Court Staff Functions | Municipal Court
Acting Municipal Court Judge | Joseph Lombardi
Court Administrator | Donna Linke
Phone: 732 521-4020 & 4021 | Fax: (732) 521-2607
Email:
Deputy Court Administrator | Christine Campbell
Prosecutor |
Public Defender | Kevin Lynch
Hours of Operation | Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Court Sessions
Every Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Court will not be held on Legal Holidays.
Location/Mailing address: 1 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
Driving directions: | 1630 Perrineville Road, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
