Municipal Court

Municipal courts are currently utilizing a hybrid approach to court hearings. With the use of technology, certain cases may be able to be heard and adjudicated remotely. It is advised that you contact the court to set up a video court proceeding and provide your telephone and email address.

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.

Statement of Core Values

Required to accomplish our mission are four paramount values representing the core of what we stand for as an organization:

  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Fairness
  • Quality Service

Court Agendas

Cases usually will be heard in this order:

  1. Application of adjournments
  2. Guilty pleas
  3. Contested matters with an attorney
  4. Other contested matters

Day of Court Information

If you come to court for a traffic offense and if you have not previously notified the court of your intention to plead not guilty, speak to the court clerk immediately. If the officer or others involved can be contacted to testify, your case may be heard. If they cannot be reached, you will have to make another court appearance at a later date.

ADA Coordinator - Ashley Olsen, Court Administrator

If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the Municipal Court Administrator PRIOR to your court appearance.

Please advise the Court IN ADVANCE if you need an ADA accommodation.  

Guilty Plea

If you plead guilty, it is not necessary to have a trial. You have admitted that you have violated the law. However, you may then explain to the Judge any extenuating circumstances. The Judge will then impose sentence.

Not Guilty Plea

If you plead not guilty, you and the witnesses will be placed under oath to speak the truth. It is necessary for the prosecution to prove the charges against you. Your attorney has the right to ask the prosecution's witnesses any questions pertaining to the charges. If you do not have an attorney, present your questions for the witness to the Judge.

For some violations, the required proof is by a preponderance of the credible evidence as, for example, in Penalty Enforcement Actions, Fish and Game, filiation proceedings, breathalyzer refusal violations, etc.

Prosecution

When the prosecution has finished, you may then present your own witnesses or testify on your own behalf. You are not forced to testify against yourself, but you may testify if you desire. Any evidence you give may be used by either side. If you do testify, the prosecution has the right to ask you any questions pertaining to the charges.

If the court finds you guilty and you feel the judgment or the sentence was in error, you have 20 days within which to appeal. Appeals in practically all instances will be heard by the Superior Court, Law Division.

Damages resulting from a collision cannot be tried by this court. This court is only concerned with violations of the state statutes and municipal ordinances. 


​Traffic Summons

It is very important that you read both front and back of the traffic summons. Only summonses with a checked court appearance date will be listed on the court agenda. 

Defendants who have a summons that does not require a court appearance, but would like to appear you must notify the Court 7 days prior to the Court date. Call the Court Administrator at 973-694-6100, ext. 2067.


​Court Sessions

Court sessions are held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday and the 4th Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Municipal Court located at 34 Chapel Hill Road.

If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the Municipal Court Administrator PRIOR to your court appearance. 

Please advise the Court IN ADVANCE if you need an ADA accommodation.  


Representation

Every person has the right to make his own defense without an attorney; but, if you are in doubt as to your proper course, it is recommended that you consult an attorney. 

For self-represented litigants find forms and informational brochures, go to New Jersey Courts and select Represent Yourself In Court from the choices in the Legal Reference section on the left-hand side of the page.

Mediation

Mediation is a confidential, structured, non-adversarial process that allows a neutral third party to assist disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. The mediation process can be a less expense, informal, and more meaningful alternative than the traditional trial process. This is because of the efforts of trained volunteers and the resolution being decided by the participants. The court will refer appropriate cases to mediation. 

If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the Municipal Court Administrator PRIOR to your court appearance. 

Please advise the Court IN ADVANCE if you need an ADA accommodation.  


How to Expunge Your Criminal and/or Juvenile Record

Expedited Expungement

If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense, petty disorderly persons offense, or a municipal ordinance violations, and those charges are either dismissed, you are acquitted, or your case is discharged without a conviction or finding of guilt, you may be eligible for an expedited expungement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6. For more information and to determine if you are eligible, you may inquire with the municipal court at the time of disposition

Municipal Court Forms



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