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1. What do I need to do if I want to plead not guilty?

You must call the Court. Please have your ticket number available.

2. 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. Learn more about this on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Website.

3. When is a court appearance required?

A court appearance is always required for criminal matters (assault, shoplifting, harassment, drug charges). In traffic or other matters, if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket, you must appear in court on the date and time 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:

• You wish to plead not guilty and have a trial
• The charge is not listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule (it cannot be paid by mail or in the court office)
• Personal injury is involved

4. 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 or if the statute is mandatory court appearance required.

5. How can I pay my ticket?

Payment can be made by mail (the address is located on the top right of the summons) or you can pay your ticket online on the New Jersey Courts Website.

6. Am I eligible for the municipal public defender?

Learn about this on the Eligibility Criteria for a Public Defender Page.

7. Do I need an attorney?

The municipal court staff cannot advise you if an attorney is needed.

8. What happens if I plead guilty in court?

If you plead guilty in court, the judge will:

• Confirm that your plead is voluntary
• Determine if there are facts to support the charges and the guilty pleas
• Make a finding and impose a sentence

If you plead guilty or are found guilty in court, the penalties listed on the Violations Bureau Schedule do not apply.

9. 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.

10. 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 judge 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.

11. 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 (PDF) and information on the fees involved.

12. 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.

13. What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?

People face additional punishment, such as a fine, suspension of driver's license, arrest and/or jail time if they do not come to court when:

• Subpoenaed
• Summoned
• They have not complied with their sentence requirements
• They miss a required payment

14. 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.

15. How do I obtain a copy of a disposition?

A records request form (PDF) must be submitted to the court with the appropriate fee to obtain a disposition. A disposition with the raised seal has a $10 fee, without the raised seal is $5 per summons/complaint.