Municpal Court Links:

About Muncicpal Court

Forms
Links of Interest

Pay Tickets Online: NJMCdirect

Contacts:

Joseph P. Montalto, Judge

Daniel C. Melega, Administrator
Phone: 609-298-2800, Ext. 2117 

Ann Marie Allen, Deputy Adminstrator
Phone: 609-298-2800, Ext. 2118

Suzanne McCanney, Deputy Administrator
Phone: 609-298-2800, Ext. 2122

Fax: 609-291-9324

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm 

Court Sessions every Tuesday

Pro-se Session: 8:30am
Attorney Matters: 12:30pm
Arraignment Day: Every other Wednesday, 11:00am

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 the Municipal Court.

What Types of cases are heard in Municipal Court?
Cases heard in Municipal Court are divided into four general categories:

• Violations of motor vehicle and traffic laws;
• Violations of disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses (criminal cases which may result in fine or jail);
• Violations of Fish and Game Laws, Parks and forests, Weights and Measurers, SPCA, and Boating Regulations; and
• Violations of municipal ordinances (local laws)

What happens on your day in court?
Before the session starts, or once court begins roll call is generally taken. The order in which cases are called is controlled by the New Jersey Court Rules:

• Requests for postponements
• Arraignments (advising defendants of rights/penalties)
• Guilty pleas:
1. Where defendant is represented by an attorney
2. Where defendant is not represented by an attorney
• Not Guilty pleas:
  1. Where defendant is represented by an attorney
  2. Where defendant is not represented by an attorney

At the beginning of the court session, the Judge will give an opening statement, explaining court procedures, defendant’s rights and penalties. As each case is called, the Judge will individually advise each defendant of his/her rights.

If the defendant pleads guilty, the Judge will ask questions regarding the offense charged to make sure that there is a basis for a guilty plea. 

If the defendant pleads not guilty and all involved parties are present, the case will proceed to trial. Once the Judge has heard the testimony, he 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.

Helpful Phone Numbers:

• Lawyer Referral Service of Burlington County Bar Association:
  609-261-4862
• Office on Aging, Human Services Facility:
  609-265-5069
  • Legal aid services for Burlington County residents over the age of sixty. (Provides legal advice, but does not provide representation in the municipal court)

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