What is the Municipal Court?

It is through the Municipal Courts that most citizens in the State come into contact with the judicial system, either as a defendant, a victim, or a witness. The Municipal Courts in New Jersey are considered courts of limited jurisdiction, having responsibility for: 

  • Minor criminal-type offenses (for example, simple assault and bad checks)
  • Motor vehicle and parking tickets
  • Municipal ordinance offenses (such as dog barking or building code violations)
  • Other offenses, such as fish and game violations

A Municipal Court usually has jurisdiction only over cases that occur within the boundaries of its municipality. Many serious criminal cases, such as robbery, auto theft, or assault, start out as complaints filed in the Municipal Court, but those cases are transferred to the Superior Court located at the county courthouse.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Municipal Court?
2. What are my rights as a defendant in the Municipal Court?
3. Do I need to appear in court if I choose to plead guilty and pay the fine?
4. If I can plead guilty without going to court, how much will I have to pay?
5. How many points is my ticket?
6. What should I expect when I go to court?
7. What is a plea agreement?
8. What happens if I plead guilty in court?
9. What if I plead not guilty?
10. Can I use the Internet to find more information or to plead guilty and pay a fine?
11. If I am found guilty, what happens after court?
12. How can I appeal a decision of the court?
13. What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?
14. What is mediation?