New Jersey has several court systems which handle all different types of cases and litigation. These courts include the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the Appellate Division, the Tax Court and finally, the Municipal Court. Each of these courts deals with different cases, but the Municipal Courts handle the majority of cases. Municipal courts are local in nature, meaning they are operated by the town or the township in which it is located.
Municipal court offenses are generally considered less serious and resolve quicker than other courts. Many people who are charged with municipal offenses make the mistake of resolving the matter themselves, believing there to be no real consequences. Resolution of your case could mean pleading guilty to a crime, therefore it is important to know the consequences of your actions. When you plead guilty to a municipal offense, the penalty is usually a fine. However, some offenses carry more serious penalties such as receiving points on a license which could directly impact automobile insurance rates, losing a license, and sentencing to jail time. While some offenses are expungeable, others remain in on your criminal record. A criminal history serves as representation of your past actions, so this negative association can work against you when trying to apply for schools, obtain employment, housing, a professional license, and other common applications.
It is important to consult with an experienced attorney regarding your municipal case before handling it on your own! The attorneys at Fusco and Macaluso have successfully defended our clients in municipal courts for over 30 years and our representation has provided clients with opportunities that would have been otherwise unavailable, such as a reduction in sentencing or outright dismissals. Let us protect you!
