Municipal Court

Municipal Court Judge - Warren F. Clark, J.M.C.  
Prosecutor - Christopher Martin

Municipal Court sessions will now be conducted virtually/remotely to minimize exposure to COVID-19.

Accordingly, all complainants, defendants, attorneys, victims are to contact the municipal court via email at laurel.carnazza@njcourts.gov or at (201) 664-1849 x23 to provide your full name, e-mail address, and cell phone number within seven days of a court notice.

• Plea by Mail: https://www.njcourts.gov/forms/10715_plea_mail.pdf?c=uQC

• Your Day in Court: https://www.njcourts.gov/forms/10959_yourdayincourt_8x11.pdf?c=vbt

• Municipal Court Opening Statement: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_zJg-XLde0).

• Do I qualify for a Public Defender: https://njcourts.gov/courts/assets/municipal/indigencyguidelines.pdf?c=KRC

• Where may I pay my fine? www.NJMCdirect.com

• Municipal Court Appeal Forms: https://www.njcourts.gov/forms/10559_muni_appeal_kit.pdf?c=QQ0

• Court Fines:  https://njcourts.gov/attorneys/assets/violations/part1bc.pdf?c=paB

• NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Point Schedule:   http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Violations/penalties_pointSchedule.htm

• Records Request Application Form Online:  https://www.njcourts.gov/selfhelp/index.html

WHAT TYPE OF CASES ARE HEARD IN OLD TAPPAN?

The Old Tappan Municipal Court has jurisdiction over the following cases:

• Motor Vehicle/Traffic Violations (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission info. click here.)
• Disorderly/Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
• Violations of Weights and Measures
• Parks and Forests
• Fish and Game
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Violations of Municipal Ordinances of Old Tappan

If you are charged with a more serious offense, these "indictables" would be sent to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. The case would either be brought before a Grand Jury in Superior Court or downgraded to the Old Tappan Municipal Court by the Bergen County Prosecutor.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUMMONS?

Many traffic and parking offenses are payable by mail or at the Court Administrator's payment window in Borough Hall.  If no court appearance is required, you may make your payment by mail or in person. By doing this, you are waiving your right to trial and pleading guilty. Call the Violations Bureau if you do not see the amount to be paid on the back of the summons.

For all violations and offenses for which fines are not payable by mail, the matter must be heard in Court before the Judge.  If you wish to plead not guilty to a summons, telephone or write to the Violations Bureau at least one (1) week prior to the court date listed on the summons.  Note - this must be done by phone or in person, it cannot be done via the website or email. 

You may represent yourself or have an attorney represent you. If you cannot afford an attorney and you are charged with an offense that has a consequence of magnitude (a substantial fine, loss of driving privileges or incarceration), a Public Defender application may be filled out by you at your first court appearance for the Judge to review. If an interpreter isneeded, one will be provided by the Court. The Court is unable to recommend attorneys but will provide you with the number of the Bergen County Legal Services. The Bergen County Legal Services will assist you if you need a recommendation.

Please do not hesitate to call the Violation Bureau if you have any questions or are unsure as to how to proceed.