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 [email protected] 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:
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.