Municipal Court Hours and Information
In addition to in person, there are numerous safe and convenient ways to reach court employees to conduct business:
· Call 908-709-7242 or email: court@cranfordnj.org
· Use the court's safe and secure drop box, marked "COURT/VIOLATIONS" outside the rear entrance to the building for ticket and violation payments. Please refrain from depositing cash in the lock box. Please make sure your name and case number is clearly written on any payments deposited.
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Municipal Courts are statutory courts of limited jurisdiction having responsibility for motor vehicle traffic violations, disorderly and petty disorderly criminal offenses, municipal and county ordinance violations, certain penalty enforcement codes, health code violations, fish and game, weights and measures and all other proceedings within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality. Practice and procedures are governed by New Jersey Court Rules. The Municipal Court Judge is responsible for overseeing the administration of his or her Municipal Court.
COURT SESSIONS
Parking is available behind the Municipal Building but is VERY LIMITED. DO NOT PARK IN POLICE OR EMPLOYEE SPACES. Additional parking is available across the street in Lot 1. If Lot 1 is full there are other lots throughout the downtown within walking distance of the building. Please make sure to pay the parking fee/meter until 6:00 p.m.
VIOLATIONS BUREAU WINDOW HOURS: M - F, 8AM - 3:30PM, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS
NEW ONLINE MUNICIPAL CASE RESOLUTION - NO COURT APPEARANCE REQUIRED!
The court now offers online ticket review to dispute most violations through the ONLINE MUNICIPAL CASE RESOLUTION SYSTEM. By having a violation reviewed online, it is not necessary to make any court appearances. Simply visit njmcdirect.com with your ticket at hand and enter the required information to see if your offense is eligible. If eligible, select the option for Case Dispute. Eligible traffic tickets will be reviewed by a prosecutor and you will be notified with his recommendation. To see if you are eligible to have your matter reviewed online, please visit www.njmcdirect.com
If your matter is not eligible for online ticket review, you can still request to have certain tickets heard in the Cranford Virtual Municipal Court by calling the court and requesting a scheduled appearance.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CALL THE COURT 908-709-7242 TO CONFIRM IN-PERSON SESSIONS.
OUR VIRTUAL SESSIONS ARE HELD ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 5:30 PM. YOU REQUIRE AN E-MAILED INVITATION TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND A VIRTUAL SESSION. MEETING ID AND PASSCODES ARE CHANGED FOR EVERY SESSION.
Following are some helpful links:
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=QQo
Court Fines: https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/assets/directives/dir 15 20.pdf?c=aNi
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
2024 COURT SESSIONS: WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 5:30 P.M. - VIRTUAL ONLY There is no court session on 6/19/2024, 11/27/2024, or 12/25/24.
DWI Sessions: In person, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am (virtual appearance only upon granted request).
Public Defender Sessions: Virtual, 4th Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am (in person to be scheduled as needed)
VIOLATIONS BUREAU 2024 HOLIDAYS
January 1, January 15, February 19, March 29, May 27, June 21, July 4, September 2, October 14, November 11, November 28, November 29, December 25