Municipal Court

Municipal courts are part of New Jersey’s overall judicial system. They are courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning that they can only hear cases that arise from events that occurred within the municipality’s borders, and the legal issues must be appropriate for the municipal judge to hear. Many serious offenses may begin in municipal court, but may be transferred to New Jersey Superior Court if the municipal court does not have jurisdiction over the matter.  Although municipal courts have limited power, a municipal judge can still levy fines and enter convictions against guilty parties.  More information about New Jersey municipal courts can be found on the state’s judiciary website.

Cases Heard by NJ Municipal Courts

In New Jersey, municipal courts often hear the following types of cases:

• Motor Vehicle and Traffic Violations
• DWI / DUI
• Disorderly Persons Offenses, Minor Crimes, and Petty Offenses
  • Drunk in Public
  • Underage Drinking
  • Simple Assault
  • Bounced Check
  • Criminal Trespass
  • Criminal Mischeif
• Municipal Ordinance Violations
  • Noise Violations
  • Building Code Violations
• Disputes between Neighbors
• Certain Boating, Fish, Game, and Wildlife Violations

Towns with Municipal Courts

There are hundreds of municipal courts found throughout New Jersey. These courts are found in towns such as Denville, Morris Plains, Parsippany, Randolph, Boonton, Montville, East Hanover, Florham Park, Lincoln Park, and Dover.  To see a more extensive list of New Jersey municipal courts, click here.

Need a Lawyer for Municipal Court?

The law firm of Tagliente & Shah, LLC, can represent you in legal matters before the municipal courts in these towns as well as many others located throughout New Jersey.  Contact our team of lawyers today for more information.