With over 6,723 disorderly persons offenses, 502 driving while intoxicated (“DWI”), and 93,371 moving traffic violations processed in just a four (4) month period from July through October 2014, its clear that an enormous number of municipal court charges are heard by Union County. While some towns certainly do more volume in terms of offenses than others, every one of the Union County Municipal Courts has a brisk calendar of criminal and motor vehicle cases. And our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, has been appearing in these courts on cases involving simple assault, possession of marijuana, shoplifting and other summonses for decades. If you were arrested or received a ticket for any municipal court offense, call our attorneys at 908-272-1700 for a free consultation.
Union County Municipal Courts
There are twenty-one (21) municipal courts in Union County. The jurisdiction of these courts is limited in that they may only resolve non-indictable criminal offenses, termed disorderly persons offenses, traffic tickets, and municipal ordinance violations. Felony charges involving crimes of the first, second, third or fourth degree may only be decided at the Superior Court level so that the only appearances in such matter that occur in municipal court are initial arraignments. Our lawyers are skilled in defending all municipal charges, many even having formerly served as prosecutors at this level, and offer representation in the following courts:
All of these courts are overseen by Edgar Sepulveda, Municipal Division Manager, Superior Court of New Jersey (Union County Courthouse), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ, (908) 659-4941. The Case Processing Unit can be reached at (908) 659-4600. For further information regarding this office, you may refer to the Judiciary Webpage.
Jurisdiction Over Juvenile Offenses
Since the only court with jurisdiction to decide criminal and quasi criminal juvenile delinquency violations is the Family Division of the Superior Court, a municipal court cannot decide matters of this nature where the defend is seventeen (17) years old or younger. This limitation applies to not only to indictable charges (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree crimes) but also disorderly persons offenses and ordinance violations. The municipal courts in Union County do, however, possess the authority to decide motor vehicle offenses committed by minors.
Statute of Limitation In Municipal Court
A municipal court only has jurisdiction to hear a disorderly persons offense and petty disorderly persons offense that is filed within one (1) year of the alleged violation. The one (1) year statute of limitation does not apply, however, in instances where an indictable offense is downgraded (i.e. remanded). As long as the original first, second, third or fourth degree charge was timely filed, the downgrade is also deemed within the statute of limitation.
Union County NJ Municipal Court Defense Lawyers
If you were arrested or charged with harassment, disorderly conduct, lewdness, or another serious municipal court offense, you certainly are not defenseless. In many instances, a conviction can be avoided altogether and, almost always, the original violation can be averted. We utilize our decades of experience defending and appearing in the all of the municipal courts in Union County to help our clients avoid life long consequences. Our defense lawyers welcome the opportunity to dismiss your case and to formulate a game plan to reach the best result. Call our Union NJ Office any time of day or night at 908-272-1700 for immediate advice from an experienced attorney attorney on our team.
