Municipal Court Offenses
While they are not major crimes, municipal court offenses must be taken seriously. Aside from the immediate penalties, they can hamper your future prospects.
The Law Office of Rajeh A. Saadeh, L.L.C., will defend your interests if you are charged with any municipal court matter. Our criminal defense lawyers practice in all municipal courts of Somerset County, Middlesex County and surrounding counties of New Jersey.
Headed for municipal court?
Going to court without legal counsel can backfire on you. Call us today at 908-396-8330 to get a free initial consultation about your legal matter.
What Is A Municipal Court Offense?
All traffic violations and “disorderly persons offenses” (nonindictable criminal matters) go through municipal court. These are local courts of limited jurisdiction. Your case will be heard in the city or township where the arrest occurred or the citation was issued.
We can represent you in municipal court matters such as:
- Speeding tickets and moving violations
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Public intoxication or disorderly conduct
- Simple assault or domestic violence
- Harassment or restraining order violations
- Shoplifting, petty theft or bad checks
- Possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Hunting and fishing violations
Can’t I Just Go To Municipal Court On My Own?
In municipal court, there are no jury trials. It’s just you and the judge. Unlike superior court judges who are appointed by the governor, municipal court judges are selected every three years by the local government. Many are attorneys who still practice law.
Relationships and rapport matter in municipal court. When you come to court with an attorney who is familiar with the judge, you will usually fare better than the average person. For starters, your case will go to the front of the line.
We get on the prosecuting attorney’s calendar for a brief conversation before your court session. The goal is to negotiate a favorable resolution to be presented to the judge. If the prosecutor offers a deal, we advise on whether or not to take it, or suggest counteroffers. If the prosecutor will not negotiate an acceptable deal, we schedule a trial date and come back to try the case.
Our advocacy can significantly improve the outcome. It might mean getting your offense dismissed or reduced. It might mean leniency with fines or jail time. It might mean keeping the points off your license or keeping the offense of your criminal record.
Serving The Middlesex Metro Counties
Please call our Bridgewater office at 908-396-8330 to arrange a free phone consultation or contact us online. We travel to municipal courts in Somerset, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Mercer and Union counties.