FAQs
How can I pay this summons?
You can pay the summons in one of three ways:
- Mailing a check or money order payable to the Woodland Park Municipal Court.
- Paying by check, money order or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) at the Woodland Park Municipal Court’s violations window (Court Administration • Violations, on the Ground Floor of the Municipal Building at 5 Brophy Lane in the Borough of Woodland Park, Passaic County, New Jersey).
- Paying online at www.njmcdirect.com.
Are there points associated with this violation?
Please refer to the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission's NJSA Point Schedule, at www.state.nj.us/mvc/Violations/penalties_pointSchedule.htm
How do I enter a not guilty plea?
If you wish to plead not guilty, you must notify the court seven days prior to the court date listed on the front on the ticket. If you fail to notify the court, it may be necessary for you to make additional court appearances.
What happens when I plead guilty?
When you plead guilty, it is not necessary to have a trial. You have admitted that you violated the law and all that remains is for the Judge to assess the fine and costs.
Do I need an attorney?
No, you can defend yourself in the municipal court.
What if I want an attorney and cannot afford one?
You may be entitled to the Public Defender at no charge or at a nominal fee of up to $200.00. You will have to complete a financial application upon which the Judge will make the decision if you qualify. The Judge will make this determination if the charges against you carry consequences of magnitude such as a jail sentence, loss of driving privileges, or substantial fines.
What types of cases are heard in Municipal Court?
Cases heard in the Woodland Park Municipal Court are:
- Violations of Motor Vehicle and Traffic Violations
- Disorderly and Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
- Violations of Municipal Ordinances
- Violations of Fish and Game Laws, Parks and Forests, SPCA, and Weights and Measures
What should I expect when I go to Court?
- It is important that you arrive on time and on the date that you are scheduled for Court.
- Upon arrival, please check the posted calendar to make sure that your name appears. If your name does not appear, please check with the court staff to make sure that your matter is listed.
- Prior to entering the courtroom, instructions will be given to you by the court officer or the police officer at the door.
- All cell phones must be shut off.
- In Municipal Court, you will check in with the court staff. Your case will be pulled for the prosecutor, prior to seeing the Judge, to see if your matter can be settled without a trial.
- Listen to the instructions from the court staff and from the Judge. The proceedings are sound recorded, so please remain quiet until it is your time to speak.
- No books or newspapers are allowed to be read while court is in session.
- At the beginning of the court session, the Judge will give an opening statement explaining the court procedures and your rights. The Judge will then call each defendant up individually, ask you to state your name and address and ask for your plea to the charge. If you plead guilty, the Judge will impose sentence. If you plead not-guilty, a trial will be held, providing all the parties are present. If a postponement is needed, the matter will be put over to another date.
For criminal matters:
- On charges that are INDICTABLE, which are more serious criminal offenses, you will be scheduled for a first appearance or an arraignment. At this time the charges will be explained to you and your right to an attorney will be discussed. These charges will be forwarded down to the Passaic County Prosecutor for a Pre-Indictment Conference.
- On charges that are NOT INDICTABLE, you will be scheduled for a first appearance or an arraignment. The Judge will explain the charges filed against you and ask how you wish to plead. If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be scheduled, at which time you will appear along with the Complainant. If you plead guilty, the Judge will impose sentence.
In what order are cases heard in Municipal Court?
Cases are usually called in the following order:
- Requests for adjournments
- Uncontested motions
- First arraignments
- Guilty pleas
- Contested motions
- Pleas of not guilty (with attorney)
- Pleas of not guilty (without attorney)
What is a Plea Agreement?
A plea agreement is made between the defendant, or the defendant’s attorney, and the prosecutor as to how to settle a case. All plea agreements must be approved by the Judge in open court.
What if I need an Interpreter?
Please notify the court staff as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made to have an interpreter there for you on your court date.
What if I do not agree with the Judge’s decision?
You have the right to appeal the Judge’s decision. However, you have to file your appeal within 20 days of the Judge’s decision. An appeal packet is available at the Municipal Court. It is also available under Municipal Court Services at www.njcourtsonline.com.