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Municipal Court

New Jersey’s Municipal Courts have jurisdiction over all Disorderly Persons Offenses, Motor Vehicle Offenses and Town Ordinance violations.

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Jurisdiction

How New Jersey Municipal Court Works

Every New Jersey Municipal Court has its own Judge and Prosecutor. Unlike Superior Court, municipal court matters do not have jury trials — every case is heard and decided by a judge alone. The stakes can still be significant, and the way a case is prepared and presented to that judge often determines the outcome.

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What Municipal Court Handles

Disorderly Persons Offenses

Disorderly Persons Offenses, which most other States refer to as Misdemeanors, include Simple Assault, Harassment, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Shoplifting and Theft under $200 and various other offenses. These offenses are punishable by up to 180 days in County Jail, fines up to $1000 and various other assessments. As such, the potential consequences for such offenses can be quite severe. One note: since New Jersey legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, simple possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults 21 or over is no longer a chargeable offense, though unlicensed distribution and underage possession can still lead to charges.

Harassment

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Simple Assault

Shoplifting and Theft under $200

Traffic & Driving Charges

Motor Vehicle Violations

Motor Vehicle violations include an array of infractions. The most severe of those are Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. These offenses carry potential jail time and serious consequences for your driving privileges — since New Jersey’s December 2019 reforms, a first offense typically brings a mandatory ignition interlock device rather than a lengthy suspension, while repeat offenses still carry license forfeiture. Driving without Insurance and Driving while Suspended are equally serious and can also carry jail exposure and license consequences. The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC has helped countless people successfully navigate these types of offenses, defending and negotiating plea agreements in various other traffic matters to help clients avoid points on their driver’s abstract.

Driving While Intoxicated

Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test

Driving without Insurance

Driving while Suspended

Shoplifting & Theft

Defending Shoplifting and Theft Charges

The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC has successfully defended a plethora of shoplifting and theft related cases. Our results have included dismissals for numerous clients as well as negotiated agreements in which our clients have avoided a criminal record.

In Their Words

What Clients Say

I cannot recommend Joel Silberman, Criminal Defense Lawyer, highly enough! As someone dealing with extreme anxiety and facing the court system for the first time, I was incredibly overwhelmed. From our first meeting, Joel’s empathetic and understanding nature made me feel like I was talking to a friend rather than just a lawyer. He managed to bring my anxiety down to zero and, most importantly, he got my misdemeanor case dismissed with a clean record. If you want a lawyer who truly cares and delivers results, there is simply no one else like him. I will forever only trust him and will recommend him to my family and friends! You can tell he breathes, eats, and sleeps thinking about law! He is extremely passionate about defending others.” – Solangy Perez

Joel constantly comes through. He has helped me and I have sent my family and friends to him. He does whatever he can to try and win and makes you feel safe and comfortable. He is like having a guard dog by your side going into battle!.” – Jason

In my opinion, Joel is an exceptional attorney. I have no hesitation in recommending your professional legal services and I commend you on how friendly, accessible and efficient you are.” – Rogers

I had a wonderful experience with Joel. He was the best attorney and friend I could have ever come into contact with. Joel saved my life and my family from total and utter destruction. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into my son’s case.” – Stephen

Joel is an outstanding defense lawyer! Very proactive, reliable, quick and he defends his client vigorously. Not only had he saved me, but also my time and money from the endless court fees, fines and other expenses as well.”- Christopher

Disclaimer: “Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.”

Speak With Joel Silberman

Contact a New Jersey Municipal Court Lawyer

Most municipal court matters move quickly, and what happens at the first appearance often shapes the rest of the case. Call the Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC at 201-420-1913 for a free, confidential consultation about a municipal court matter.