Mansfield Municipal Court

FAQ's

What are my rights as a defendant in municipal court?

You are PRESUMED TO BE INNOCENT until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
You have the RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF THE CHARGES against you.
You have the RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT concerning the charges against you, and anything you say may be held against you.
You have the RIGHT TO RETAIN AN ATTORNEY.
You have the RIGHT TO BE ASSIGNED AN ATTORNEY if the Judge determines that you cannot afford an attorney if the penalty upon conviction involves jail, a substantial fine, and/or license suspension.
You have the RIGHT TO REQUEST A REASONABLE POSTPONEMENT so that you may have an opportunity to consult with an attorney and prepare a proper defense.
You have the RIGHT TO TESTIFY OR NOT TO TESTIFY on your own behalf.
You have the RIGHT TO CALL OR SUBPOENA WITNESSES to testify on your behalf.
You have the RIGHT TO APPEAL within 20 days of a conviction.

HOW MUCH IS MY FINE IF I DO NOT WISH TO APPEAR IN COURT?

Fine amounts are listed in the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule of Payable Fines. Access online at NJCOURTSONLINE.COM. This schedule is also available for review at the municipal court office during working hours, or you may also phone the court for your fine amount.

HOW MANY POINTS IS MY TICKET?

The municipal court is not responsible for accessing points to your license. Please contact the motor vehicle agency in the state your license is issued to inquire about points.
New Jersey licenses: www.nj.gov/nj/trans/vehicles

WHEN CAN I SPEAK WITH THE PROSECUTOR?

The Prosecutor speaks with defendants both before court begins and at times during court. He will call your name and only at that time will you be permitted to speak with the Prosecutor. Please be patient!

WHAT IS A PLEA AGREEMENT?

A plea agreement is reached in court after speaking with the Prosecutor may agree to amend the original offense to a lesser offence in exchange for a guilty plea. The Prosecutor has the discrection to also decline to offer a plea agreement. The plea agreement must be approved by the Judge.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE OUTCOME OF MY CASE?

You have 20 calendar days to file your appeal after your conviction in court. You may ask for the appeal packet at the court window or you may download the packet MUNICIPAL COURT APPEAL PACKET. You will be required to pay a deposit that will be applied toward the cost of preparing a transcript of the hearing. Also required is a $75 filing fee.

No new testimony is taken. The Superior Court Judge makes his ruling based on the transcript produced from the municipal court hearing.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY?

In order to qualify for the Public Defender, you must first meet certain eligibility criteria regarding current employment, salary, income and assets and debts. The Judge then refers to the statewide eligibility guidelines to determine if you would qualify. You may complete the necessary form in court or download the Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency Form and bring the completed form to court. Only the Judge can approve the Public Defender. A fee of up to $200 may be imposed.

HOW CAN I SET UP A TIME PAYMENT FOR A TICKET?

A time payment is only granted in court with the Judge’s approval after reviewing the completed Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency form.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY BUT CAN’T APPEAR IN COURT?

Under certain circumstances where it would be a hardship for you to appear in court, or if you are an out of state resident, you may be eligible to enter your plea by mail.

Please contact the court to inquire if your charge is eligible for plea by mail.

Emergencies
911

Police Department
609.298.4411

Fire Department
609.298.5325

Municipal Court
609.298.0649

Recycling

Special Pick-Ups
298-0542 ext. 29

Containers
609-499-1001

County Recycling
609-499-1001