What must I do if I plan
to plead not guilty? If you intend to plead not guilty to
the offense charged in the Summons and Complaint and have a trial, you
must notify the Court of your intention at least 7 (seven) days prior to
your scheduled court date. If you fail to notify the Court it may be
necessary for you to make 2 (two) court appearances.
Please notify Court of disability accommodation
needs.
When is a court
appearance required? If
"Court Appearance Required" is checked on the Summons and
Complaint, you must appear in court at the time and place indicated if you
did not notify the Court of a not guilty plea, or are pleading guilty.
Please notify the Court of disability accommodation needs.
What if I plan to
plead guilty and pay the prescribed penalty? If
you wish to plead guilty and give up
your rights to have a lawyer and a trial you may do so provided the
"Court Appearance Required" has not been checked on the Summons
and Complaint and provided the charge is listed on the Violations Bureau
Schedule. The more frequently charged State and/or Local (Supplemental)
Violations Bureau offenses and prescribed penalties are listed on the back
of your Motor Vehicle Summons/Complaint. You may also telephone the
Violation Bureau to determine whether other offenses are listed on either
the State or Local (Supplemental) Violations Bureau and and the amount of
the penalty. If the Violations Bureau is authorized to dispose of this
charge, complete in full the APPEARANCE, PLEA AND WAIVER on the back of
the Summons and Complaint and bring or mail to the Violations Bureau at
the address indicated above.
How do I make payment by
mail? If payment is to be made by mail do not send cash but send
check or money order payable to the "MADISON MUNICIPAL COURT."
If payment is received by the violations Bureau after the appearance date
you may be assessed additional penalties. A receipt will be sent to you
only if your payment is accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
What if I fail to appear
in response to a summons or to pay the prescribed penalty?
If you fail to appear in response to a summons or to pay the prescribed
penalty additional penalties may result, a warrant may be issued for your
arrest and your driving privileges in New Jersey may be revoked.
What if I have been
charged with a parking offense and fail to appear or pay the prescribed
penalty? If you have been charged with a parking offense, your failure
to appear or pay the prescribed penalty shall be considered an admission
of liability and a default judgment may be entered against the owner of
the vehicle.
Do I need a lawyer?
No, however it is suggested if you wish to
contest your case and plead not guilty.
Must I hire my own
lawyer? Yes
What if I cannot afford
a lawyer? If you cannot afford a lawyer and you are
charged with a serious offense involving possible loss of driver’s
license or jail, you may apply to the court for a public defender.
Do I have to pay for the
Public Defender? You may be charged a fee between $25 -
$200 depending on your financial status.
