Municipal Court Attorney In Livingston, New Jersey

Each County in the State of New Jersey has a Superior Court which handles most civil and criminal lawsuits. These include Small Claims, Special Civil Part, Family Part, Chancery Part, Law Division, and the Criminal Division. The Municipal Court in each town handles matters including disorderly and petty person offenses, violations of the Motor Vehicle and traffic laws, fishing and gaming violations, and violations of municipal ordinances. In each town, there is a Prosecutor. This person is an attorney who prosecutes the cases before the Court. All violations, unless brought by a business or something such as a civil complaint, are tried by the Court. The Prosecutor represents the State, not you.

What if I Feel I Need Representation, but I Can Not Afford an Attorney?

First, you should know, that you may represent yourself in the Municipal Court, as well as the State (Superior Court), unless you are a corporation. If you represent yourself, you have the right to call witnesses, cross-examine the State's witnesses, and present evidence to the judge. You must remember that you are always innocent until proven guilty by the State beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you do not feel that you can or want to represent yourself, and you are of very limited financial means, you may apply to the Municipal Court for a Public Defender. Each Court has one, but you must fill out an Application, and the Municipal Court Judge will review same and decide as to whether you qualify for a Public Defender. The usual level that the Courts use is whether the Applicant falls above or below the poverty line.

Transferring Points Between States for NJ Drivers and Non-New Jersey Drivers

If you hold a driver’s license in New Jersey and have accumulated points on your record, or if you hold a license from another state and are facing a traffic violation in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how the state's point system works and how points may transfer.

Transferring Points to New Jersey

If you are a New Jersey driver and receive a traffic violation in another state, that state may report the violation and points to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). New Jersey participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC), an agreement between 45 states that allows for the exchange of information regarding traffic violations and license suspensions. If your out-of-state violation results in points, New Jersey will add those points to your driving record, potentially leading to increased insurance premiums and, in some cases, suspension of your license if the total number of points reaches a threshold.

Transferring Points to Another State

Conversely, if you are a non-New Jersey driver who receives a ticket in New Jersey, the points assessed against your record may be reported to your home state. Under the Driver License Compact, New Jersey shares information with other member states, meaning that points could be transferred to your home state's driving record. This could impact your license status, insurance rates, or even result in additional penalties or suspension if you accumulate too many points.

Impact of Points Transfer

The transfer of points can have significant consequences for both New Jersey drivers and out-of-state drivers. For instance, if you are nearing the point limit in your home state or New Jersey, accumulating additional points—whether from local or out-of-state violations—could trigger a license suspension or other penalties.

How We Can Help

At Law Office of Stuart M. Nachbar, P.C., we understand the complexities of the point transfer system and the potential legal ramifications. If you are facing out-of-state points or have received a ticket in New Jersey, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal system. We can explore options such as negotiating a reduction in charges, participating in driver improvement programs, or contesting violations to minimize the impact on your driving record.

Whether you are a New Jersey resident or visiting from another state, it’s essential to take proactive steps when dealing with traffic violations. Contact our law firm today to learn more about how we can assist you in resolving your traffic matter with minimal impact on your driving record.