This is our first in a series on local municipal courts. Since our office is located in Elizabeth, we will start with a spotlight on the Elizabeth Municipal Court. This information should be quite useful to you if you have been ordered to appear before the municipal judge.
The court’s location can be the subject of some confusion. Since Elizabeth is the county seat, it is also the home to the Union County Courthouse. Some people wrongfully assume that city’s municipal court is part of the complex located at the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Broad Street. Cases heard at this location include landlord/tenant matters, state civil and criminal cases, and family law matters.
If you received a ticket, the best way to check where you should appear is to look at the back of the summons. Consultation with an experienced attorney is always advisable.
Elizabeth Municipal Court Basic Information
The Elizabeth Municipal Court is located at One Police Plaza (between Commerce Place & East Grand Street). There is limited on-street parking. A public parking lot is on Commerce Place. The Municipal Court is not far from the train station and near bus stops. The Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo is within steps of the Elizabeth Municipal Court.
Although the court is in session on a daily basis, not all types of cases are heard every day. For example, DWI trials are only scheduled for late afternoons on Thursdays. Before showing up for court, you should always verify the date you are expected to appear. Your attorney can provide you with this information.
There are four judges who sit in municipal court in Elizabeth. Roman Montes is the Chief Judge. The Court’s Director is Teresa Estrada. Elizabeth’s Court Administrator Margaret Gonzalez is assisted by three other deputy administrators.
Types of Cases Heard in Elizabeth Municipal Court
The nature of cases assigned to municipal court is determined by statute. Some of the most common offenses heard before local judges include the following:
- Traffic tickets
- DWI or DUI, without injury
- Minor shoplifting charges
- Violations of city ordinances
- Harassment charges
- Simple assault
- Noise complaints
In some cases, the municipal judge may feel that some matters should be first referred before a mediator. The Elizabeth Court has a longstanding mediation program. A trained mediator meets with the parties for the purpose of helping them solve their own dispute. Mediation is not binding and does not mean that the case cannot go to before the judge.
Court Ordered Fines
If the court orders you to pay a fine, you will be instructed to go to a designated window to do so. Credit cards are not accepted. For fees and fines under $500, cash or a personal check are permissible. Checks over $500 must be certified.
Contact Us
Did you receive notification to appear in Elizabeth Municipal Court? The Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo has decades of experience representing individuals in this jurisdiction. There is no charge to call us to see how we can help you. Contact us.
