In New Jersey if a person appears in court, chances are that court would be a municipal court. These courts handle a variety of cases not generally associated with municipal courts. Municipal courts have the authority to hear and decide cases related to the following:

 

• Violations of Municipal Ordinances

• Violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws

• Disorderly person’s offenses

• Petty disorderly persons’ offenses

• Violations of the fish and game laws

 

Some of these offenses carry hefty fines, suspension of driving privileges and even jail time. If convicted of a disorderly persons offense, a person could be subject to a fine up to $1000 and up to six months in jail. If convicted of a petty disorderly person offense, a person may be subject to a maximum fine of $500 and up to 30 days in jail. These fines do not include court fees. Traffic violations, can include fines, points on your license, revocation of your license, and incarceration in some cases.