The Central Court of Atlantic County is a municipal court with jurisdiction over multiple towns within the county. This court hears various cases that often involve somewhat minor violations. Even so, you may need a lawyer to help you steer your case through the system.
This court may hear numerous cases involving traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and petty disorderly persons offenses, as well as various violations of fish and game laws, boating regulations, and local ordinances. The consequences are often not severe, with many defendants just paying fines. Even so, you should get a lawyer to help you prepare your case so you can hopefully avoid costly fines or other legal penalties.
Call our lawyers for a case in the Central Court of Atlantic County at Lombardo Law Group at (856) 281-9600 for a free initial case review.
What Cases Are Heard in Central Court of Atlantic County
The Central Court of Atlantic County is a municipal court covering numerous towns. While the cases heard here are often relatively minor, the overall legal process may be complicated, and an attorney can help you. This court typically hears cases from several broad legal categories.
First, the court handles traffic violations. If you are issued a traffic ticket and want to fight it in court, you will likely end up in the Central Court of Atlantic County. Remember, this court has jurisdiction only over cases arising within certain municipalities. If your ticket was issued in another part of the state, your case may be in a different court.
Second, the court hears disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses. These are minor offenses that are not considered crimes but are instead petty offenses. Offenses like shoplifting or disorderly conduct are common disorderly persons offenses.
The court also hears violations of fish and game laws, boating regulations, parks and forests laws, weights and measurements, and municipal ordinances.
The consequences of these cases tend to be relatively minor. Traffic violations typically come with fines or points against your license. Disorderly persons violations might come with possible jail time, but this is less common. Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:43-8, these offenses may be punished by no more than 6 months in jail for a disorderly persons offense and up to 30 days for a petty disorderly persons offense.
Violations of fish and game laws or local ordinances do not normally result in incarceration. However, it is a good idea to review your case with our lawyers for cases in the Central Court of Atlantic County to make sure.
Municipalities the Central Court of Atlantic County Covers
Municipal courts in New Jersey often have jurisdiction over multiple towns and municipalities. Where your case occurred may determine whether it is heard in this court. The Central Court of Atlantic County covers the following municipalities:
- Corbin City
- Estell Manor
- Hamilton Township
- Port Republic
- Weymouth Township
- Egg Harbor Township
- Galloway Township
- Linwood
- Ventnor
How to Prepare Your Case
While you might not think a case in a municipal court is a big deal, the consequences may be expensive and inconvenient. Effective legal preparation is key to successfully challenging the case and avoiding penalties.
Your first step is to contact a lawyer. People are sometimes tempted to try and handle their case alone, but this is not a good idea. Even seemingly minor cases can be legally complex, and you may need the skills and experience of an attorney to navigate the court system.
Next, you and your lawyer should prepare records and evidence to support your case. If you are fighting a traffic ticket, you might gather witnesses and dashcam videos. If you are charged with disorderly conduct for fighting in public, you might gather evidence that you acted in self-defense or that you were not actually fighting.
Finally, consider all your legal options. While you might be able to fight the case in court, do you even want to? In some cases, people can simply pay fines online and completely avoid a hearing. Your lawyer can help you decide your next step.
When Your Case Goes to the Central Court of Atlantic County
One important detail to keep in mind is your court date. It is not uncommon for people to accidentally miss their court date. Some are unsure when their hearing is even scheduled.
First, check your initial legal notice. Usually, the notice contains information about the court date. Even a traffic citation may have a date on it somewhere. You might have also received a court summons in the mail.
If you do not have the notice, call the court and ask about your court date. You may also search for your court date on the court’s website.
If you are unable to attend the scheduled court date, ask your lawyer about rescheduling or arranging an online hearing. The court may be willing to change the court date if you have a conflict. Alternatively, many cases are heard over Zoom, which may be more convenient.
What to Do if You Miss Your Court Date
Missing your court date is not an option. Whether you remembered the date wrong or something came up at the last minute, you might not have another chance at fighting your case.
In some cases, defendants are found guilty in their absence. In other cases, the judge may issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
Call your lawyer if you have one. If you do not, hire a lawyer to help you. They can help you understand what happens after missing your court date and whether you can still fight the case. If you can, they can assist you in getting a new court date.
Finally, contact the court about the missed hearing immediately. You might have to pay fines and get information about what happens next.
Get Legal Help From Our Lawyers for a Case in Central Court of Atlantic County
Call our lawyers for a case in the Central Court of Atlantic County at Lombardo Law Group at (856) 281-9600 for a free initial case review.
