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1. What is the Municipal Court?

It is through the Municipal Courts that most citizens in the State come into contact with the judicial system, either as a defendant, a victim, or a witness. The Municipal Courts in New Jersey are considered courts of limited jurisdiction, having responsibility for: 

• Minor criminal-type offenses (for example, simple assault and bad checks)
• Motor vehicle and parking tickets
• Municipal ordinance offenses (such as dog barking or building code violations)
• Other offenses, such as fish and game violations

A Municipal Court usually has jurisdiction only over cases that occur within the boundaries of its municipality. Many serious criminal cases, such as robbery, auto theft, or assault, start out as complaints filed in the Municipal Court, but those cases are transferred to the Superior Court located at the county courthouse.

2. What are my rights as a defendant in the Municipal Court?

1. You are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
2. You have the right to be informed of the charges against you.
3. You have the right to remain silent concerning the charges against you, and anything you say may be held against you.
4. You have the right to retain an attorney.
5. You have the right to be assigned an attorney if the judge determines that you cannot afford an attorney, and there is a likelihood that if you are convicted, you will either go to jail, receive a substantial fine or your driver’s license will be suspended.
6. You have the right to request a reasonable postponement so that you may have an opportunity to consult with your attorney and prepare a proper defense.
7. You have the right to testify or not to testify on your own behalf.
8. You have the right to call or subpoena witnesses to testify on your behalf.
9. You have the right to appeal within 20 days of any conviction.

If you think you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the Municipal Court Administrator prior to your appearance in court.

3. Do I need to appear in court if I choose to plead guilty and pay the fine?

If the "Court Appearance Required" box has not been checked on the complaint and if the charge is listed on either the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule or the Local Violations Bureau Schedule, you may pay the fine without appearing in court. The Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule is a list of state offenses that may be paid without going to court. The Local Violations Schedule is a list of municipal ordinances that may be paid without going to court.

You may pay your fine at the court's payment window, by mail, or pay your fine online. If you pay without going to court, you will be pleading guilty and giving up your right to a lawyer and your right to a trial. Court appearances are always required in criminal matters.

Note: Payments are due by the date at the bottom of the Summons. The date on the bottom of your ticket is not necessary for your court date - please read the back of your summons. If you are not sure, please contact the Court. If you have received a paperwork violation notice, you must still appear in court.

4. If I can plead guilty without going to court, how much will I have to pay?

The amount of the fine is in the Statewide or Local Violations Bureau Schedules. These schedules are available for review at the Municipal Court Office. The Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule is also posted on the New Jersey Courts website.

5. How many points is my ticket?

Please do not question the Municipal Court about points - they are not assessed by the Court, they are assessed by the State of New Jersey. Please view the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website's New Jersey State Law Points Schedule, or contact Motor Vehicle Services directly.

6. What should I expect when I go to court?

1. Prior to entering the courtroom, please turn off or silence your phone or pager.
2. When you get to court, check in with court staff.
3. Listen to instructions from court staff and from the judge. The proceedings are sound recorded, so please remain quiet until it is your time to speak.
4. The judge will give an opening statement explaining court procedures, defendants' rights and penalties.
5. Cases are usually called in the following order:
   1. Requests for postponements
   2. Uncontested motions
   3. First arraignments
   4. Guilty pleas
   5. Contested motions
   6. Pleas of not guilty (with attorney)
   7. Pleas of not guilty (without attorney)
6. A case may be postponed to give you time to obtain representation by a private attorney or by a public defender (if you qualify) and prepare your defense. If you need a postponement, ask the court staff for assistance.

Mediator

If your case involves a dispute between you and another person, you may be required to participate in a discussion with a mediator to attempt to settle.

7. What is a plea agreement?

A plea agreement is a way to settle a case. Plea agreements are negotiated with the prosecutor, an attorney who represents the state. You will be given the opportunity to speak to the prosecutor to try to settle your case. You are not required to speak to the prosecutor. All plea agreements must be approved by the judge.

8. What happens if I plead guilty in court?

If you plead guilty in court, the judge will ask questions regarding the offense charged to make sure there are facts to support the guilty plea and to determine that your plea is voluntary. The judge will then make a finding and impose a sentence. If you plead guilty or are found guilty of traffic offenses in court, the penalties listed on the Violations Bureau Schedule do not apply.

9. What if I plead not guilty?

If you plead not guilty, the judge will preside over a trial to determine whether you are guilty or not guilty. The trial may be held that day, but in certain circumstances, it may be rescheduled. In a trial, the prosecutor first will call the state's witnesses (witnesses against you). They will answer the prosecutor's questions and present any other evidence they have. When the prosecutor is finished with each witness, you, or your attorney, will be permitted to ask them questions about their testimony.

When the prosecutor's case is complete, it will be your turn to call witnesses and present evidence on your behalf. You may testify, although you are not required to do so. If you testify, the prosecutor can ask you questions (cross-examine you). After all witnesses and evidence have been presented, the judge will decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. If you are found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence.

10. Can I use the Internet to find more information or to plead guilty and pay a fine?

Yes. For certain offenses, where a court appearance is not required, you can find out the total amount that you must pay if you plead guilty and pay through the New Jersey Courts website. You can obtain more information about the municipal courts and other parts of the New Jersey Judiciary at New Jersey Courts.

11. If I am found guilty, what happens after court?

You will be required to pay all monetary penalties, as ordered by the judge. Under certain circumstances, the court may permit you to pay over a period of time. You will be given instructions on how to comply with any other parts of your sentence.

12. How can I appeal a decision of the court?

If you disagree with the judge's decision, you may appeal, but if you appeal, you must file the appeal within 20 calendar days of your conviction. You will be required to pay a deposit that will be applied against the cost of preparing a transcript of the trial. You also will be required to pay a $100 filing fee. Please download a copy of the municipal court appeals packet, "How to Appeal a Decision of a Municipal Court (PDF)". Information on representing yourself in an appeal is also available at the Judiciary's website.

Appeals from the Municipal Courts are heard at the county level in the Superior Court, Law Division. The Superior Court Judge reviews the transcript (produced from the audio recording of the trial) and any other evidence or legal papers from the trial and makes a decision regarding the case. New testimony or evidence are generally not admitted for the appeal.

13. What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?

People who do not come to court when summoned or subpoenaed, make payments as required, or comply with other requirements of their sentences, face additional punishments including fines, drivers' license suspensions, arrest and jail.

14. What is mediation?

Mediation is a process that seeks to resolve disputes through the intervention of a trained mediator, without pursuing a matter through the courts to trial and conviction. The mediator encourages discussions between the parties to help them reach an agreement they can both accept. The types of complaints sent to mediation generally include citizen complaints involving disputes between individuals or groups. These are commonly referred to as "neighborhood disputes." 

Not all complaints can be referred to mediation. For example, motor vehicle matters and certain criminal matters cannot be resolved using the mediation process.

Benefits

Mediation offers benefits, including: 

• Establishing early, direct communications and understanding between the parties about the important issues of each side
• The result may benefit all of the parties and provide a win-win solution
• Mediation can be less expensive, more relaxed and a more meaningful alternative to the traditional trial process

Mediation is available in nearly all municipalities and is made possible largely because of the efforts of trained volunteers who are the mediators.

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1. I just purchased a car seat for my child. How can I tell if it is installed properly?

The Fort Lee Police Department has certified Child Passenger Restraint Technicians who will gladly assist you with car seat installation. The process usually takes approximately one hour. To schedule an appointment for this service, which is free to residents, please email Anthony Kim, Traffic Safety Officer, or call at 201-592-3515.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

A copy of your motor vehicle accident or incident report will be available after 5 business days.  You may pick up your report Monday-Friday from 9am to 3:45pm at the Records Bureau.  Accident Reports are also available on Carfax at www.crashdocs.org.  

Mail, Email & Faxed Reports

No report will be mailed, emailed or faxed unless requested by mail. To obtain copies by mail, fax or email, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, fax number, or email address and a check for $5 (made payable to "Borough of Fort Lee".) Please include your name, (owner's name if different), type of report, case number, date report was taken and a daytime phone number for confirmation.

3. How can I obtain a handicapped parking permit?

Temporary handicapped parking permits are available from the Chief's Secretary at the Fort Lee Police Headquarters. The permits are valid for a 6 month period and may be renewed for an additional 6 month period by repeating the initial application process. The original handicapped placard will be surrendered at this time. 

Required Items for Requesting a Permit

Applications for a temporary permit are available from the Chief's Secretary, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). There are three items that are needed:

• An application completed by the applicant
• A prescription from the applicant's doctor
• A check for $4 made out to "New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles"

These items are then returned to the Chief's Secretary for processing. The permit will be then be issued in a timely manner. 

Permanent Placards

Permanent handicapped parking placards and plates are issued by the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles. Applications are available from any DMV office. 

4. How can I get my fingerprints taken by the Fort Lee Police?

Non-criminal fingerprinting is done by the Fort Lee Police through an appointment for Fort Lee residents only from Monday through Friday. The appointment can be made by calling 201-592-3700 x3531 (Records) or x3786 (Evidence).  

Resident Fingerprint Requests

This service is only available to Fort Lee residents and those who need their fingerprints taken for a Fort Lee based business.

Helpful Resources

For questions regarding fingerprinting, please contact the Records Bureau at 201-592-3531.

5. I receive calls from solicitors asking for donations for various police-related charities. Are they legitimate? Should I donate to them?

The Fort lee Police Deptartment never solicits donations over the phone. Fort Lee Police Officers are members of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, Local 245. Fort Lee PBA 245 only conducts a fund drive through the mail, usually once a year. Telephone calls from other groups representing themselves as "law enforcement" organizations are frequently made by telemarketing firms. 

Reminders When Donating

There are two things to remember when donating to a charity. Firstly, only give to a bona fide charity that you know is legitimate. And secondly, only give what you can afford. 

6. My car was impounded by the Fort Lee Police. How do I get it back?

To retrieve the car, the registered owner of the vehicle must respond to Fort Lee Police Headquarters in person and obtain a release for the vehicle. The owner should bring a valid driver's license, valid registration, and a valid proof of insurance. This procedure is for routine police impounds may not apply if the vehicle is being held for investigative purposes. 

Towing Fees

When you come for the release, the Fort Lee Police will direct you to the impound yard. Towing and storage fees will apply and are payable to the tow service at the time of pick up. The Fort lee Police Department uses several different tow services on a rotating basis. Towing and storage fees are covered by Borough Ordinance. For questions regarding the towing or storage fees of your vehicle, please contact Traffic Officer Cuevas 201-592-3515. 

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1. What is the basis for my assessment?

In order for an assessment to be deemed excessive or discriminatory, a taxpayer must prove an assessment does not fairly represent one of the two standards:

• Following a revaluation, all assessments must represent 100% of true market value as of the previous October 1. The October 1 pre-tax date is called the annual "assessment date". All evidence submitted in a tax appeal must be on or near the assessment date, especially property sales used as comparables.
• The other standard is the "common level" or common level range established in your municipality. To explain the common level range you must consider what happens following a revaluation. or reassessment. Once a revaluation or reassessment is completed, external factors such as inflation, appreciation, and depreciation may cause values to increase or decrease at varying rates.

Other factors such as physical deterioration may contribute to changes in property values. Obviously, if assessments are not adjusted annually, a deviation from 100% of true market value will occur.

The State Division of Taxation annually conducts a fiscal year sales survey, investigating most property transfers that occur in your community, with your local assessor assisting. Every sale is compared individually to every assessment to determine an average level of assessment in a municipality. An average ratio is developed from a sampling of property sales to represent the assessment level in your community. In any year, except the year a revaluation or reassessment is implemented, the common level of assessment is the average ratio of the district in which your property is situated and is used by the Tax Board to determine the fairness of your assessment. The sales ratios are reviewed inter- and intra- for each municipality.

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1. Does the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps provide non-emergency transportation services?

No, the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps is an agency that provides emergency medical services. We respond to 911 emergencies only. If you require a non-emergency transport to a hospital or facility, please contact a non-emergency medical transportation company.

2. When should I call 911 for an ambulance?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your condition potentially life or limb threatening? 
• Could your condition become life or limb threatening on the way to a hospital? 
• Could moving cause further injury or harm? 

If you are unsure or answer yes to any of these questions, don't guess - call 911. For more information on when to call 911, visit the Federal Government's website.

3. How quickly do Fort Lee ambulances respond to emergencies?

For emergencies within Fort Lee, our average response time is approximately five minutes from the time of dispatch. However, this can be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to:

• Availability of Ambulances
• Call Volume
• Roadwork
• Traffic Conditions
• The Urgency of the Call
• Weather

4. Will I have to wait long if all Fort Lee ambulances are busy?

No, the Borough of Fort Lee maintains standing mutual-aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions and hospitals to dispatch available ambulances to emergencies. If no Fort Lee ambulance is available, an ambulance from the following will answer your call: 

• Cliffside Park
• Edgewater
• Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
• Holy Name Medical Center
• Or Another Agency

 Due to longer distances and the time required to communicate with other dispatchers, response time may be delayed by several minutes.

5. When are Fort Lee ambulances available?

Fort Lee ambulances are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, the members of the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps staff the ambulances from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and national holidays. Emergency Medical Technicians who are employed by the Borough of Fort Lee staff the ambulances from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. You can always expect the highest quality of medical care and professionalism from Fort Lee ambulance crews.

6. How can I join the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps?

Information on how to join the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps is found on our Become a Volunteer page.

7. Does the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps accept donations?

Yes, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Fort Lee Volunteer Ambulance Corps relies on donations to purchase new equipment and supplies to better serve the community. Fund-drive mailings are sent out to residents annually. In addition, we will accept gently used canes, walkers, and wheelchairs that are in good working condition, as we loan them out to residents who need them.

8. I was treated and/or transported by a Fort Lee ambulance. Can I obtain a copy of the patient care report?

Yes. To obtain a copy of a patient care report, you must provide the date and approximate time of the incident, and submit a signed and notarized release from the patient or his/her guardian. All requests and information must be sent to Fort Lee EMS at:
309 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024 

If you have any questions, please contact the Chief at 201-585-1294 or the EMS Coordinator at 201-592-3500, ext. 1056.