Clifton Municipal Court

Clifton Municipal Court cases in Passaic County, Clifton, NJ

Clifton Municipal Court in Clifton, New Jersey is a municipal court of limited jurisdiction within the state judiciary. It handles violations of New Jersey motor vehicle and traffic laws (including DWI and parking), municipal ordinance and code violations (such as housing, health, and noise), and non-indictable criminal matters, including disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses. The court conducts first appearances, arraignments, and probable-cause and bail proceedings for indictable offenses before referral to the Superior Court. It does not adjudicate civil lawsuits or family matters, which are heard in the Superior Court.

Clifton Municipal Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Clifton Municipal Court

Clifton Municipal Court serves the public by handling:

- Case types: traffic and parking offenses, DWI, municipal ordinance violations, and disorderly/petty disorderly persons offenses (e.g., simple assault, shoplifting, bad checks).
- Case filings: acceptance of complaints and citations; discovery requests; processing payments, payment plans, and record requests.
- Court hearings: scheduling and conducting arraignments, pretrial conferences, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing; compliance monitoring for fines, community service, and probation referrals.
- Protective orders: issuance of temporary restraining orders in qualifying emergencies when appropriate.
- Warrants and subpoenas: issuance and bail determinations.
- Accessibility: interpreters and reasonable accommodations.

Note: New Jersey municipal courts do not conduct jury trials; matters are heard by a judge.