Municipal courts have jurisdiction over minor criminal matters - typically called "disorderly persons" offenses.

The local municipal courts also deal with traffic violations, including such charges as "reckless driving" and "driving while intoxicated."

It is important to remember that although these offenses do not rise to the level of "crimes" as defined by law, the penalties can still be very harsh.

For example, a judge still has the ability to sentence an offender to a maximum of six months in jail for certain disorderly persons offenses. He also has the power to revoke a driver's license for up to one year for such offenses as "driving without insurance" and for a first offense of "DWI" charge.

Even in municipal court, the local prosecutor still has the burden of proof to substantiate "beyond a reasonable doubt" that all the elements of the offense have been proven.

Our law firm has had many years of experience successfully defending those who have been charged in the various municipalities throughout the state.