Municipal Court of the Township of Vernon
Municipal Public Defender

Pursuant to the N.J.S.A. 2B:12-28, the Township may employ the services of an Attorney-at-Law of the State of New Jersey to be referred to as the "Public Defender" to provide the representation of persons entitled by law to the appointment of counsel in the Municipal Court. The appointment of the Public Defender shall be by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the committee. The appointment shall be made annually and shall run for the remainder of the calendar year of appointment. The appointment shall be by resolution of the Mayor and Committee setting a fixed fee to be paid in installments as a professional service contract, without bidding, pursuant to the Local Public Contract Law. The Public Defender shall be responsible to conduct the legal representation of indigent defendants who have been assigned to the Public Defender by the Municipal Court Judge following a review of the financial condition of the defendant. Any individual defendant in the Municipal Court applying for the services of the Public Defender shall pay an application fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) prior to the Court considering said application: a payment plan is permitted, however payments shall not extend beyond four months, provided, however, that the Municipal Court Judge in his discretion may waive all or any portion of said fee if, in the opinion of the Municipal Court Judge and for reasons placed on the record of the proceedings, the application fee constitutes and unreasonable burden on the individual seeking representation. From January 1, 1999 forward, the municipality will be responsible for all costs of experts relevant to each case. If at the end of calendar year 1998 and thereafter, there is a balance in the custodial account of more than 25 percent (25%) of actual expenses, the balance shall be forwarded to the Victims of Crime Compensation Board.