Municipal Court of the Township of Vernon

Personnel List
Donna Zuidema- Certified Municipal Court Administrator
Linda McDonnell- Deputy Court Administrator
C. William Bowkley, Jr.- Municipal Court Judge
Alicia Ferrante - Prosecutor

Office Details
Location: Municipal Center, Upper Level, East Wing
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm
Phone Number: (973) 764-4737
Fax Number: (973) 764-4761

Functions and Duties
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of motor vehicles and traffic laws, fish & game laws, forest & park laws, disorderly persons offenses, township ordinance violations, ad waived indictable offenses.

A Municipal Court Judge presides over court. He is appointed by the Township Council for a three year term, and is assisted by the Court Administrator and Deputy Court Administrator. Local Officials are aided by the Municipal Prosecutor. There is also a Public Defender who acts on behalf of any defendant unable to afford counsel. For individuals that do not meet the financial criteria for the Public Defender, the Court also have established the Reduced Rate Attorney Program (R.R.A.P.).

The operations of the Municipal Court continue to expand to protect residents, property, and the unique way of life which has become characteristic of our community.

The Court has also established a Community Dispute Resolution Committee (CDRC). This program is designed to help disputing parties mediate reasonable solutions to problems in their community without having to formally go before the Municipal Court Judge.

The Court is also required to be "on call" 24 hours a day to accommodate after hour emergency situations.

Announcements
Court meets on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm.

Provided Documents
Plea Information- Lists some of the most commonly charged offenses and their fines, as well as other appearance and payment details.

Motor Vehicle Point System- Downloadable document detailing point assessments and accumulation. (PDF)

Community Dispute Resolution Committee- Tells what it is, how it works, and other details regarding the CDRC.

Reduced Rate Attorney Program- Information on what the program is and how it works.

Public Defender- A detailed definition of the Municipal Public Defender.

Financial Questionnaire- A printable version of the Financial Questionnaire to Establish Indigency. (PDF)

Forms Provided
None.

Related Links
NJMCdirect- Pay traffic tickets online.