Court

What kind of cases are heard in Municipal Court?

The Municipal Court of Mantua Township has jurisdiction over offenses that occur within the Township of Mantua. Cases heard in Municipal Court include traffic violations, minor criminal offenses, and violations of Mantua Township Ordinances.

How does a defendant obtain a public defender?

You must appear on your scheduled court date to apply for the public defender. Public defenders are assigned to indigent defendants. You must complete an application that is reviewed by the Judge. A non-refundable application fee from $50 – $200 may be imposed.

Who is entitled to be represented by the public defender?

The public defender is assigned only when the pending charge carries a penalty of jail, suspension of driving privileges or a substantial fine and only if the judge determines that the defendant cannot afford to retain an attorney.

How may I pay my fine?

Payments may be made by check, cash, money order, in person or through the mail. If a court appearance is not required, you may pay your fine by Visa or MasterCard at www.njmcdirect.com. A small fee is charged.

How do I request a postponement of my case?

You must appear before the judge to request your postponement.

Am I required to appear in court?

A court appearance is always required in most criminal matters. In traffic matters, if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket, you must appear. If "court appearance required" is not checked you must still appear in court if:

-You wish to plead not guilty and want a trial, or

-The charge is not listed on the Statewide Violations Schedule, or

-The ticket was issued as a result of an accident with personal injury.

How do I find out if the charge is listed on the Statewide Violations Schedule?

The most common motor vehicle violations are listed on the back of the ticket. If you do not see a particular charge, call the court office. Please have the summons number available.

How many points will be imposed?

The municipal court does not impose points. Points are assessed by NJ Motor Vehicle Services. Call NJ MVS for questions about points and surcharges. You can reach the NJ MVS toll free in-state at 888-486-3339. The number for out-of-state calls is 856-292-6500.

Directions to the Mantua Township Justice Center:

From the Ben Franklin Bridge: Proceed South on Interstate 676 to Route 42 then either take either Interstate 295 Southbound or State Highway 55 Southbound. (see further directions below)

Walt Whitman Bridge: to either Interstate 295 Southbound or Route 42 then State Highway 55 southbound. (see further directions below)

From Interstate 295 Southbound: Exit at Exit 24A onto Route 45 south. Follow Route 45 south for 5 miles to Alternate County Road 553. The Municipal Court is approximately 1 mile on the left.

From State Highway 55 Southbound: Exit at Exit 53A (Pitman–Glassboro.) Proceed south on County Road 553 to the first traffic light. Turn right onto Tyler Mill Road. At the stop sign turn right onto Main Street (Alt. County Road 553.) The Municipal Court is approximately 2 miles on the right.

From Northbound Directions:

From State Highway 55 Northbound: Exit at Exit 53. At the end of the exit ramp is a traffic signal. Turn left onto County Road 553. Turn right at the next light onto Tyler Mill Road. Turn right at the stop sign onto Main Street. The court is approximately 2 miles on the right.

From NJ Turnpike Exit 2 and Commodore Barry Bridge: Proceed east on Route 322 to State Highway 45. Make a left onto Route 45 northbound. Proceed north on Route 45 approximately 3 miles to the 5th traffic light. (K-Mart on left) Turn right onto Mantua Boulevard. Turn right again at the next light onto Main Street. The Municipal Court is 3/4 mile on the left.

From Interstate 295 Northbound: Exit at Exit 18. Proceed to the light at the end of the exit ramp. Turn right onto Cohawkin Road, then left at the next light onto Berkley Road. Continue on Berkley to the traffic light at Kings Highway. Cross Kings Highway bearing a left at the fork. The next traffic light is State Highway 45. Turn left and proceed to the 2nd light at Mantua Boulevard. Turn right, then right again at the next light onto Main Street. The Municipal Court is 3/4 mile on left.