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1. Is Stafford Township Court handicapped accessible?

Yes. If you will need additional assistance please contact the court prior to your appearance.

2. I need to change my court date. How do I do this?

You must call the court to request an adjournment. If you need the date changed due to a previously scheduled vacation or work/school conflict, documentation must be provided.

No adjournments are granted on the date that you are due to appear. In the case of an emergency, documentation and/or a doctor’s note will be required.

Adjournments are not granted for arraignments on indictable matters or first appearances for serious motor vehicle summonses issued for DWI (39:4-50), driving while suspended (39:3-40) or uninsured motor vehicle (39:6B-2).

3. I would like to plead guilty to a lesser charge. What do I do?

You must call the court to enter a not guilty plea PRIOR to the court date listed on your ticket. We will schedule your case to be heard in court. On the day of your court appearance you will have the opportunity to speak to the prosecutor.

4. I want to sign a complaint. How do I do this?

The Municipal Court accepts for filing all complaints. In order to sign a complaint for an offense that occurred within the jurisdiction of Stafford Township. You need to come into the court office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please note we do not take complaints on court dates (refer to the court website).  You should have the following information with you:

- Name and address of person whom you wish to sign against

- Time and date of offense

- Statute number which relates to the offense

- License plate number and description of motor vehicle if you wish to sign a traffic summons

- A brief description of the incident

You may complete this form in advance, print it and bring it with you to the court office.

5. What is Citizen Dispute Resolution or Mediation?

Citizen Dispute Resolution (CDR) or Mediation is an alternative method for resolving disputes. A trained mediator is present to help the parties involved come to an agreement without the necessity of a municipal court trial.

The Judge decides what matters are appropriate for mediation. You may ask him to refer your case to Mediation on the day of your arraignment.

6. I need an attorney but can not afford one. Can I be represented by the public defender?

If you wish to be represented by the public defender, you must complete the below application and submit it to the court. In order to be eligible, you must be charged with a consequence of magnitude and your income must fall within the guidelines established. The Judge may require you to submit proof of your income. If approved there will be a fee assessed not to exceed $200. 

Financial Questionnaire

7. Can you recommend an attorney?

No. The court is not permitted to recommend an attorney. You may call the Ocean County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service.

8. I received a subpoena to testify from your court. Do I have to appear?

Yes. A subpoena requires your appearance. The Judge may find you in contempt or issue a warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear.

9. I received a legal notice indicating a change of court date, but never received an actual subpoena. Do I have to appear?

If you wish to be heard by the court, then it is important you are there. Please keep in mind if the officer did not witness the accident then he/she can not testify and may not be able to prove the state’s case without you.

10. I understand a warrant for my arrest has been issued. What do I do?

You must post
bail either at the Stafford Township Municipal Court during business hours or
at any local police department twenty four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a
week. As a courtesy a follow up court date will be given to allow you to resolve the matter. However, the warrant will remain in effect until you appear, post bail or are arrested.

If you feel the warrant should not have been issued, please contact the court immediately to discuss.

11. My driver’s license was suspended because I did not pay my ticket. How do I resolve this?

You must contact the court to find out the amount due. You may also perform a case search on the Municipal Court Case Search website. After you pay the ticket you will have to provide your receipt to the State of NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. They will assess you a $100 restoration fee to reinstate your driving privilege.