How do I & Frequently Asked Questions

Read the reverse side of the Summons issued to you. You may pay for parking offenses and certain moving violations without the necessity of a Court Appearance.

Check the schedule of fines and penalties below for the appropriate amount and make your check or money order payable to the Butler Municipal Court. The Court now accepts payment by Visa and Mastercard.

Be sure to check the court appearance date on the lower front of the Summons. Your payment must reach the Municipal Court prior to that date.

You are now able to pay your traffic ticket online at www.njmcdirect.com

If your Summons is checked "Court Appearance Required" and you wish to plead guilty, you must appear on the date indicated on the Summons.

You will be informed of your rights by the Judge in open Court.

The reason that your appearance is required is usually because the fine or penalty must be set by the Municipal Judge.

You must contact the Municipal Court by phone or in writing before the date that appears on the Summons, simply indicate that you wish to contest the Summons and enter a plea of not guilty. The Court will set a new Court date for you to appear. Certain infractions may result in the suspension of driver's privileges or a jail term. You will be advised of your rights to an attorney at your first appearance.

If you are charged with a criminal or quasi criminal matter, you must appear on the date indicated in the Summons. At that time, you will be informed of your rights in the Municipal Court and your right to seek the advise of an attorney or if you are indigent or unable to afford an attorney, you may apply for the assignment of the Public Defender. In any case, you will be directed by the Municipal Judge as to the next step.

Any person who is dissatisfied with the finding made by the Court or the sentence that is imposed has the right to appeal to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division. He or she will recieve a "Trial De Novo" before a Superior Court Judge based upon a transcript of the hearing that occurred at the Municipal Court level. You must arrange for the cost of the transcript by placing a deposit with the court and file the appropriate forms provided by the Municipal Court. You must accomplish the filing of your appeal within twenty (20) days of the date of your conviction and/or sentence in the Municipal Court.

You are expected to pay all fines when they are imposed. If the Court finds after inquiry that you do not have the appropriated funds to satisfy the fines and/or costs, an Order may be entered. The Order will require payment of at least one half of the fine and costs, and a satisfactory payment schedule of weekly payments that will not exceed sixty (60) days. The Court accepts payment by cash, check, money order, Visa and Mastercard.

If you fail to comply with a Court directive, the Municipal Court may order a Bench Warrant for your arrest, suspend your driving and registration privileges and impose additional sanctions for your non-compliance.