What are the possible penalties?
Fines:
The judge must follow the law in deciding the amount of any fine imposed. Sometimes there are minimum penalties and mandatory assessments that must be imposed by the law. Fines are generally expected to be paid at the time they are imposed.

The judge may allow the fine to be paid in installments if the he/she is satisfied that payment cannot be made in full. You may apply for partial payments by filling out a form. The judge will then make a decision about your payment arrangements. You will sign a court order that will explain the terms of your payments. Failure to comply with this order may result in a warrant for your arrest and/or suspension of your driving privileges.

Jail:
The maximum jail term that can be imposed for offenses heard in municipal court is six months. The sentence is served at the Mercer County Correction Center. Work release or SLAP is coordinated through the Mercer County Correction Center Work Release Administrator.

License Suspension:
Some offenses require suspension of your driving privileges for a minimum period. You cannot drive for any reason until the period of suspension ends, you have paid your restoration fee to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and have received written notification from the Motor Vehicle Commission that your driving privileges have been restored. If your license has been suspended for failure to appear, pay fines or comply with a condition of your sentence, it generally will not be restored until your case is completed.

Community Service:
By law, the judge must order community service for certain traffic and criminal offenses. The Mercer County Probation Division is responsible for the placement and monitoring of defendants who have been sentence to community service. Failure to perform community service may result in the case being returned to court.

Points/Surcharges:
In addition to penalties imposed by the court for moving traffic violations, the Motor Vehicle Commission may also assess points on your driving record. Most violations result in two points, but it can be as high as eight for a single offense. The New Jersey Department of Insurance may also assess surcharges on insurance payments.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Municipal Court?
2. What type of cases are heard in Municipal Court?
3. When is a court appearance required?
4. How do I enter a Not Guilty Plea?
5. What happens on your day in court?
6. In what order are cases called?
7. What are "indictable charges"?
8. What happens at an "arraignment" or "first appearance"?
9. Who are the people involved in court?
10. Who is entitled to a public defender?
11. What is a Plea Agreement?
12. What happens during a trial?
13. What are the possible penalties?
14. What is mediation?
15. What is a Conditional Discharge?
16. How can I appeal my case?