Municipal Shared Court of Riverdale & Butler Boroughs
Criminal/Traffic Session Opening Statement Video English / Spanish
Mission Statement:
We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rule of law and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this state.
Jurisdiction:
Municipal Court is considered a court of limited jurisdiction. The Court handles motor vehicle and traffic violations, fish and game, boating infractons, disorderly persons offenses, violations of municipal ordinances, other non-indictable offenses not within exclusive control of Superior Court, penalty enforcement, complementary methods of dispute resolution, and all other proceedings in which jurisdiction is granted by statute.
The Municipal Shared Court of Riverdale/Butler has jurisdiction over the following types of cases:
- Motor Vehicle/Traffic & Parking Violations
- Forest and Parks Violations
- Disorderly Person/Petty Disorderly Persons Offense(DP/PDP Offenses)
- Weights and Measures Violations
- Violations of Penalty Enforcement Act
- Violations of Municipal Ordinances
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Division of Fish and Wildlife Violations
- Any other proceedings where jurisdiction is granted by statute.
Statement of Core Values:
There are four paramount values representing the core of what we stand for as an organization and to accomplish our mission:
- Independence
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Quality Service
Court Sessions:
- Virtual court sessions are held the first, second and third Tuesday of every month beginning at 1:00PM
Expedited Expungement:
If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense, petty disorderly persons offense, or a municipal ordinance violations, and those charges are either dismissed, you are acquitted, or your case is discharged without a conviction or finding of guilt, you may be eligible for an expedited expungement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6. For more information and to determine if you are eligible, you may inquire with the municipal court at the time of disposition.
Interpreter:
If you need the service of an interpreter, please notify the municipal court administrator prior to your court appearance.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
Please advise the municipal court office in advance if you require an ADA accommodation.
Mediation:
Mediation is a confidential, structured, non-adversarial process that allows a neutral third party to assist disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. The mediation process can be a less expense, informal, and more meaningful alternative than the traditional trial process. This is because of the efforts of trained volunteers and the resolution being decided by the participants. The court will refer appropriate cases to mediation.
Records Request Form:
To request a copy of your Municipal Court records please complete the records request application form listed under the links. If you are requesting a certified disposition you must pay $5.00 per charge. If you are only requesting a computer screen copy, there is not a fee involved.
Public Defender Information:
Can I be represented by a public defender?
Yes. In order to have a public defender assigned to your case you must first satisfy the criteria established by the Income Eligibility Guidelines and the potential penalties for the offense(s) for which you are charged which must include the possibility of incarceration, a significant fine, or the loss of your driving privileges.
Will I have to pay any money to a public defender if one is assigned
to me?
Yes. You may be ordered to pay a fee up to $200.00 for the public defender application which is non-refundable.