Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Failure to appear

I got a summons for a minor violation (urinating). The cop was not a nice fellow and said I needed to appear before the judge. In my understanding, people don't have to appear for an offense such as this.

I have tried to call the court numerous times to see if i can plead guilty via mail and pay the fine or change my court date. Every time I have called they have said that my ticket info is not in the system. I've called every business day and have been transfered to 30 different people all telling me to call back when the ticket info is entered (I have kept track of all phone calls).

I'm going away soon and I need to get this resolved but the court refuses to help me. I need to change the date (or plead guilty by mail) and I don't want a failure to appear. I'm thinking about mailing the fine with a letter stating my situation and also calling back the various court employees to inform them of this. I'm not sure what the proper course of action is on this matter and any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 8/17/05, 10:07 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: Failure to appear

The charge against you is a quasi-criminal case for disorderly conduct based on what you wrote. Because of this you must appear in court on the case. If the cop issued you a ticket, then that is the reference you use when asking the court about your court date. They are supposed to send you a court notice saying when and where you are to appear on this charge. I am an attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours in various courts in New Jersey in the past. Please call me at 908-272-0111 if you would like to discuss your case in more detail. There is never any charge for simply talking to me about a case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, Ronald Aronds, Esq.

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 8/21/05, 10:58 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Failure to appear

If you are charged with a criminal violation a court appearance is necessary. The officer told you that you must appear in court on the matter.

You should go to the court and speak with the court administrator about the scheduling of the case and your need to go away so that when you return from your trip you don't find yourself sitting in jail.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

800 273 7933

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 8/17/05, 11:45 am


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