Legal Question in Traffic Law in New Jersey

Hi,

I was at the court room today in Elmwood Park, NJ and I have spent my whole day at the court for the scheduled trial ( I have spent my whole other day last week to just say "I'm not guilty" and they scheduled the trial for this week) and at 7.30 PM they said that the police officer will not show up for the court because it is after 7 PM but I was there since 2.30PM and my actual court hour was 3.00 PM and the Judge told me that they have to schedule the trial for the next week, it means I have to spend my whole other day at the court room, because the officer didn't show up and I have to pay for his mistake. What do you think I should do about it? Is there any where to complaint about it?

Thank you


Asked on 7/20/10, 11:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Mincis Jonathan J. Mincis, Esq. Law Offices

It would make no sense to complain at this stage, it was only your first apearance. The Court is going to give the officer more than one opportunity to appear. The next time you go if the prosecutor is not ready, you could make a verbal motion to dismiss because the officer has not shown up, but it will probably be denied. The court is going to give the State some opportunity to produce the officer for trial. Since you are not a lawyer, the Court as mandated by Court rules has to deal with attorney cases first. You are not the first person who has had to wait several hours and you will not be the last, this unfortunately is part of the process. If you have not tried to work it out with the prosecutor (and I am guessing that you have), you should speak to him again. I do not know what you have, but make certain you know the ramifications of going to trial if you lose. Anyway if you have any other questions feel free to contact me if you wish, good luck. (201)-894-9498

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Answered on 7/21/10, 7:36 am


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