The Old Tappan Municipal Court is located at 227 Old Tappan Road.  Office hours are 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Court sessions are normally held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

Telephone - (201)664-1849, ext. 234
Facsimile  -  (201)722-0238

 Municipal Court Judge - Warren F. Clark, J.M.C.  

 Municipal Court Administrator - Ellen T. Springsteen

Prosecutors - Mark Fierro and Matthew Fierro

Hours of Court Administrator - Tuesday & Thursday  1 to 3 pm

Court Session   -  First Thursday of the month  4 pm                        

WHAT TYPE OF CASES ARE HEARD IN OLD TAPPAN?

The Old Tappan Municipal Court has jurisdiction over the following cases:

	Motor Vehicle/Traffic Violations (for information about the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, click here.)
	Disorderly/Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
	Violations of Weights and Measures
	Parks and Forests
	Fish and Game
	Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
	Violations of Municipal Ordinances of Old Tappan

If you are charged with a more serious offense, these "indictables" would be sent to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.  The case would either be brought before a Grand Jury in Superior Court or downgraded to the Old Tappan Municipal Court by the Bergen County Prosecutor.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUMMONS?

Many traffic and parking offenses are payable by mail or at the Violations Bureau if they do not have "court appearance required" marked on the summons.  If n court appearance is required, you may complete the Appearance, Plea and Waiver section on the back of the Summons and make your payment by mail or in person. By doing this, you are waiving your right to trial and pleading guilty. Call the Violations Bureau if you do not see the amount to be paid on the back of the summons.

For all violations and offenses for which fines are not payable by mail, the matter must be heard in Court before the Judge.  If you wish to plead not guilty to a summons, telephone or write to the Violations Bureau at least one (1) week prior to the court date listed on the summons.  Please note this must be done by telephone or in person, it cannot be done via the website or email. 

You may represent yourself or have an attorney represent you. If you cannot afford an attorney and you are charged with an offense that has a consequence of magnitude (a substantial fine, loss of driving privileges or incarceration),  a Public Defender application may be filled out by you at your first court appearance for the Judge to review.  If an interpreter is needed, one will be provided by the Court.  The Court is unable to recommend attorneys but will provide you with the number of the Bergen County Legal Services.  The Bergen County Legal Services will assist you if you need a recommendation.

Please do not hesitate to call the Violation Bureau if you have any questions or are unsure as to how to proceed.