Mission Statement

We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes in order to preserve the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States and this state.

Vision Statement

Provide equal access to a fair and effective system of justice

Offer complementary methods of dispute resolution

Provide quality service that continuously improves

Maintain the independence of the Judiciary

Acknowledge and enhance the potential of every person in our organization

Share a common sense of identity and purpose

Earn the respect and confidence of an informed public

Municipal Court of Livingston FAQ

1. Where are you located?
2. What are the Violations Bureau hours?
3. What are your court dates?
4. How can I contact the court?
5. How much is my ticket?
6. How can I pay my ticket?
7. How do I plea not guilty?
8. How do I request a new court date?
9. How can I get an attorney?
10. How can I appeal the judge’s decision?

1. The municipal court is located at 357 South Livingston Avenue in Livingston, NJ.  Parking is located behind the building.
2. The Violations Bureau is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
3. Court meets every Wednesday with traffic pre-trial conferences at 5:00 pm, and traffic trials at 6:00 pm, and every Thursday with first appearances at 9:00 am and trials at 10:00 am.
4. The court’s phone number is  973-535-7970 and the fax is 973-535-7997.
5. Certain tickets can be paid through the Violations Bureau while others will require you to appear before the judge.  If your ticket is checked “Court Appearance Required” or the penalty amount is not listed on the statewide or local violations bureau schedules, you must appear in court on the date listed on the complaint.  You can also check this by visiting the website listed on the back of the ticket, www.njmcdirect.com.  It will tell you if you need to appear in court or can just pay the ticket.
6. You can pay your ticket in one of three ways.  You can visit the Violations Bureau located at 357 South Livingston Avenue.  You can mail your payment to the Violations Bureau using the same address.  You can also visit www.njmcdirect.com to pay your ticket over the internet.
7. If your ticket is not marked “Court Appearance Required”, you may enter your plea of Not Guilty by either calling the court at 973-535-7970 or appearing at the Violations Bureau. Court staff will then schedule your case for a conference or a trial date depending on the charge.
8. Once you are assigned a court date, all requests to adjourn that date must be made in writing to the judge.  They mail either be mailed or faxed to 973-535-7997.  An adjournment is not automatically granted by sending a letter.  You must still appear unless you have received confirmation from court staff the date has been changed.
9. For certain charges with consequences of magnitude such as a large fine, loss of driving privilege, or incarceration you may eligible for the Public Defender if you are financially indigent.  If you can afford to hire your own attorney, you can call either the Essex County Bar Association or the New Jersey Bar Association for a referral.  Court staff cannot recommend an attorney to you.
10. If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you have the right to appeal your case to the Superior Court within 20 days of conviction.  To do so you must file notice with the court and order a transcript of the proceeding.  A convenient packet is available from the New Jersey Judiciary that explains the process step by step and provides all the necessary forms.  It may be downloaded from www.njcourtsonline.com.