During the COVID-19 Pandemic, municipal courts have cancelled their in person court sessions. With the use of technology, certain cases may be able to be heard and adjudicated remotely. It is advised that you contact the court to set up a video court proceeding and provide your telephone and email address.

Please do not appear here at the Municipal Building. As stated above, please call the office with any questions during business hours. Monday -Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. (973) 226-3373.

This two-plus minute video is designed to provide helpful tips to court users on how to participate in a virtual municipal court proceeding.

Attending Municipal Court Remotely: What to Do and What to Expect

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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.

Core Values

• Independence
• Integrity
• Fairness
• Quality Service

The West Caldwell Municipal Court is presided over by Judge Steven Backfisch.

Business Hours & Court Sessions

Business hours are Monday- Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Court Sessions are held virtually every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
1st Wednesday of the month starting at 2:00 pm
3rd Wednesday of the month starting at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Location

Court Room (Municipal Building)
30 Clinton Rd. West Caldwell NJ 07006
Violations Bureau/Mail Address (Police Building)
21 Clinton Rd. West Caldwell NJ 07006

Application for Public Defender

Applications for the Public Defender are available at the Violations Bureau or you will find it under Financial Questionnaire. If the potential penalty of the charge represents serious consequence, such as Jail time, loss of license or a potential of $750.00 or more you may want to be represented by an Attorney or Public Defender. If you wish to apply for the Public Defender, complete the application in its entirety and return to the Violations Bureau or email the Court prior to your court date. The Judge will review your request. If the Judge approves the Public Defender to represent you, you may be required to pay a fee of not more than $200.00 mandated by the State.

Payments

1. If you wish to make a payment in person, fines may be paid in cash, money order or check. West Caldwell Municipal Court accepts credit cards at the window.
2. Payment by mail may be made by money order or check, PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL.
3. You may also pay payable traffic tickets online at www.njmcdirect.com
   West Caldwell Court Code is 0721

Dispute Traffic Ticket Online

If you would like to Dispute your Traffic Ticket online please go to www.njmcdirect.com. Once you have entered your ticket information, you click on Continue. When your ticket information appears, it will say Dispute then the site will ask for you to Create an Account. Please be advised that once you have submitted your dispute, the Prosecutor will look at your case and make an offer, you have 5 days to respond to the Prosecutor as this is time sensitive. If not completed in the 5-day time frame your case will no longer be eligible for Online Dispute and will receive a new pay-by-date or call the court to receive a court date.

To see if your Ticket is eligible for Online Dispute please Click here. If your ticket was previously scheduled for court, please contact our office for further assistance.

Interpreter

If you need the service of an interpreter, please notify the municipal court prior to your court appearance.

ADA Accommodations

Please advise the municipal court office in advance if you require an ADA Accommodation

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 guilty, 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.

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 less expensive, informal, and more meaningful alternative than the traditional process. This is because of the efforts of trained volunteers and resolution being decided by the participants. The court will refer appropriate cases to mediation.