What is the function of this Town Court?

This Town Court plays a vital role in the Unified Court System of New York State. This court has broad jurisdiction and the court presides both civil, criminal matters, local town law including code and dog control violations, evictions, orders of protection, etc.

On the civil side, this Town Court hears actions seeking monetary awards up to $3,000 and small claims proceedings for awards up to $3,000. This court also handles landlord/tenant matters that may result in an eviction as well as a money judgment for back rent that is due.

This court also presides over small claims disputes. Small claims proceedings are intended to provide a low-cost, simplified and informal procedure for individuals to resolve disputes involving limited monetary claims. Often individual litigants do not use an attorney in these matters and are not required to do so.

On the criminal side, this court is authorized to handle matters involving the prosecution of misdemeanors and violations that are committed within the town’s geographic boundaries.

This Town Court also conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony matters. In addition, this court hears Vehicle and Traffic Law misdemeanors and traffic infractions.

Jury and non-jury trials are held in the Town Courtroom on an as needed basis. The Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining all court-related records.

The Town Justice is an elected public servant with a four-year term who must annually complete twelve (12) hours of mandatory Judicial Continuing Education offered by the State Office of Court Administration.

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