The Township of Parsippany/Troy Hills is located in Morris County, New Jersey. This township has a large population, and as a result many criminal offenses and traffic tickets arise out of Parsippany/Troy Hills. I have considerable experience in handling matters in the Parsippany/Troy Hills Municipal Court.
Crime arising in Parsippany/Troy Hills are handled in either the Morris County Superior Court or the Parsippany/Troy Hills Municipal Court. Indictable offenses are heard at the Morris County Superior Court, which is located at Washington and Court Streets, Morristown, New Jersey. Non-indictable offenses and traffic tickets arising in Parsippany/Troy Hills are handled at the Parsippany/Troy Hills Municipal Court, which is located at 3333 Rt. 46, Parsippany, New Jersey. Two Judges preside over the Parsippany/Troy Hills Municipal Court, they are The Hon. Leslie E. Silver and The Hon. Anthony J. Frese.
When someone is charged with a crime in New Jersey, whether it be a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense, Disorderly Persons Offense, or an Indictable charge, the first court proceeding that the defendant must appear for is the "First Appearance," more commonly known as an "Arraignment." This proceeding is ususally held at the municipal court in the town where the offense occurred.
At this hearing, the judge will read to the defendant the exact charges pending against them and advise them of their Constitutional rights. The defendant must also enter a formal plea at this time. This hearing is usually extremely brief.
For indictable offenses, the municipal court will ordinarily give the defendant a date for the next proceeding, a "criminal intake." Intake is NOT a court appearance, but rather is an information-gathering appointment for the court system to determine the defendant's eligibility for the Public Defender, as well as to confirm their identity and obtain valid contact information, e.g., a valid mailing address. The defendant MUST appear for the intake, otherwise a Bench Warrant may issue for their arrest. After the Intake is complete, the court staff will give the defendant a date for their first true court appearance, which is usually scheduled a few weeks after the intake.
If the case involves only Petty Disorderly Persons or Disorderly Persons-level offenses, the defendant is only read their rights and a formal plea taken. No Intake is required. If the defendant retains a lawyer before the First Appearance, the attorney files the required paperwork with the court (an Entry of Appearance and a Request for Discovery), and the defendant usually DOES NOT need to appear for the First Appearance. The reasoning behind this is that since the defendant now has a lawyer, presumably that lawyer has explained the charges to the defendant so there is no need for the court to do so.
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, it is important to consult with a New Jersey attorney IMMEDIATELY. That is why I am available 24 hours a day to speak with you. I handle criminal matters in Essex, Hudson, Morris, Middlesex and Union Counties.
Free consultations available
Please call me at (973) 813-7671
Christopher G. Porreca, Esq.
222 Ridgedale Avenue
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
