The virtual municipal court session you are going to participate in has the same legal effect as an in-person court appearance. In order to ensure that the virtual court session can take place as smoothly as possible, please observe the following:
- Set aside enough time in your day to attend your virtual court session. Please be advised you may be in court a few hours.
- Please dress appropriately. All attendees should be dressed as if they are in an in person session. No hats should be worn, and there should be no smoking.
- Choose a location where you will not be interrupted and that is free of background noise and other distractions. Please make sure you are sitting upright and NOT driving.
- Find the strongest and fastest Internet connection you can. If you do not have a good internet connection it may be best you use the dial in option. Anyone who does not have technology access or knowledge may request an in person hearing.
- How to log into virtual court on Zoom:
- Click the “join meeting” link in the email invitation from the court,
- Click “join with video” button,
- Click “join using internet audio” button.
- When you enter the meeting, you will be in the “waiting room” and the screen will say “the host will let you in soon.” You may be in the waiting room or breakout room for some time, please do not leave the meeting, the court is handling other matters while you wait.
- If you read a message “Host has another meeting in progress” YOU ARE IN THE WRONG MEETING. Please refer to the instructions you received again, and make sure you are in the Court Session vs. the Prosecutor Meeting of vice versa.
- When you log in, please enter your first AND last name. If we cannot identify you, you may be removed from the session.
- Mute your microphone until your matter is called. Remember to unmute your microphone and state your name before you speak. Please keep your video on at all times.
- By court rule, attorney matters will be heard first.
- Please be advised that if you sign in and out of the session, you MAY NOT be re-admitted.
AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
No court proceedings, including proceedings conducted by audio or video, may be photographed, recorded, broadcast, or otherwise transmitted without the express permission of the Court. This invitation shall not be forwarded to anyone other than the intended recipient. Anyone failing to abide by the provisions of these guidelines may be subject to discipline by the court and/or charged with contempt of court and brought before a judge for alleged violation of R 1:10-1, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months or a fine of up to $1000, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 and N.J.S.A. 2C: 43-8 and may be charged with a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 29-9 (Criminal Contempt), as deemed appropriate by law enforcement.”
**Failure to follow these guidelines may result in your matter being rescheduled until a later date.**