Criminal, DWI, and traffic cases in Morris County can be handled in very different courts depending on the charge. Municipal courts hear most DWI, traffic, disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons, and ordinance matters. Indictable criminal charges are handled in the Superior Court, Criminal Division.
Superior Court Criminal Cases in Morris County
The Morris County Courthouse is at Washington and Court Streets in Morristown and is part of the Morris/Sussex Vicinage. Indictable criminal cases arising throughout Morris County proceed through the Superior Court system rather than being tried as municipal offenses.
That process can involve first appearances, release or detention issues, discovery, grand-jury review, indictment, motions, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The New Jersey Criminal Defense section explains those stages and links to detailed guides for each part of the case.
Municipal Court Cases Across Morris County
Morris County municipalities maintain their own municipal or shared courts for DWI, traffic, and non-indictable criminal matters. The practical details vary by court, including where the matter is heard and whether a particular appearance is in person or virtual.
DWI and Traffic Defense
DWI cases may require analysis of the stop, operation, officer observations, field sobriety testing, video, breath-testing records, refusal allegations, toxicology, or DRE evidence. The DWI Defense section addresses those subjects in detail.
Traffic charges such as speeding, careless or reckless driving, driving while suspended, cellphone violations, leaving the scene, and insurance or licensing offenses are covered separately in the Traffic Defense section.
Cases Need to Be Prepared for the Court They Are Actually In
A Morris County Municipal Court case and a Superior Court criminal prosecution do not use the same procedure. Effective preparation begins with the exact complaint or summons, the court that has jurisdiction, the available discovery, and the consequences of the charged offense. The strategy should follow those facts rather than a generic template.
Michael Justice represents clients in Morris County and handles the investigation, preparation, negotiation, motion practice, and trial decisions directly.