Justice Court

Effective 12/9/20: All in person court appearances are currently cancelled at this time as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 and further restrictions imposed by the Office of Court Administration. Please note, the Court office remains open and we are processing all mail that comes in. The Court window is open to the public Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm apart from holidays. We will update the town website and our telephone recording as any changes arise.

Please visit this webpage, CALL 518-439-9717 option 7, or email us at justicedepartment@townofbethlehem.org to obtain updates prior to appearing at the building.

*** MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
INTO THE BUILDING***

Update 11/20/2020

Please be advised that due to the current COVID situation and increased restrictions on Court function, Vehicle and Traffic Court that was scheduled for this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (11/24 & 11/25) as well as the VTL dates that had previously been scheduled in December (12/8, 12/9, 12/14 am and pm) are CANCELLED until further notice. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have a pending criminal matter, at this time court sessions are still taking place with further restrictions in play. Please contact your attorney in advance of your court appearance to conference your case. If you have the public defender or conflict defender, please reach out to their office to set up a conference. Public Defender phone: 518-447-7150 Conflict Defender phone: 518-447-5532. If you are ill or displaying any of the known symptoms associated with COVID19 or have had contact with someone who has tested positive, DO NOT come into the court facility. Contact your attorney straight away to advise of your circumstances so they may request an adjournment on your behalf. If you do not have an attorney, reach out to the court directly by phone or email at justicedepartment@townofbethlehem.org to advise.

Update 8/27/2020

***Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Please note, Court sessions are being set with limited numbers and specific time slots. The Court will send notice via mail for next appearance dates at this time. If you have a new address or contact information, please submit this information to the court in writing so we may update our records.

Of importance are the following:

1. Courts will be following State issued guidelines to address the current health pandemic.

2. Social distancing will apply. Seating and courtroom capacity have been reduced to allow for same.

3. Face masks or coverings will be required for admittance into the courtroom.

4. Hand sanitizer is readily available, and the courtroom will be cleaned/wiped down in between appearances.

5. If you have concerns over appearing in person, please reach out to your attorney and we can discuss potential options including but not limited to skype appearances.

6. If you have the public defender or conflict defender, please reach out to their office to set up a conference. Public Defender phone: 518-447-7150 Conflict Defender phone: 518-447-5532.

7. If you have private counsel, you may also wish to contact your attorney to conference your case ahead of appearance.

8. The court will be utilizing a check-in system, when appearing in court please check in at the court window, DO NOT proceed directly to the courtroom. Please note, you may be asked to wait outside for a brief period for your case to be called.

9. If you are ill or displaying any of the known symptoms associated with COVID19 or have had contact with someone who has tested positive, DO NOT come into the court facility. Contact your attorney straight away to advise of your circumstances so they may request an adjournment on your behalf. If you do not have an attorney, reach out to the court directly by phone or email to advise.

Thank you for your patience as we work through the issues that may arise. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at the email address or phone number listed below.

Sincerely,

Bethlehem Town Court
justicedepartment@townofbethlehem.org
518-439-9717

Responsibilities

Town justice courts play a vital role in the New York State Unified Court System. Town courts have broad jurisdiction, and they hear both civil and criminal matters.

Civil Matters

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

Criminal Matters

On the criminal side, the Town Court is authorized to handle matters involving the prosecution of misdemeanors and violations that are committed within the town's geographic boundaries. The Town Court also conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony matters. In addition, the court hears Vehicle and Traffic Law misdemeanors and traffic infractions.

Town Justices

Town justices are required to be on-call 24 hours a day and are often called upon to arraign misdemeanor and felony charges as well as to act as Family Court judges when Family Court is not in session. In cases involving domestic violence, the judges are also authorized to issue orders of protection.

Court Calendar

Criminal Court - First and third Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Vehicle and Traffic Court - Second and fourth Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.
Town and State Police Pre-Conferences - Second and fourth Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Civil and Small Claims Hearings - Second and fourth Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

Notices

Please be aware of the following information:

Any court date should be verified by calling the court office at 518-439-4955, option 2. Adjournments will not be granted after noon the day prior to your appearance.
Although younger children are permitted in the courtroom, the court reserves the right to remove any child who is a disruption to the court hearing. We strongly suggest you make provisions to leave younger children at home.
Please be advised that the court has a metal detector through which all parties will have to pass.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the court room.
The court clerks can answer questions concerning court procedures, but they are not permitted to give legal advice.
As of August 1, 2011, there will be a $5 fee for all certificates requested through the court. (A service fee of 2.99% of the payment amount will be assessed on all credit card payments.)