Justice Court

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

**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. Wednesday morning vehicle and traffic court sessions are currently not being held due to COVID as the court needs to maintain close control of the number of people appearing. If you have a traffic ticket returnable for a Wednesday morning please fill out the plea portion of the ticket and either mail it in or drop it off before the court date issued on your ticket to obtain a new date or you may follow the instructions for handling your ticket by mail located on the Justice Department section of this webpage.

Of importance are the following:

YOU MUST WEAR A MASK IN THE COURTHOUSE IF YOU: LEFT ISOLATION WITHIN THE PAST 5 DAYS AFTER RECOVERING FROM COVID OR HAVE HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH A PERSON TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID WITHIN THE PAST 10 DAYS.
IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MASK BASED UPON #1, THE MASK MUST BE CLOSE FITTING N-95, KN-95, KF-94 OR EQUIVALENT.
Hand sanitizer is readily available, and the courtroom will be cleaned/wiped down in between appearances.
If you have the public defender or conflict defender (criminal cases only), 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 have private counsel, you may also wish to contact your attorney to conference your case ahead of appearance.
It is important that you appear specifically at the time listed above due to time constraints and limited capacity. If you are late, you run the risk of not being seen or having to wait until the end of the calendar to have your case called.
If you have flu like symptoms now or a fever within the last 24 hours OR have tested positive for COVID within the last 5 days, or have been directed to isolate or self monitor at home for COVID by any doctor, hospital or health agency, **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 mail or email at justicedepartment@townofbethlehem.org to advise.

Thank you for your cooperation in preventing the spread of COVID-19. 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.
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.)