*The Highlands Municipal Court hearings take place at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court, which is located in the Atlantic Highlands Borough Hall.*
100 First Avenue
Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Phone Number: (732) 291-1444
Fax Number: (732) 291-9725
Highlands Municipal Court defines itself as a statutory court of limited jurisdiction, as are all municipal courts in the State of New Jersey. Hearings typically include motor vehicle offenses, minor criminal type offenses and municipal ordinance violations. These include offenses such as disorderly persons, fish and games violations, and parking violations.
Court hearings for Highlands Municipal Court are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 3:00 p.m. The court office is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Court hearings for Highlands Municipal Court are heard by the Honorable Peter Locasio. Administrative duties are handled by Blanche Reed, the Municipal Court Administrator. The Court Administrator is the person you would contact if you have basic questions about your summons, case file or court forms. Not guilty pleas can also be entered with the Court Administrator over the phone. Please note that New Jersey municipal courts require you enter not guilty pleas at least 7 days prior to your court or payment date.
Although payable offenses give you the option of appearing in court, some offenses mandate a court hearing, even if you are pleading guilty. Whether or not you must come to court is easily indicated on your summons with a check mark in the “court appearance required” box.
Highlands Municipal Court follows a strict set of procedures to ensure that it lives up to its core values of “Independence, Integrity, Fairness and Quality of Service.” For example, since New Jersey municipal court hearings are sound recorded, you must stay silent until you are directed to speak. Noise violations include cell phone rings and alarms, so make sure to shut off or silence your phone before entering the courtroom.
The court allows you to obtain legal representation, and to request a postponement of your hearing in order to prepare your defense. Legal representation may result in a reduction of your charges, helping you avoid serious consequences such as suspension of driving privileges, heavy fines and jail time. A lawyer can also be helpful in getting you heard faster, since defendants pleading not guilty pro se (without an attorney) are normally heard last in New Jersey municipal courts.
Highlands is a thriving, historic borough located in Monmouth County. It is one of 9 municipalities chosen to be part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan. This plan is an effort to boost the area’s economy by emphasizing the history and natural beauty of the Raritan Bayshore coastline. Highlands is also known for being the hometown of film director, Kevin Smith.
If you need a knowledgeable attorney in Highlands borough, consider Villani & DeLuca. Our lawyers offer free consultations to help you resolve your legal issues. Call a Highlands Municipal Court lawyer at (732) 965-3350 today!
For step-by-step directions to the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court, where the Highlands Municipal Court hearings take place, click on the “Directions” link in the map below and enter your start address.
