In order to ensure all defendant's equal right of access to the Courts, the Shared Court of Maplewood and South Orange allows any defendant with a warrant out of the respective jurisdiction, to appear on the day of Court (see above dates) and advise that they have an active warrant. The staff will pull your file and while these are typically heard later in the session, refer you to the Courtroom and allow you the opportunity to address the Judge on the record in open court as to why the individual failed to appear. This ensures that all defendants, even those who do not have means for monetary bail, will still have an opportunity to address the Judge and potentially have the warrant recalled and the matter relisted.

Be Advised: At all times prior to the Judge recalling the warrant, the defendant per the Warrant is subject to physical arrest by a law enforcement officer. More often than not, the Judge's reward a defendants voluntary surrender by recalling the warrant but the Judge may detain, hold, and or instruct officers to take into custody for processing. While bail is always offered, if unable to post, the defendant would be remanded to the Essex County Jail.

Please contact the Court Office with any questions or concerns.