Justice Court – Town of Carlton

About the Justice Court

Phone: 585-682-4517
Fax: 585-682-2403

Town and Village Courts are referred to as “The courts closest to the people.” For this reason they offer a variety of services as needed for their particular town.

As outlined in the New York State Constitution, Carlton Town Court employs two part-time Town Justices. Each is elected to a four-year term, expiring in different years. There is no limit to the number of terms a Town Justice may serve.

Justices are required to complete a very intense Basic Training initially upon election or appointment. Additionally they are required to attend several trainings annually to keep up with our ever changing laws and regulations.

Town Justices are available for arraignments for Carlton as well as the neighboring towns of Gaines, Kendall and Yates on a 24 hour / 7 day a week schedule.

Carlton Town Justices & Schedules

Hon. Kevin T. Hurley – Regular Court Session every Monday at 1:00 pm

Hon. Kevin T. Hurley holds a joint session on the 1st Monday of each month at 1:00 PM which includes a representative from the District Attorney’s office. This is generally referred to as ‘DA Night’. In the event that a DA Night conflicts with a holiday please call the office for the rescheduled date. Jury Trials are held as scheduled. All court sessions are open to the public.

Case Types

Alcohol Beverage Control Law
Civil Practice Law & Rules
Contract Law
Criminal Jury Trials
Criminal Procedure Law
Domestic Relations Law
Environmental Conservation Law
Family Offenses (Spousal Abuse)
Local Laws & Ordinances
Marriage Ceremonies
Mental Hygiene Law

Navigational Law
Parks & Recreation Law
Penal Law
Personal & Property Torts
Public Health Law
Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law
Small Claims
Tax Law
Transportation Law
Vehicle & Traffic Law
Zoning Laws & Ordinances

Criminal case jurisdiction

Functions of the Justice Court

Town Courts have original jurisdiction over any individual charged with any violation, misdemeanor, or felony matter, which occurred within its geographical area. Town Justices are the local magistrates, before which any individual charged with a crime must be brought for an arraignment. At the arraignment the accused is formally read his or her charges and advised of their right to an attorney. At that time, the Court determines the matter of setting bail or releasing the accused on his or her own recognizance. The Town of Carlton Justices may also arraign misdemeanor cases for the towns of Gaines, Kendall and Yates. Those cases will then be forwarded to their respected court for further disposition.

In the case of a misdemeanor, such as some DWI, Assult 3rd, Petit Larceny or Criminal Contempt 2nd, the justice court has jurisdiction in the matter through trial. The defendant is entitled to a bench or a jury trial. Jury trials in Justice Courts consist of a six (6) person jury. A unanimous vote is required for conviction. The sentence for a misdemeanor could include up to one year of incarceration plus three years probation in addition to fines and surcharges.

In the case of a violation, the defendant is entitled to a bench trial. If convicted the sentence could include up to fifteen days of incarceration plus fines and surcharges.

Carlton Justices also arraign Felony cases for any town or village within Orleans County. Following arraignment, the Court will either set bail, release the accused on his or her own recognizance or hold without bail. If the accused has been convicted of two prior felonies, and is currently charged with a felony, the Court must hold the defendant without bail. If the accused is not released, the court must hold a preliminary hearing within 120 hours of the defendants arrest or within 144 hours if a holiday or weekend intervenes during the time period. If the Court determines that there is reasonable cause to believe a felony was committed, the accused is turned over to the Orleans County Grand Jury.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Point system

Violation	Points
Speeding 1 to 10 mph over posted limit	3
Speeding 11 to 20 mph over posted limit	4
Speeding 21 to 30 mph over posted limit	6
Speeding 31 to 40 mph over posted limit	8
Speeding 41 or More mph over posted limit	11
Reckless Driving	5
Failure to Stop for School Bus	5
Following too Close	4
Inadequate Brakes	4
Failure to Yield Right of Way	3
Failure to obey Traffic Signal, Stop Sign, or Yield Sign	3
Improper Passing/Lane Change	3
Leaving the Scene of Accident: Property/Animal	3
Child Safety Restraint	3
Any other moving violation	3

In addition to fines on traffic violations, the State of New York imposes mandatory surcharges on moving violations in the amount of $85.00 and equipment violations in the amount of $55.00.

Small Claims

Town Courts may hear Small Claims cases up to a maximum of $3,000.00. Jurisdiction in Small Claims cases include bringing suit against those persons who reside within the Town of Carlton, do business in the Town of Carlton, or the contract in question was entered into in the Town of Carlton. A Small Claims action may not be brought against a corporation.

The party bringing the suit is the plaintiff. Once a Small Claims case is filed the defendant or party being sued can file a counterclaim against the plaintiff. This can be done prior to the hearing date or may be filed as late as the date and time of trial. The plaintiff may then request an adjournment to prepare a defense to the countersuit.

Small Claims cases are generally held without the assistance of an attorney. The primary reason for Small Claims is to keep it inexpensive and uncomplicated.

The burden of proof in Small Claims is with the Plaintiff (the person initiating the action).

The cost to file a small claim suit is $10.00 for a suit up to $1000.00 and $15.00 for anything in excess of $1000.00.

Civil Cases

Town Courts have regular civil jurisdiction of matters involving damages up to $3,000.00. These cases frequently involve parties that are represented by attorneys, considering the regular rules of pleadings apply. These cases can involve discovery procedures, wherein the parties exchange information about the case to the opposing attorneys. The regular rules of evidence are enforced by the Judge. Parties are entitled to both bench and jury trials. Whereas Small Claims may only be filed against person or persons, Civil cases may involve Corporations.

Landlord / Tenant Issues

These cases normally involve actions initiated by landlords against their tenants for unpaid rent. In addition, the landlord will generally request a Warrant of Eviction, which if granted, will be served by the Orleans County Sheriff Dept. If the case is found in favor of the landlord, the landlord may be entitled to unpaid rent, attorney’s fees, cost expenses and interest on the debt. There are specific rules and time periods that must be followed in these cases. Although representation by an attorney is not required by either party, it is advised that both parties work with their attorneys.

The cost of an eviction proceeding is $20.00

Weddings

Perhaps one of the most pleasant activities that a Justice can do is to perform Wedding Ceremonies. A Town Justice may perform such a ceremony anywhere within New York State with a few restrictions. All that is needed is a Marriage License which may be obtained from most Town Clerks. The marriage license must be obtained not less than 24 hours from the time of the ceremony to not more than 60 days prior to the ceremony.

A wedding performed by a Justice is considered a civil ceremony and can be even more special than any other. Typically, you are able to choose your time and location more freely. We can perform ceremonies at Town Hall or at a location of your choice.

We have very nice ceremonies already prepared but are always open to the suggestions and wishes of the couple involved. Let your imagine wander, we will let you know if it is outside of what we can do.

The standard fee for a wedding ceremony is $100.00 plus travel expenses, if applicable.

About the Justice Court

Carlton Town Justices & Schedules

Quick Links

Case Types

Criminal case jurisdiction

Department of Motor Vehicles

Small Claims

Civil Cases

Landlord / Tenant Issues

Weddings

Tax Bills

Minutes

Forms

Contacts

Court

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