Town Court

As there are no regular office hours, please call to make an appointment, (585)682–4517
If you’re sending a fax, please send to: (585)682-2403

Hon. Kevin T. Hurley – Regular Court Session every Monday at 6:00 pm 
Hon. Patricia A. Russell – Regular Court Session every Thursday at 6:00 pm

Both Justices hold a joint session the FIRST Monday of each month at 6:30 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.

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.

Court fees are due at the time imposed and may be paid in Cash, Money Order or Certified Check ONLY. We do NOT accept personal checks or credit cards.

If extensions are granted on payments, payments may be made in person on a regular scheduled court night or by mail in the form of Money Order or Certified Check ONLY. Please include a stamped self-addressed envelope to ensure a copy of your receipt.

Refunds of bail payments will be made by making arrangements with Carlton’s Court Clerk at the above phone number and during regular court hours.

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.

Some vehicle and traffic matters, such as speeding violations, are violations and not criminal matters. Nevertheless, they can involve fines, the loss of driving privileges and up to fifteen days of incarceration. Although not required, defendants are advised to consider acquiring Legal Representation, particularly when their license is in jeopardy of revocation.

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.

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.

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

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.