The Town Court plays a vital role in the New York State Unified Court System.
It has a broad jurisdiction and can hear both civil and criminal matters.
On the civil side the Town Courts hear actions seeking monetary
awards up to $3,000 and small claims proceedings for awards up to $3,000.
These courts also handle landlord/tenant matters that may result
in an eviction as well as a money judgement for back rent that is due.
The Town Court is best known for it's small claims parts. Small
claims proceedings are 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.
On the criminal side, these courts are authorized to handle matters
involving the prosecution of misdemeanors and violations that are
committed within the town's or village'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 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 Hours:
Judge Curt Woodcock - every first, second and
third Wednesday at 5:00 PM & every third Tuesday at 5:00 PM.