Justice Court

FOR INFORMATION ON ALL TRAFFIC MATTERS REFER TO THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC COURT SECTION BELOW

Judge Susan Sullivan-Bisceglia – PLC #a002ex Judge Stephen O’Hare – PLC #7418

court office & window closed on wednesdays

The Town of LaGrange Justice Court handles minor civil and criminal litigation and the early stages of major criminal litigation arising within the town limits. This court has wide-ranging jurisdiction but is limited in some situations in what it can do. Such courts include some of the oldest of the state—town justices date back to the seventeenth century. The courts follow sections of the Uniform Court Acts, enacted by the New York State Legislature, which assure that procedures they follow are substantially the same as other courts throughout the state.

The New York State Unified Court System webpage provides an outline of the court system that shows the relationship of Town Justice Courts to other New York State Courts.

There are two Town Justices in the Town of LaGrange and they are elected positions with 4 year terms. Although they each hold court sessions separately, the Court Reorganization Amendment of 1962 and the Uniform Justice Court Act of 1966 require them to be considered justices of a single court. The proceedings of each of them separately are treated as acts of the single Justice Court of the Town of LaGrange. The Town Justices deal with many problems including simple traffic offenses, bill collection cases, small claims suits, felony hearings, and complex commercial litigation. Justices may also perform civil marriage ceremonies, for information contact Justice Stephen O’Hare (845)-452-4108 or Justice Susan Sulllivan-Bisceglia (845) 463-2118. Each justice holds court at Town Hall but on separate dates.

There is a Court Clerk who can answer questions about court procedures but cannot give legal advice. The Clerk collects fines and responds to requests for documents such as certificates of disposition. The Court Office is located in Town Hall.

ATTENTION: THE MATERIAL ON THIS PAGE IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOWN OF LAGRANGE COURT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. THE TOWN OF LAGRANGE MAKES NO CLAIMS ABOUT THE CORRECTNESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION

Vehicle and Traffic Court

To plea to a traffic tickets please follow the instructions on the upper right hand corner of the ticket. Please note the return date listed on the ticket is NOT your court date it is the date that you must provide a written plea to the court.

If you plea guilty you will receive a fine letter within 30 days with payment instructions.

If you plea not guilty you will be scheduled for an in-person pre trial conference with the Town Prosecutor. There is approx. a 4 month wait to be scheduled for an appearance.

Criminal Court

The Town of LaGrange Court hears criminal cases originating within the Town and has full jurisdiction for non-felony cases (misdemeanors and violations) to accept guilty pleas or hold trials. On felony charges, the court conducts the arraignment and preliminary inquiry and may set bail or hold without bail. If the charges are not reduced to misdemeanors, the Town Court transfers them to Dutchess County Court for final disposition. The Town Court may not accept pleas in felony cases.

Defendants have the right to legal counsel and to choose a jury trial or non-jury trial for misdemeanor cases. The Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office provides legal services to criminal defendants who have been determined to be indigent.

Civil Court

The Town of LaGrange Court hears formal civil cases when either the Plaintiff or the Defendant resides in, is employed in or has a place of business within the Town.

Defendants are not guaranteed legal representation in civil court as they are in criminal court but may retain legal representation. People with low income may wish to contact Legal Services of the Hudson Valley which is funded, in part, by the US Department of Health and Human Service, the New York State Office for the Aging, and Westchester County.

Small Claims Court

The Court hears small claims cases up to a maximum amount of $3000 when the Defendant resides in, is employed in, or has a place of business within the Town. Individuals and sole proprietors of businesses may bring a suit against an individual, corporation, partnership, association or assignee in Small Claims Court by filing a claim with the Court. There is a filing fee of $10 for claims up to $1000 and $15 for claims up to $3000. You may not file a claim in Small Claims Court for over $3000.

Small Claims Court is intended to provide a simple, informal and inexpensive procedure for prompt determination of small claims. The hearings are conducted in a way that ensures justice according to law without requiring a detailed knowledge of courtroom procedures or rules.

Additional guidance and forms are available at www.nycourthelp.gov.

Landlord / Tenant Court

The Court also hears Summary Proceedings/Evictions when the property and the Respondent are located within the Town. These proceedings include non payment of rent or holdover evictions. Plaintiffs may claim the full amount in dispute as there is no limit on the amount of the claim for which the Court has civil jurisdiction in such cases.

The Court hears both residential and commercial landlord/tenant cases.

CONTACT

Susan Sullivan-Bisceglia, Town Justice
Cindy Paraggio, Clerk to the Justice
Stephen O'Hare, Town Justice
Deirdre Mance, Clerk to the Justice
120 Stringham Road LaGrangeville, NY 12540
845-452-1830
Fax: 845-473-7079
lagrangetowncourt@nycourts.gov

Court Hours:

Office Hours – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:30AM to 4:00PM
Wednesday – Court Office is Closed
Court Sessions – Most Tuesdays commencing at various times, which may be after office hours.
First and Third Tuesdays – Criminal Calendar
Second and Fourth Tuesdays – Vehicle and Traffic, Civil, Small Claims (subject to change).