Town Court
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Court Clerk Contact Information
Mon – Thurs 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (607) 527-8244 Option #1 |
Starting January 1st, 2025 Court days and times will be changing.
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Honorable Patricia Horton
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Honorable Kathy Darcangelo
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V&T Traffic Tickets
1st Monday at 9:30 am Misdemeanor & Criminal Court
4th Monday at 9:00 am |
V&T Traffic Tickets
3rd Wednesday at 3:00 pm Misdemeanor & Criminal Court
2nd Wednesday at 3:00 pm |
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What is the function of the Campbell Town Court?
This Town Court plays a vital role in the Unified Court System of New York State. The Town of Campbell Justice Court has broad jurisdiction and presides over vehicle and traffic matters, civil and criminal matters, environmental, town law and code enforcement, landlord/tenant issues and small claim cases occurring within the geographic boundaries of the Town of Campbell. On the civil side, this Town Court hears actions seeking small claim proceedings monetary awards up to $3,000. The Court also handles landlord/tenant matters that may result in an eviction as well as a money judgment for back rent that is due. The Court also presides over small claims disputes. 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, The Court is authorized to handle matters involving the prosecution of misdemeanors and violations that are committed within the town's geographic boundaries. This Town Court also conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony matters. In addition, The Court hears Vehicle and Traffic Law misdemeanors and traffic infractions. Jury and non-jury trials are held in the Town Courtroom on an as needed basis. The Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining all Court-related records. Landlords and Tenants:
The Campbell Town Court has jurisdiction over landlord/tenant proceedings for non-payment of rent, evictions, holdovers, and to compel repairs. The monetary jurisdiction is unlimited. The property must be located in the Town of Campbell. Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act (6/3/2022) The Act adds a new tenant right of action to the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to sue landlords in a summary proceeding to compel repairs and obtain past and future rental abatements. Please contact The Court directly for specific dates and times. Evictions are scheduled with the Court Clerk the clerk will give you a more specific time to appear. The filing fee is $20.00. Contact The Court clerk for your Court date. Please note that The Court clerks are not attorneys and cannot provide any legal advice. As such, the Court cannot provide guidance to Landlords seeking to evict Tenants. Additionally, the Court cannot dispense advice to Tenants who have been served with a Notice of Eviction. Please contact an attorney to address these matters of law and represent your individual interests. Evictions: Please visit the following links for information about the DIY eviction forms: https://www.nycourts.gov/CourtHelp/DIY/index.shtml https://www.nycourts.gov/CourtHelp/DIY/smallProperty.shtml Please visit the following link for information about the eviction process: https://www.nycourts.gov/Courthelp/Homes/evictions.shtml Eviction overview and Frequently asked Questions: https://hcr.ny.gov/evictionhcr.ny.gov/eviction Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act Statewide Landlord & Tenant Forms: NYCOURTS.GOV Vehicle and Traffic: Suspension Notice:
If you receive a notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles or find that you have been suspended through the court, you should contact the Court Offices Phone (607.527-8244 ext. 1) immediately to determine the reason for the suspension. If you were suspended for failure to answer the ticket, you must submit your plea to the court. This may be done either through the mail or at the bench during court sessions or the form below or a copy of your ticket can be completed, scanned, and emailed to the court at [email protected] If your license is suspended, you will be required to pay a Suspension Termination Fee of $70.00 per suspension. The Notice of Suspension from NYS DMV will give further information regarding this fee, or you can go to their website: http://www.dmv.ny.gov/susFeePmt/susFeeFaq.htm Suspensions and Revocations (DMV) https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/suspensions-and-revocations Vehicle and Traffic: Tickets
How to Answer a Vehicle and Traffic Ticket: Confirm that the ticket is returnable to the CAMPBELL TOWN Court How do I answer my ticket? It is the obligation of the receiving motorist to respond to the ticket. If the charge(s) are NOT MISDEMEANORS you may either appear on the date listed on the bottom of the ticket or you may sign the right side of the computer generated ticket to indicate your plea of either guilty or not guilty. You then mail it to the court at the address; Town of Campbell Court 8529 Main Street Campbell, New York 14821 To plead guilty, complete Section A of your ticket. To plead not guilty, complete Section B of your ticket. If your address does not match your license, please contact the court to update. Upon a plea of guilty, the judge will impose a sentence that could consist of a fine. Also imposed would be the NYS mandated surcharge. You will be notified by mail of the amount due and the process to make the payment. Upon a plea of not guilty, you will be scheduled for a "Pre-Trial Conference". Once your plea of not guilty is received and accepted by the court, you will receive the notice scheduling this conference. At the time of this conference, you will let the court know if you intend on having a Trial. The Trial will be in about one months' time and the court will notify you by mail of the exact date and time to appear. If you have been charged with a MISDEMEANOR, you MUST appear in person on the date and time listed on the ticket. Please click here for a printable Plea Form |
Payment of Fines/Three ways to pay your fine:
In person/in office: Visa and MasterCard payments are accepted at The Court office (All credit card payments carry a 2.99% service fee) Certified Bank Check made out to; “Town of Campbell Court” or “Campbell Town Court” Money Order made out to; “Town of Campbell Court” or “Campbell Town Court” Cash payments are accepted at The Court office, (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday-Thursday) Mail: Fines should be mailed to: Campbell Town Court, 8529 Main street Campbell, New York 14821 If you would like a receipt, please be sure to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment by mail. or your email address for an electronic receipt. NOTE: Do not mail cash. If you want to pay in cash, please personally come to the Court offices. Small Claims Court
A GUIDE TO SMALL CLAIMS HANDBOOK: http://nycourts.gov/courthelp//pdfs/SmallClaimsHandbook.pdf What is Small Claims Court? Small Claims Court handles cases for claims of $3,000 or less. The Town Justice in Small Claims Court only has the power to award money judgments. Who can use Small Claims Court? You must be an individual 18 years or older. Under 18 years, action must be brought by a parent or guardian. Corporations, partnerships, associations, or assignees CANNOT bring actions in Town Small Claims Court. How do I start a case in small claims court? See Campbell Court procedures. You must bring the action where the Defendant resides, is employed, or has a place of business at the time you start the action. How can I use Small Claims Court? You can use Small Claims Court for many different types of cases. A few examples are given below. Remember, your claims may not be for more than $3,000. – disputes over money owed for security deposits, utility bills or rent; – claims for the value of damaged, lost or destroyed personal property; – money damages resulting from an unlawful eviction. Small Claims Court is not a separate court, but part of the Town Justice Court. Do I need a lawyer to go to small claims court? No. Lawyers are not necessary in Small Claims Court, but you can use a lawyer. What are the costs involved with Small Claims Court? Filing Fees: $10.00 for claims up to $999 $15.00 for claims exceeding $1,000. Filing fees must be paid at time of filing small claims with the court. PROCEDURES FOR FILING A SMALL CLAIM IN THE CAMPBELL TOWN COURT:
•The claim may not exceed $3,000. •The Claim can only sue for a monetary amount, not for items, merchandise, pain or suffering, or personal belongings. •The defendant must live or have a place of business in the Town of Campbell. •The Claimant (The person filing the claim) may not file if it is a partnership, corporation, or association. •The claimant must provide the name and exact address of the defendant. If your claim is against a business that is incorporated, you must use its proper name. If the business is not incorporated, you must use the owner’s name and address. All claims must be legible and provide only relevant details. Filing Fee: $10.00 for claim up to and including $999.00 $15.00 for claim between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00 NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN After filing your small claims both parties will receive notice by mail of the court date and time. If your court date is settled before the return date, please notify the court in writing at [email protected] YOU MUST APPEAR to present your defense, or to any counter claims that you may have against the other party at the hearing described above. IF YOU DO NOT APPEAR IN PERSON OR BY AN ATTORNEY, JUDGEMENT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU BY DEFAULT, EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY HAVE A DEFENSE. If your defense or counterclaim is supported by witnesses, account books, receipts, or other documents, you must bring them to the hearing. If you admit the claim but desire time to pay, you must appear personally on the day of the hearing, state to the Court that you require time to pay and show your reason for same. If you wish to present a counterclaim against the claimant, you must do so by filing with the Clerk of the Court a statement containing such counterclaim within 5 days of receiving this notice of claim. At the time of such filing, you must pay the Clerk a filing fee of $3.00 plus the cost of postage to send your counterclaim by first class mail to the claimant. If you fail to file a counterclaim within the 5-day period, you retain the right to file a counterclaim until the time of the hearing, but the claimant may request an adjournment to a later date of not more than 20 days. If you desire a jury trial, you must, before the day of the hearing, file with the Clerk of the Court a written demand for trial by jury. You must pay the Clerk a jury fee of $10.00 and file an undertaking in the sum of $50.00 or deposit such sum in cash to secure the payment of costs that may be awarded against you. You will also be required to make an affidavit specifying the issues of fact which you desire to have tried by a jury stating that such a trial is desired and demanded in good faith. Under the law, the court may award an additional $25.00 to the plaintiff if a jury trial is demanded by you and decision is rendered against you. A GUIDE TO SMALL CLAIMS HANDBOOK: http://nycourts.gov/courthelp//pdfs/SmallClaimsHandbook.pdf STATE OF NEW YORK |
FAQ
Why isn't the fine listed on my ticket?
Because the judge will assess the penalty. Once a plea of guilty has been entered, the judge determines the sentence, and in most cases, assesses the fine on each ticket filed in The Court. Once assessed, a Notice of Fine will be mailed to you with the amount due and the instruction for payment.
Bench Trial on a Traffic Ticket
On the date of the Bench Trial (Non-Jury), you must be prepared to proceed and present any and all evidence and/or witnesses on your behalf.
If you are found Not Guilty by the Court, an acquittal will be entered on the record. At that time, bail posted, if any, will be returned to the posting individual.
If you are found to be Convicted by the Court, a Fine and Mandatory Surcharge will be assessed.
NOTE: You Have the Right to Appeal a Traffic Infraction Conviction (30-day limit)
I missed my court appearance what do I do?
You should contact The Court immediately. Depending on the matter at hand, non-appearances could normally result in one or more of the following:
Arrest Warrant, Bench Warrant, bail forfeiture and/or the suspension of your driver's license/privileges.
What happens if I receive a notice to appear in court?
When you appear in court, you will have the opportunity to meet the Town prosecutor to discuss your case. If your case cannot be resolved on this date, a future trial date will be scheduled for which you MUST appear in court. If you fail to respond to your ticket, your license will be suspended and a fee must be paid before the suspension can be lifted. This means that you must resolve your ticket either by a plea of guilty to the charge, a reduced charge or by a dismissal by the court on the record or in writing from the prosecutor. If your ticket is not resolved in one of these ways, your license will be suspended.
Payment of a suspension lift fee alone will NOT resolve your case. You must resolve the ticket itself or your license will be suspended again, resulting in further fines.
What is a supporting deposition?
A supporting deposition is a detailed account from the officer regarding the issued ticket. If you were handed an electronically issued ticket, the officer may have handed you the supporting deposition along with the ticket. Some officers hand the ticket and supporting deposition to the driver as one long piece of paper, some separate them.
I'd like to speak with someone regarding a reduction or plea bargain.
If you are charged with a traffic violation and before any plea bargains are accepted, you must first enter a plea of not guilty by appearing for arraignment before the judge, or by completing Part B on the traffic ticket(s) you were issued. You may mail or drop the signed ticket(s) to The Court office. Once a plea of not guilty has been entered with The Court, you would receive further information with regard to plea bargaining.
Plea Reduction from the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office
PLEASE NOTE: If you do not meet the eligibility requirements to enter the Traffic Diversion Program, you may still seek a plea bargain by filling out an Application for Reduction of Charges, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting this office by logging onto: http://steubenny.diversionconnect.com/faq/
Steuben County NY Diversion Connect | Steuben County, NY
Do I need an attorney?
Although you are not required to have an attorney you have a right to have representation at every step of the proceedings. It is not recommended that you proceed to trial without the aid of counsel but you certainly have the right to do so.
Can I get a Public Defender?
You will have to financially qualify for representation. The Campbell Town Court has a Financial Affidavit form you can fill out to see if you qualify for an Steuben County Public Defender.
Steuben County Traffic Diversion Program
The Steuben County Traffic Diversion Program, established by Brooks Baker, Steuben County District Attorney
The Diversion program is designed to enable traffic ticket offenders to resolve their current vehicle and traffic tickets quickly and easily.
Participation in this program allows the offender to settle a traffic citation without court appearances, points on their driver’s license, or increases in insurance premiums.
1-866-250-6050 Diversion Connect
Steuben County NY Diversion Connect | Steuben County, NY
How do I contact the District Attorney's Office?
The only way you can talk to an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) from the DA's Office is to qualify for a Public Defender, or hire an attorney on your own. They will represent you, and they will talk to the ADA./District Attorney's Office.
Who do I contact about points on my license?
Contact NYS DMV at your local office or go to:
http://www.dmv.ny.gov
If you are an out of state driver, contact your home licensing state.
NOTE: For clarity, go to NYS Driver Violation Point System at:
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/driver-licenses#points
What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee?
That notice came from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and is separate from any fines or surcharges paid to The Court.
The fee is called Driver's Responsibility Act (DRA).
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/pay-driver-responsibility-assessment
Who do I talk to about the status of my license?
To find out any information regarding your license status or the effect of a conviction, contact or visit your local licensing state Department of Motor Vehicles office.
How can I clear up a warrant?
You can appear at the courthouse during normal business hours and address the issue and any questions you may have regarding the warrant. The Court Clerk will schedule a return date and time. You can turn yourself into the Steuben County Sheriff Department at 7007 Rumsey St extension, Bath, NY 14810
How do I obtain a Certificate of Disposition/ Conviction?
Come to the Court Clerk Office between the hours of 8:30-3:00
You will be asked to complete a form requesting the certificate and show photo ID; if requesting through mail the court clerk will send the Certificate of Disposition/Conviction request Form and you MUST enclose a copy of your photo ID. Your signature must be verified by a notary public for the release of sealed information.
Be sure to include the exact date(s) of arrest and as much information regarding the case as possible.
There is a $5.00 fee which can be paid in cash, money order, certified check, or credit card at the courthouse or mailed to Campbell Town Court, 8529 Main St. Campbell, NY 14821. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
For a criminal background check, you must contact the Steuben County Sheriff Dept. 607-622-3902
Dept. of Environmental Conservation Issues
dec.ny.gov
24 hour dispatch 1.877.457.5680
and 1.800. TIPP.DEC to report a crime
https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.html
Dangerous Dog Issues
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-dangerous-dog-chapter-69-consolidated-laws
http://www.zifflaw.com/NYInjuryLawBlog/dangerous-dog-law-basics-in-new-york-state
https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AI/AILaws/article7.pdf
Other Links:
NYS Office of Court Administration
Why isn't the fine listed on my ticket?
Because the judge will assess the penalty. Once a plea of guilty has been entered, the judge determines the sentence, and in most cases, assesses the fine on each ticket filed in The Court. Once assessed, a Notice of Fine will be mailed to you with the amount due and the instruction for payment.
Bench Trial on a Traffic Ticket
On the date of the Bench Trial (Non-Jury), you must be prepared to proceed and present any and all evidence and/or witnesses on your behalf.
If you are found Not Guilty by the Court, an acquittal will be entered on the record. At that time, bail posted, if any, will be returned to the posting individual.
If you are found to be Convicted by the Court, a Fine and Mandatory Surcharge will be assessed.
NOTE: You Have the Right to Appeal a Traffic Infraction Conviction (30-day limit)
I missed my court appearance what do I do?
You should contact The Court immediately. Depending on the matter at hand, non-appearances could normally result in one or more of the following:
Arrest Warrant, Bench Warrant, bail forfeiture and/or the suspension of your driver's license/privileges.
What happens if I receive a notice to appear in court?
When you appear in court, you will have the opportunity to meet the Town prosecutor to discuss your case. If your case cannot be resolved on this date, a future trial date will be scheduled for which you MUST appear in court. If you fail to respond to your ticket, your license will be suspended and a fee must be paid before the suspension can be lifted. This means that you must resolve your ticket either by a plea of guilty to the charge, a reduced charge or by a dismissal by the court on the record or in writing from the prosecutor. If your ticket is not resolved in one of these ways, your license will be suspended.
Payment of a suspension lift fee alone will NOT resolve your case. You must resolve the ticket itself or your license will be suspended again, resulting in further fines.
What is a supporting deposition?
A supporting deposition is a detailed account from the officer regarding the issued ticket. If you were handed an electronically issued ticket, the officer may have handed you the supporting deposition along with the ticket. Some officers hand the ticket and supporting deposition to the driver as one long piece of paper, some separate them.
I'd like to speak with someone regarding a reduction or plea bargain.
If you are charged with a traffic violation and before any plea bargains are accepted, you must first enter a plea of not guilty by appearing for arraignment before the judge, or by completing Part B on the traffic ticket(s) you were issued. You may mail or drop the signed ticket(s) to The Court office. Once a plea of not guilty has been entered with The Court, you would receive further information with regard to plea bargaining.
Plea Reduction from the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office
PLEASE NOTE: If you do not meet the eligibility requirements to enter the Traffic Diversion Program, you may still seek a plea bargain by filling out an Application for Reduction of Charges, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting this office by logging onto: http://steubenny.diversionconnect.com/faq/
Steuben County NY Diversion Connect | Steuben County, NY
Do I need an attorney?
Although you are not required to have an attorney you have a right to have representation at every step of the proceedings. It is not recommended that you proceed to trial without the aid of counsel but you certainly have the right to do so.
Can I get a Public Defender?
You will have to financially qualify for representation. The Campbell Town Court has a Financial Affidavit form you can fill out to see if you qualify for an Steuben County Public Defender.
Steuben County Traffic Diversion Program
The Steuben County Traffic Diversion Program, established by Brooks Baker, Steuben County District Attorney
The Diversion program is designed to enable traffic ticket offenders to resolve their current vehicle and traffic tickets quickly and easily.
Participation in this program allows the offender to settle a traffic citation without court appearances, points on their driver’s license, or increases in insurance premiums.
1-866-250-6050 Diversion Connect
Steuben County NY Diversion Connect | Steuben County, NY
How do I contact the District Attorney's Office?
The only way you can talk to an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) from the DA's Office is to qualify for a Public Defender, or hire an attorney on your own. They will represent you, and they will talk to the ADA./District Attorney's Office.
Who do I contact about points on my license?
Contact NYS DMV at your local office or go to:
http://www.dmv.ny.gov
If you are an out of state driver, contact your home licensing state.
NOTE: For clarity, go to NYS Driver Violation Point System at:
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/driver-licenses#points
What is the Driver Responsibility Assessment fee?
That notice came from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and is separate from any fines or surcharges paid to The Court.
The fee is called Driver's Responsibility Act (DRA).
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/pay-driver-responsibility-assessment
Who do I talk to about the status of my license?
To find out any information regarding your license status or the effect of a conviction, contact or visit your local licensing state Department of Motor Vehicles office.
How can I clear up a warrant?
You can appear at the courthouse during normal business hours and address the issue and any questions you may have regarding the warrant. The Court Clerk will schedule a return date and time. You can turn yourself into the Steuben County Sheriff Department at 7007 Rumsey St extension, Bath, NY 14810
How do I obtain a Certificate of Disposition/ Conviction?
Come to the Court Clerk Office between the hours of 8:30-3:00
You will be asked to complete a form requesting the certificate and show photo ID; if requesting through mail the court clerk will send the Certificate of Disposition/Conviction request Form and you MUST enclose a copy of your photo ID. Your signature must be verified by a notary public for the release of sealed information.
Be sure to include the exact date(s) of arrest and as much information regarding the case as possible.
There is a $5.00 fee which can be paid in cash, money order, certified check, or credit card at the courthouse or mailed to Campbell Town Court, 8529 Main St. Campbell, NY 14821. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
For a criminal background check, you must contact the Steuben County Sheriff Dept. 607-622-3902
Dept. of Environmental Conservation Issues
dec.ny.gov
24 hour dispatch 1.877.457.5680
and 1.800. TIPP.DEC to report a crime
https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.html
Dangerous Dog Issues
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-dangerous-dog-chapter-69-consolidated-laws
http://www.zifflaw.com/NYInjuryLawBlog/dangerous-dog-law-basics-in-new-york-state
https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AI/AILaws/article7.pdf
Other Links:
NYS Office of Court Administration