village court

No backpacks or bags are allowed in the courtroom. If you do appear to court with a backpack or bag, it is subject to inspection. You may be asked to return these items to your vehicle or leave them in the court lobby. The Village of Endicott will not be liable for any items left in the lobby.

All cell phones must be turned off before entering the courtroom.

Village of Endicott Court is Digital!

How should I plea to my traffic ticket?

INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY

When the court has received an accusatory instrument (Uniform Traffic Ticket) alleging that you have committed an offense, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to retain an attorney to represent you now, or at any stage in these proceedings. You have various procedural options of bringing this matter to a just disposition. You may choose to proceed in any of the following manners, or any other legally authorized manner. You may want to consult an attorney for guidance or representation before determining which course of action you will pursue.

THE COURT MAY NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH A RECOMMENDATION AS TO HOW YOU SHOULD PROCEED, OR AS TO WHICH OF THESE OPTIONS YOU SHOULD CHOOSE.

YOU MAY:

Plead Not Guilty

By pleading “Not Guilty” you exercise your right to a public trial at which the People of the State of New York represented by the prosecution, must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that you have committed the offense alleged in the accusatory instrument. At the trial, you will have the right to hear, see, and challenge the evidence submitted to prove you’re guilty, including confronting by cross-examination the Police Officer, Peace Officer, or other witness or witnesses who testify against you. You have the right to have witnesses testify on your behalf and you may, but you are not required to, testify on your own behalf. The court will determine after hearing all the evidence submitted at the trial whether or not the People have proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and will render an appropriate verdict.

After entering a Plea of “Not Guilty” you will be set for a Pre-Trial Conference Date at which time you will have an opportunity to discuss the case with an Assistant District Attorney.

Plead Guilty

By pleading “Guilty” you waive your right to a trial which the People of the State of New York, represented by the prosecution, must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense alleged in the accusatory instrument. A Plea of Guilty will subject you to sentencing by the judge presiding to any legally authorized sentence. You may withdraw, with the court’s permission, your plea of guilty at any time prior to sentencing and exercise your right to a trial.

How Can I Pay My Fine/Surcharge?

In-person payments may be made during regular window hours. NO PAYMENTS CAN BE ACCEPTED OVER THE PHONE. Methods of payment include Cash, Money Order, Certified Check, or Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard). A service fee of 2.99% will be assessed on all credit card payments. Please note that neither the municipality nor the court receives any portion of the service fee. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Payment can be made online at  www.paycourtonline.com or by calling 1-800-701-8560. 

Pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law 1802(2), you may be permitted to pay any fines, fees, or surcharges via a monthly installment payment plan when you are:

     1) convicted of a Vehicle and Traffic Law offense or 2) convicted of a local law ordinance, order,  rule, or regulation related to traffic.

The judge sets the monthly payment amount.  The minimum payment is $25 per month or up to 2% of your net monthly income, whichever is higher. No additional charges or interest are added.  You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Report to get an installment plan.

You may be required to appear in court no more than once per year for the judge to assess your financial circumstances, and your monthly payment amount may increase or decrease if your income changes.  You can ask the court to reduce your monthly payment amount no more than twice per calendar year if your income decreases. To request a payment plan you must contact the court upon receipt of your fine notice.