Jersey City, New Jersey- Sitting on the banks of the Hudson, just across the river from lower Manhattan is Jersey City. It is New Jersey’s second most populous city and neighbors the Newark, the most populous city in the state. The city’s proximity to Manhattan’s financial district has earned it the nickname “Wall Street West.”
Jersey City is a major shipping hub with a vastly diverse population of approximately 247,000 people, according to data from the 2010 United States Census. It is considered one of the most diverse cities in the world with a large foreign born population. The racial composition of the city, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, was 32.67% White, 25.85% African American, 23.67% Asian, and 27.57% Latino or Hispanic.
Like New York City, Jersey City is a popular destination for newly arriving immigrants.
The diversity of the Jersey City is fueled by its proximity to Manhattan and its thriving shipping port. With eleven miles of waterfront, it serves as major transportation and distribution hub for New Jersey and New York. With so many non-U.S. citizens, issues including permanent residence, citizenship, visas, removal proceedings, and asylum are common issues that need an immigration lawyer’s assistance.
Because Jersey City is a short trip through the Holland Tunnel to lower Manhattan, the city has a large volume of commuter traffic traveling to and through the city. It is also served by a number of highways and interstates which include the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 78, the Pulaski Skyway and U.S. Route 1-9.
With such a high volume of traffic traveling through the small metropolitan area, many drivers receive summonses for motor vehicle violations and DWIs. Traffic violations such as speeding, running a red light/stop sign, reckless or careless driving may appear to be minor, but these violations can have long term consequences that an individual may not anticipate. For instance a traffic violation can cause a person to accumulate points on their driver’s license which in turn leads to increased insurance premiums and potentially suspended licenses.
Many people pay their fine and don’t think twice about it, but there are times when a traffic summons should and can be contested. If you wish to contest a traffic summons, contact my Newark office and we can discuss how I can help you avoid the consequences of a traffic violation.
Traffic violations such as illegal parking, speeding and driving while intoxicated are heard in Jersey City’s Municipal Court, which is located at 365 Summit Ave. New Jersey’s Municipal Courts also hear cases involving minor criminal offenses such as simple assault, trespassing and shoplifting. Municipal Courts only have jurisdiction over offenses committed within the city limits.
Along with the Municipal Court, Jersey City is the County Seat of Hudson County and the state’s judicial system, the Superior Court of New Jersey which hears cases involving serious criminal offenses, civil lawsuits, and and family law cases is also located in Jersey City at 595 Newark Ave.
Serious criminal offenses such as such as robbery, auto theft, or aggravated assault, typically start as complaints filed in the Municipal Court, but are transferred to the Superior Court located at the Hudson County court house.
I have experience with both the Municipal and Superior Courts, and appear in both regularly. I work as hard as possible to get the best possible results for my clients. I can offer my clients an effective defense for criminal charges and assist them with any immigration matters they may have. Don’t hesitate to contact me and discuss the many ways I can assist you.