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Justice Department
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Ontario Town Justices:
 |
Reginald P. Higgins II |
|
Paul Sucher |
Court Clerks:
|
Nancy Luke |
|
Dawn Yantch |
|
Shelley LaRocca |
Telephone: (315) 524-6511, Ext. 699
Fax: (315) 524-9385
Regular Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Closed 12:00Noon to 1:00PM for lunch
Justice Courts have a very broad, but limited jurisdiction in matters affecting the local community. It is for this reason, Justice Courts are often called, "the courts closest to the people" and readily accessible geographically to the citizens.
Civil jurisdiction of a local Town or Village Court is limited to $3,000. (The New York State Legislature is presently considering increasing this amount.) In landlord/tenant proceeding, however, the monetary jurisdiction is unlimited. Cases can be filed in either the regular Civil Part or Small Claims Part of the court.
New York Town and Village Courts have criminal jurisdiction over all misdemeanors, violations,, and infractions together with arraignment and preliminary jurisdiction over felonies. The most common laws or types of cases that come before the court are listed below. Jury trials are conducted when required by law.
Local courts handle the largest number of cases coming before the state's court system, and contribute greatly to State and local government.
Informative Link: http://www.courts.state.ny.us