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There are two elected Town Justices
in the Fishkill Town Court:
- Judge Francois R. Cross
- Judge Harold Epstein
Regular Court sessions take place
every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and two (2) Thursdays
evenings each month at 6:00 p.m. as needed for traffic trials or other
Court proceedings at the Judge’s discretion.
The Fishkill Town Court can be reached by telephone at (845) 831-7860
Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. or by
fax at (845) 831-1589.
The Court staff consists of three (3) Court Clerks who can answer
questions concerning the Court’s procedures,
but who are not permitted to give legal advice.
The Fishkill Town Court hears cases originating within the Town which are
criminal in nature beginning with Simplified Traffic Informations (traffic
tickets) charging vehicle and traffic offenses, or violation offenses, or
misdemeanor and felony cases. Felony charges which are not reduced to
misdemeanors are transferred to Dutchess County Court for final
disposition.
The Court conducts non-jury or bench trials for violation offense and
vehicle and traffic cases. Defendants have the right to choose a jury
trial or non-jury trial for misdemeanor cases.
The Fishkill Town 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. The Court also hears small claims cases when
the Defendant resides in, is employed in, or has a place of business
within the Town
for money damages only, not the return of personal property.
Generally, corporations, partnerships, associations or assignees cannot
sue in Small Claims Court. These claims can be filed in a Commercial
Claims Court. (City Courts: i.e.: Beacon or Poughkeepsie).
The Court also hears Summary Proceedings/Evictions when the property and
the Respondent are located within the Town. The civil jurisdiction of the
Court is limited to claims up to the sum of $3,000.00.
The Town Justices also are authorized to perform civil marriage
ceremonies. Further information can be obtained by calling the Court
or
the Town Clerk at (845) 831-7800 ext. 3329.
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