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Presiding Justices:
Hon. Thorold J. Smith
Hon. Clyde R. Gruver, Jr.
Mailing address:
Town of Chenango Justice Court
1529 State Route 12
Binghamton, NY 13901
Email: justicecourt@townofchenango.com
Telephone: 607-648-4809 Option 1
Fax: 607-648-8603
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When are the Court Sessions held?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 4:00pm. Several days a month are set aside for scheduled pre trials (misdemeanors) and non jury trials (violations).
What are your office hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00AM - 4:15PM
Friday 9:00AM - 3:15PM
How do I file a small claim and how much is the filing fee?
Small Claims can be filed with the Court Clerk. The party you are filing against must live, work or have a place of business in the Town of Chenango. They must receive their mail in the Town of Chenango. You must have the exact mailing address. Post office boxes are not acceptable. The allowable maximum amount to claim is $3000.00. For claims up to $1000.00, the filing fee is $10.00. For claims over $1000.00 the filing fee is $15.00. You must call ahead to make an appointment to file the paperwork. For more information you may pick up a booklet on small claims at the court office, or you may view the booklet online by clicking on the link below.
Is there an alternative to filing a Small Claim?
Yes. You can contact ACCORD (A Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.). This is a mediator service which is free. In Broome County you can call 607-724-5153. Email at accord@stny.rr.com In Tioga County call 607-687-8222. Email at tcaccord@pronetisp.net.
You may also view the New York State Guide to Small Claims Court by clicking on the link below:
http://tenant.net/Court/Howcourt/sclaim.html
When are evictions heard and how much is the filing fee?
Evictions are heard Tuesdays at 3:30PM and Wednesdays at 3:30PM. The filing fee is $20.00
Eviction Instructions (PDF)
How do I answer my traffic ticket?
You may have recieved a hand written ticket or a computer-generated ticket. It is the obligation of the receiving motorist to respond to the ticket. If the charge(s) are NOT MISDEMEANORS you can either appear on the date listed on the bottom of the ticket or you may sign the back of the hand written ticket or 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. Upon a plea of guilty, a fine and surcharge will be assessed and 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 sent further information on how to proceed. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you must appear in person on the date and time listed on the ticket.
What is a supporting deposition?
A supporting deposition is a more detailed account of the ticket you were issued. If you received an electronically generated ticket, you may have been handed the supporting deposition at the same time you were handed your ticket from the officer.
How do I enter into a plea bargain regarding the ticket I received?
Before any plea bargains are accepted, you must first submit your plea of NOT GUILTY to the Court by signing "Part B" of the ticket you were issued and with which you are interested in plea bargaining and mail or drop it off at the court office. (address listed above) (directions on this site)
How do I contact New York State DMV?
1-800-CALLDMV - available within NY State
1-518-474-0774
www.nysdmv.com
My license is suspended or is going to be suspended. What do I do?
Depending on the reason for your suspension; you must either pay the fine/surcharge due or appear in court. If your license is suspended, you will be required to pay a Suspension Termination Fee of $35.00 per suspension. The Notice of Suspension from NYS DMV will give further information regarding this fee, or you can go to their website www.nysdmv.com Submit your identified payment as outlined in the next question along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send the Notice of License Suspension Order for endorsement and verification of the suspension date. Call the court clerk if you do not know the total amount due or for information on scheduling a new court date.
How do I make payment?
US Currency, Money Order payable to CHENANGO JUSTICE COURT or cash (if in person). Visa or MasterCard is accepted with proper paperwork provided by the court clerk. When submitting your payment be sure to include a case number, ticket number, or name with date of birth to ascertain proper posting.
Send to the address listed on the top of this page. If you want your receipt, send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
Can I pay with a personal or business check?
No.
Can I pay on-line?
No.
Can I pay by credit card over the telephone?
No.
How do I contact the Broome County District Attorney's Office?
Broome County District Attorney's Office
19 Chenango Street, 7th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-778-2198
I have been drawn as a prospective juror, what do I need to do?
Be sure to read your entire Jury Summons Notice. You are to call the court after 2:00 the day before the scheduled trial. The Court Clerk will advise you whether or not you need to report. If you call after 5:00PM and over the weekend, you will hear a message regarding your reporting status.
A link to the Jury Commissioner's Office is http://www.nyjuror.gov/countyinformation/?broome
Where do I park?
Parking lot is located in the front of the Town Hall.
Do I need a lawyer to appear in court with me?
Although you are not required to have an attorney it is not recommended that you proceed to trial without the aid of counsel.
How do I obtain representation by the Public Defender?
You must call to make an appointment immediately. You will have to financially qualify for representation. Call the Broome County Public Defender's Office at 607-778-2403 for further questions or to make an appointment for a qualifying interview. You are required to notify the court of your scheduled appointment.
What if I missed a court date?
Call the court immediately. You may be subject to a license suspension or a warrant could be issued for your arrest.
What can I do if I am a victim of a violent crime?
You can contact:
SOS Shelter Advocacy Office at 1201 Man St. in Endicott, NY (across from U-E High School) 607-748-5174. The 24 hour Crisis Line is 607-754-4340. This hotline is for information and referrals to their shelter and /or other services and support.
Crime Victims Assistance Center Advocate Program at 19 Chenango St., (the Press Bldg.), 7th Floor, Binghamton, NY 607-778-2423 ask for the Crime Victim Advocate. The 24 hour Crisis Line is 607-722-4256. This hotline is for information and referrals for victims of domestic violence as well as accompaniment to hospitals and law enforcement agencies.
The website is www.cvac.us | 
