Appealing Traffic Tickets: New Brunswick

If you've received a ticket in New Brunswick, you have several options for how to respond. You can pay the fine, dispute the ticket, or do nothing. If you choose to pay the fine, you are voluntarily admitting guilt and can pay in person, online, by phone, or by mail. If you want to dispute the ticket, you must file a Notice of Dispute with the NB provincial court, either online or by mail, email, or fax. If you do nothing, you will be deemed convicted of the offence and will receive a notice of conviction and the fine will be due immediately. Keep in mind that you only have 45 days to respond to the ticket from the date of issue.

How to dispute a parking ticket in Saint John, New Brunswick

If you wish to dispute a parking ticket in Saint John, New Brunswick, you must act quickly. Parking fines generally increase as time passes from the date of issue. You can complete an online complaint form within 48 hours of the date of issue of your ticket. This form will be reviewed by a supervisor who will decide whether to excuse the ticket or not. If the supervisor deems the ticket valid but you still wish to dispute it, you may await the summons to attend Traffic Court, where a trial date will be set and you can present your argument for the Provincial Court Judge's ruling.

Paper versions of this form are also available at the Saint John Parking Commission office or at the City of Saint John Payment Centre in the Shoppes of City Hall. You may also mail, fax, or email a letter of complaint, referencing your ticket number and vehicle license plate along with an explanation of the nature of your dispute.

If you have a question regarding the amount of a ticket, you can call the New Brunswick Municipal Court Violations Department at (732) 745-5089. If you wish to plead not guilty, you must contact the same number to schedule a court date. If you believe a ticket is invalid, you can call the NBPA, who will investigate. If they cannot assist, they will direct you to the Municipal Court's Parking Violation Department.

What to do if you miss your trial

If you miss your trial in New Brunswick, the consequences are serious. The judge may convict you in your absence, and you will receive a Notice of Default, including information on your conviction, the fine imposed, and the consequences of non-payment. You may also be charged with an additional offence of failing to appear, and the judge can order the police to find, arrest, and bring you to court. You could be kept in jail until your court date, and you may lose any money you posted as a guarantee.

If you have a valid reason for missing your trial, you can request to have your conviction set aside by a judge. Contact the provincial court indicated on your ticket for more information on this process. You will need to provide a valid reason for your absence, such as a medical emergency or unforeseen travel delays.

It is important to notify the court as soon as possible if you know you will miss your trial. Providing advance notice allows court staff to notify the other parties involved, including the prosecutor and the enforcement agency. While notifying the court in advance is not a guarantee that your trial will be rescheduled, it demonstrates your willingness to cooperate and may be considered a mitigating factor.

If you are unable to attend your rescheduled trial, you may be able to request another date, but this is not guaranteed. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the court will consider factors such as the reason for your absence and the impact on the other parties involved.

How to pay your fine online

If you have received a ticket in New Brunswick, there are several ways to pay your fine online. The first step is to identify the type of ticket you have received.

If you have received a parking ticket, you can pay online by visiting the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) website. Here, you can pay for on-street parking tickets, enforcement tickets, and deferred payment slips. You can also set up a login account on the website to manage your payments and set up automatic recurring payments for monthly parking accounts.

For parking, certain traffic matters, traffic time payments, and criminal time payments, you can pay online through www.NJMCdirect.com.

If you have received a Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) violation ticket, you can pay the fine online at www.snb.ca or by calling SNB Teleservices at 1-888-762-8600. You can also pay in person at any Service New Brunswick centre or by mail to Service New Brunswick, ensuring that your payment is sent on or before the response due date on your ticket.

It is important to pay your fine within the specified timeframe to avoid any additional penalties or consequences. If you have any questions or concerns about your ticket, you can contact the relevant authorities for further assistance.

How to appeal a conviction

If you wish to appeal a conviction or sentence in New Brunswick, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days after the date of the conviction or sentence. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to appeal a conviction:

• Obtain Legal Advice: Before initiating the appeal process, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional, such as a lawyer or paralegal, to understand your legal options and the likelihood of a successful appeal. They can guide you through the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
• Understand the Grounds for Appeal: In New Brunswick, you can appeal a conviction on several grounds. These may include errors in law, a miscarriage of justice, or new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the original trial. Carefully review the details of your case to identify the specific grounds on which you intend to base your appeal.
• File a Notice of Appeal: To initiate the appeal process, you must file a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeal. This document should include your personal information, the details of your conviction, the grounds for your appeal, and the relief you are seeking. You can obtain the necessary forms from any provincial court or Service New Brunswick location, or online. The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of your conviction or sentence.
• Serve Copies of the Notice of Appeal: Once you have filed the Notice of Appeal, you are typically required to serve copies of the document to the relevant parties, such as the prosecutor or the Attorney General of New Brunswick. The specific parties to be served and the method of service may vary depending on the nature of your case, so be sure to review the applicable rules or consult with a legal professional.
• Compile Supporting Documentation: In addition to the Notice of Appeal, you will need to gather and submit any relevant documentation that supports your appeal. This may include transcripts of the original trial, exhibits, affidavits, or any other evidence that strengthens your case for an appeal. Work closely with your legal counsel to ensure you have comprehensive and compelling documentation.
• Attend Court Hearings: After filing the Notice of Appeal and serving the necessary parties, the Court of Appeal will schedule a hearing to consider your appeal. During the hearing, you or your legal representative will present your case, highlighting the grounds for the appeal and why you believe the conviction should be overturned. The prosecution may also present their arguments in response.
• Await the Court's Decision: Following the hearing, the Court of Appeal will deliberate on the information and evidence presented. They will then deliver a decision, which may uphold your original conviction, overturn it, or modify your sentence. The court will communicate its decision to you and your legal counsel.

Remember, the appeals process can be complex and may involve strict deadlines and specific procedural requirements. It is always advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure your appeal is handled comprehensively and in compliance with the law.

What to do if you believe a ticket is invalid

If you believe a ticket is invalid, call the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) and they will investigate. If they cannot assist you, they will direct you to the Municipal Court's Parking Violation Department.

If you have received a parking ticket, you have a few options. For a guilty plea, payments should be made to the New Brunswick Municipal Court located at 25 Kirkpatrick St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901. According to the New Brunswick Traffic Code, you must pay the appropriate fine within 7 days to avoid a late penalty. If you have a question regarding the amount of a ticket, you can call the New Brunswick Municipal Court Violations Department at (732) 745-5089.

If you wish to plead not guilty, you must contact the New Brunswick Municipal Court Violations Department at (732) 745-5089 to schedule a court date. Both day and evening court sessions are available.

It is important to note that if you do not pay your fine or dispute your ticket within the given timeframe, you may face additional consequences, such as a late penalty, a suspended license, or even arrest in some cases.

Frequently asked questions