Justice Court

Knox Justice Court Information

Please make note of the following:

Any court date should be verified by calling the Court Clerk at
(518) 872-9183.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the courtroom.
Admission requires passing through a metal detector.
All court proceedings are recorded, therefore you may be asked to remove younger children who are a disruption to the courtroom.
The Court Clerk may answer questions concerning court procedures but is not permitted to give legal advice.
Acceptable forms of payment: cash, check, money order, MasterCard or Visa (a 2.99% fee applies to credit card charges only).

If you cannot make your appearance date – please contact the Court Clerk for an adjournment
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Civil Matters:
The Town Court hears civil actions and small claims proceedings seeking monetary awards up to $3,000.00.

The Court also handles landlord/tenant matters that may result in an eviction, as well as a money judgment for back rents that are due. Small claims proceedings are intended to provide a low-cost, simplified and informal procedure for individuals to resolve disputes involving limited monetary claims. Often, individual litigants do not use an attorney in these matters and are not required to do so. However, the Court cannot advise you or give you legal advice.
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Criminal Matters:
The Town Court is authorized to handle matters involving the prosecution of misdemeanors and violations that are committed within the town’s geographical boundaries. In addition, the Court hears Vehicle & Traffic Law misdemeanors and traffic infractions.

The Town Court also conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony matters.

Court Fees:
                Certificate of Disposition: $5.00
                Civil Case – Filing of Notice of Appeal: $5.00
                Information Subpoena: $5.00
                Summary Proceedings / Evictions: $20.00
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Small Claims Filings:
Small claims cases can only be filed in the Town Court where the person you are suing, lives, has a business or works. Click here & fill out the form, attach your check and your hearing will be scheduled 30 days from receipt and cannot be on the 1st Wednesday of the month.

Small Claim Fee: $10.00 for claims up to $1,000.00 or $15.00 for claims over $1,000.00. The monetary limit for a Small Claims case is $3,000.00.

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If you received a Uniform Traffic Ticket in the Town of Knox:
For felony or misdemeanor violations you must appear in person on the date listed on your ticket..

If the offense is a traffic infraction:
Complete Section A if you wish to enter a Guilty plea, or Section B if you wish to enter a Not Guilty plea.
If you plea Not Guilty you must include your current mailing address, if different than the address on your ticket, sign it, and mail your ticket to:
                                        Knox Justice Court
                                        P.O. Box 124
                                        Knox, NY 12107
If you choose to, you may deliver your ticket in person on any Wednesday night during court hours, or use the secure drop box located to the right of the courtroom doors adjacent to the parking lot.

If you plead guilty: Once your guilty plea is received, the Court will notify you by mail of any fines and mandatory surcharges that are assessed.

If you plead not guilty: Once your not guilty plea is received, the Court will notify you by mail of another court date and you will then have an opportunity to conference with the prosecutor assigned to your case.

Requesting a Supporting Deposition:
If you did not already receive one and you are entering a pleas of Not Guilty you can request a Supporting Deposition by checking the appropriate box (Yes or No), in Section B.
Your request must be received within 30 days of the appearance date listed on your ticket.

Non-Appearance or Non-Payment of Fines:
When you are assessed a fine or surcharge, the Court expects payment at that time. If extenuating circumstances do occur then the Court will direct you to make your payment in full by a specific date. Partial payments will be accepted upon request.

If you fail to pay your fine, or fail to appear for your ticket, the Court will order the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend your license after 90 days and an additional $70.00 per ticket will be added to your fine. If your license is suspended you must contact the Court Clerk.

Equipment Defect Violation Correction:
You will be given a “Statement of Correction for Equipment Defect” at the time your ticket is issued. The charge will be dismissed if proof is presented to the court that the defect was corrected and inspected within 24 hours after the issuance of the summons.

Knox Town Justices:   Honorable Bonnie Donati
                                         Honorable Timothy Francis
Justice Court Clerk: Deborah Liddle
                                         Phone: (518) 872-9183
                                         Fax: (518) 627-2990
                                         email: dliddle@nycourts.gov

Court is the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 124, Knox, NY 12107

Physical address: 2192 Berne-Altamont Road, Altamont, NY 12009

Directions:
From Albany: Northway/Crossgates Mall, take Western Avenue, (Rte 20) West, turn left at Stewarts (Rte 146) go past Tawasentha Park, Guilderland Center & the Altamont Fairgrounds. Cross over the railroad tracks in Altamont and bear right in front of the Fredendall Funeral Home. Go up the hill approximately 7 miles. The Court will be on the right just before the Knox Firehouse.