Justice Court

The Village Court is a part of the Unified Court System of New York State and adjudicates criminal and civil cases, vehicle and traffic offenses, landlord-tenant cases, small claims matters, town code violations, and violations of environmental law. Court is in session most Tuesdays starting at 6:00 pm on the 2nd floor at Village Hall.  For the purposes of arraignment, hearings, and jury and non-jury trials, Court may be called into session at any time. The parties and counsel are expected to be prompt.  Court sessions are open to the public except in proceedings involving youthful offenders, which may be conducted in private.

  • Criminal Cases
    For criminal proceedings, the Court has trial jurisdiction over all cases if the jail term that can be imposed does not exceed one year.  The Court can arraign defendants, hold felony and other preliminary hearings, issue orders of protection, sentence defendants, and set bail. The office of the Westchester County District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in this Court twice a month (i.e., every other Tuesday).
  • Civil and Vehicle & Traffic Cases
    At least one Tuesday evening per month, the Court hears civil and vehicle & traffic cases.  Civil cases include summary proceedings (i.e., eviction of tenants and claims for rent incidental thereto, without monetary limitation), and small civil claims seeking monetary damages (subject to jurisdictional and monetary limits). You should contact the Court to identify an appropriate appearance date before initiating a civil case.

    Vehicle & traffic cases typically are filed by the police and charge the commission of a traffic infraction within Village borders. The Village Prosecutor prosecutes traffic cases and also handles any initial plea discussions with motorists.

The Court is staffed by the Village Justice (elected to a 4-year term), an Associate Justice (appointed by the Village Board), and two Court Clerks.  Court interpreters are provided for all non-English speaking litigants.

The Court Clerk’s office maintains court records, handles case scheduling and administration, ensures that money received is properly accounted for, and assists litigants and the general public with procedural inquiries.  Persons working in the Court Clerk's office cannot give legal advice and have no authority to reduce or dismiss a charge, or to set or alter fines.

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Hon. John Vukelj, term expires April 2027 Village Justice
Hon. Virginia Collins Associate Judge
Stephanie Timm-Austen Court Clerk
Kristen Surace Asst. to Court Clerk