Town of Stephentown Court
The Town of Stephentown Court is responsible for traffic matters, criminal matters, civil matters, environmental conservation matters, local law matters and small claims actions occurring in the Town of Stephentown.
The Court hears traffic tickets — both violations and misdemeanors, including Driving While Intoxicated cases. Along with traffic matters, the Court also presides over criminal matters that take place within the Town such as petit larceny. The Court also hears evictions brought by landlords; and small claims brought by individuals who feel they are owed monies.
The Court has two Town Justices which preside over all Court proceedings, the Honorable Cyril A. Grant and the Honorable John M. Meekins.
The Court office is charged with collecting the fines imposed by the Judges on various cases. The Court also maintains records of all cases brought before the Court.
Directions
26 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown, NY 12168
518-733-5636, ext. 5 (phone)
518-733-9057 (fax)
stephentowntowncourt@nycourts.gov
- From Albany: I-90 to Exit 8 – Route 43 East to Stephentown – second right on Grange Hall Road
- From Massachusetts: Route 20 East to Route 22 North at New Lebanon to Stephentown – Route 43 at red light turn left to Grange Hall Road
- From Vermont: Route 22 South to Stephentown – turn right to Route 43 – to Grange Hall Road
If you have any questions or concerns, please call (518) 733-5636, ext. 5. When leaving a message, please make sure to leave your full name, DOB, mailing address, docket or ticket number and speak slowly and clearly. You can also contact the court via email at stephentowntowncourt@nycourts.gov or fax at (518) 733-9057.
Stephentown Justice Court is a night court. All calls will be returned on Tuesday evening or any such evening the court clerk is working. No calls are returned during day time hours.
Thank you.
Please do not contact the Town Clerk with questions regarding court!
Court Clerk Office Hours:
Tammy Whitman, Court Clerk
518-733-5636, Ext. 5
The Stephentown Court will be open on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM and closed on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Should you have any questions, please contact the court at (518) 733-5636, x 5 or by email at stephentowntowncourt@nycourts.gov.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Judges
Judge Cyril Grant
Judge John Meekins
Court Personnel
Tammy Whitman, Court Clerk
Henry Wagar, Town Constable & Attending Officer at Court
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are court sessions open to the public?
Yes, court sessions are open to the public. However, The Court does reserve the right to allow no more than the maximum number allowed.
2. What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?
There are a few options when getting a traffic ticket. On the ticket given by the officer is what is called a plea by mail. If you wish to plead guilty you may sign and date Part A pleading guilty and the Court will mail you back a notice of fine. If you wish to plead not guilty you may sign and date Part B pleading not guilty. Currently we are hearing Vehicle & Traffic tickets by phone on the first Monday of each month between 4:30 – 6:30 pm. You will be mailed paperwork that must be filled out and returned to the court.
3. How do I file a small claim?
In order to file a small claim in our Court, the person whom you are suing must either live or work in the Town of Stephentown. In other words the address you provide the court must be located in the Town. You do need an exact address, you can not use a PO Box. The amount of your claim cannot exceed $3,000. https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/townandvillage/faqs.shtml#small
4. How do I file a Civil Claim by myself for back rent?
You must go to www.nycourthelp.gov. The Court no longer has these forms. Please note that the Court Clerk is NOT allowed to give advice on which forms you will need to file. https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/townandvillage/faqs.shtml#summary
5. How do I get a public defender?
In order to obtain a public defender you must financially qualify and be appointed such counsel by the Court. An attorney from the Rensselaer County Public Defenders Office is present during Court time. The Office of the Public Defender is located in the Rensselaer County Court House in Troy, NY. You may contact the Public Defenders Office by phone at 518-270-4030.
6. What do I do if I get a suspension notice?
You should contact the court by phone or email to determine the reason for the suspension. If the suspension is for failing to answer the summons then you should send, in writing (pleas are not accepted by phone) your guilty or not guilty plea. It can be mailed to Town of Stephentown Court, 26 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown, NY 12168 or emailed to stephentowntowncourt@nycourts.gov or faxed to (518) 733-9057. Please include your full name, DOB, mailing address, ticket number and how you wish to plea. Once your plea is received, you will receive a fine notice if you have plead guilty or scheduled for a pre-conference trial with the town’s prosecuting attorney if you have plead not guilty.
If the suspension is for non payment of fine, please contact the court for the amount due. Once payment is made, the suspension can be lifted and ticket disposed.
7. How can I pay my fine?
The Justice Court accepts money orders, certified or bank checks and credit cards. To make an online payment, select the icon at the top of the page OR visit www.stephentowncourtpayments.com OR call (518) 693-6541. If paying by money order or certified/bank check, make payable to “Stephentown Court.” If you are not paying in person and wish to have the receipt mailed to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope for return. If you wish to pay by credit card, all fine notices distributed by the Court are sent with a credit card authorization form, Credit Card Authorization Form[PDF], include with a copy of the person’s photo ID who is paying the fine and mail to the court at 26 Grange Hall Road, Stephentown, NY 12168 or email to; stephentowntowncourt@nycourts.gov or fax to (518) 733-9057. Credit Card payments are NOT accepted by phone.
Printable Forms
Small Claims Application [PDF]
Small Claims Handbook [PDF]
Credit Card Authorization Form [PDF]
Dedication to Judge Wesley Edwards — 50 Years of Service!
The Town of Stephentown would like to personally thank Judge Wesley Edwards the Senior Sitting Town Judge for the State of New York for his dedication and service of 50 years. It is difficult for all of us to see you retire after serving 50 years to this Town. Throughout the years you have contributed immensely to this Town and we can’t Thank you enough, your accomplishments are extraordinary! You will truly be missed.
Congratulations on your 50 year retirement!