Monmouth County Courthouse Guide: What to Expect in Freehold Criminal Court

By Keith G. Oliver, Keith Oliver Criminal Law | Updated November 2026

If you, a family member, or a friend has been charged with a crime anywhere in Monmouth County, from Middletown and Red Bank to Howell, Wall, and Asbury Park, the case will almost certainly end up at one building: the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold. It is where indictable (felony-level) criminal cases are heard, where detention hearings take place, where grand juries meet, and where most people make their first appearance in front of a Superior Court judge.

Walking into a courthouse for the first time is stressful. People worry about being late, getting lost, saying the wrong thing, or not knowing where to go. This guide explains the practical side of going to court in Freehold: how to get there, where to park, what security is like, which court handles what, and what happens on your first court date. It is written by criminal defense lawyers who have spent years in this building, and it is meant to help whether or not you hire us.

Monmouth County Courthouse: Address, Phone, and Hours

The courthouse sits in the center of Freehold Borough, the county seat, across from the tall Battle of Monmouth Monument. It was built in 1954 and replaced the older building at 1 East Main Street, which is now the Monmouth County Hall of Records. People sometimes go to the Hall of Records by mistake. If your notice says Superior Court, Criminal Division, you want the courthouse on Monument Street, not the Hall of Records.

Getting There: Parking and Public Transit

Parking

The Monmouth Vicinage tells visitors that public parking areas are located directly behind the courthouse, and warns against parking on the street, where parking is severely restricted and you risk a ticket. On busy mornings, especially Monday and Tuesday when many criminal and jury matters are scheduled, the closest lots fill up early. Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled time so you have time to park, walk to the entrance, and get through security.

Public transportation

Several bus routes serve the courthouse directly. According to the court’s own reporting information:

• NJ TRANSIT 836 runs between Asbury Park, Neptune, Wall, Howell, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, the courthouse, Freehold Raceway Mall, and CentraState Medical Center, and runs seven days a week.
• NJ TRANSIT 833 runs weekdays between Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Lincroft, Brookdale, Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, and Freehold Raceway Mall, with a stop near the courthouse entrance.
• Regional routes from New York City, Newark, Old Bridge, Lakewood, and Toms River stop at the Freehold Centre Bus Terminal (Broad, Throckmorton, and West Main Streets), a few blocks from the courthouse.

Bus schedules change, so check NJ TRANSIT before your court date and leave extra time. The court does not usually excuse lateness because a bus ran behind.

Security Screening and What to Leave at Home

Everyone who enters the courthouse goes through security, similar to an airport: you walk through a metal detector, and your bags and pocket items go through an X-ray machine. Sheriff’s officers staff the entrance. The line can be long between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., which is another reason to arrive early.

Leave these at home or in your car:

• Any weapon, including pocket knives, multi-tools, pepper spray, and box cutters
• Scissors, tools, and other sharp objects
• Anything illegal, and any marijuana or paraphernalia (even though adult use is legal in New Jersey, do not bring it into a courthouse)
• Large bags you don’t need

Bring these:

• Photo ID
• Your court notice and any papers your lawyer asked you to bring
• Proof of anything you’ve been ordered to do (completed classes, treatment records, community service logs)
• A pen and something to write on
• Medication you need during the day

Phones are usually allowed in the building, but they must be turned off in the courtroom. A phone ringing during a hearing annoys the judge and can get you removed from the room. Do not take photos or record video anywhere in the courtroom.

Superior Court vs. Municipal Court: Which Court Is My Case In?

New Jersey splits criminal cases between two levels of court, and knowing which one your case is in tells you where to go.

Municipal court cases

Traffic tickets, DWI charges, and disorderly persons offenses (such as simple assault, shoplifting under $200, or possession of small amounts of certain drugs) are heard in the municipal court of the town where the offense happened. Some Monmouth County towns share a joint municipal court. These cases are not heard at the Freehold courthouse unless they are combined with an indictable charge. If you have a ticket or municipal complaint, see our Monmouth County traffic ticket page and our guide to looking up your case and paying a ticket on NJMCdirect.

Superior Court cases

Indictable offenses, which New Jersey grades as first, second, third, or fourth degree crimes, go to the Superior Court, Criminal Division. In Monmouth County that means the courthouse in Freehold. Examples include drug distribution and possession with intent, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, theft over $200, weapons offenses, and many domestic violence-related charges. Most indictable cases start with a complaint, then go to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for review and possible grand jury indictment.

Ranges come from N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 and 2C:43-6. Some offenses carry higher fines, mandatory minimums, or extended terms. First-time defendants charged with third or fourth degree crimes often have a presumption against prison and may qualify for diversion programs.

What Happens at a First Appearance and Detention Hearing

Since New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform took effect in 2017, cash bail has been mostly replaced by a risk-based system. This changed what happens in the first few days after an arrest.

Summons vs. warrant

If you were charged on a complaint-summons, you were released (or never arrested) and given a date to come to court. If you were charged on a complaint-warrant, you were taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution while Pretrial Services prepared a risk assessment called the Public Safety Assessment (PSA).

The first appearance

A person held in jail on a complaint-warrant must generally be brought before a judge within 48 hours. At the first appearance, the judge tells you what you are charged with, explains your rights, and decides whether you can be released and on what conditions. Many first appearances in Monmouth County are handled by video from the jail, so family members may not see their loved one in person at this stage.

The detention hearing

If the prosecutor files a motion for pretrial detention, the court holds a detention hearing. The hearing usually takes place at the first appearance unless either side asks for more time. Except for good cause, the defense can get a continuance of up to five days and the prosecutor up to three days, not counting weekends and holidays (N.J.S.A. 2A:162-19). At the hearing, the judge decides whether any release conditions could reasonably make sure the defendant comes back to court, protects the public, and doesn’t obstruct the case. If not, the defendant can be held until trial.

For a deeper look at how these hearings work in Freehold, see our page on first appearance and detention hearings in Monmouth County.

Release conditions can range from simply reporting to Pretrial Services by phone, to in-person check-ins, curfews, no-contact orders, or electronic monitoring. Breaking a condition can lead to a warrant and detention, so read your release order carefully and keep a copy.

After the first appearance

Indictable cases then move through several more stages in Freehold: pre-indictment discussions with the prosecutor, possible grand jury indictment, arraignment, status conferences, plea negotiations, and, if needed, trial. Many first-time offenders are steered toward Pretrial Intervention (PTI), a diversion program that can end in dismissal. A dismissed case can often later be removed from your record through expungement.

Your Court Day, Step by Step

1. Arrive early. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to park and clear security.
2. Find your courtroom. Your notice lists the judge or courtroom. Directories and court staff in the lobby can point you to the right floor. If you’re not sure, ask at the Criminal Division office on the first floor.
3. Check in. In many courtrooms you’ll tell the court staff or sheriff’s officer your name when you arrive. If you have a lawyer, let them know you’re there by text or by finding them in the hallway.
4. Wait. A judge may have dozens of cases on a single calendar. Cases with attorneys ready, or with defendants in custody, may be called first. It is normal to wait an hour or more.
5. When your case is called, walk to the front with your lawyer. Stand when you speak to the judge, call the judge “Your Honor,” and let your lawyer do the talking unless the judge asks you a direct question.
6. Before you leave, make sure you know your next court date and any conditions or paperwork. Ask your lawyer if anything is unclear.

How to Dress and Act in the Courtroom

Judges notice how people present themselves. You don’t need a suit, but you should look like you are taking the case seriously.

• Wear: clean, neat clothes, such as slacks or khakis, a collared shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. A jacket is a plus but not required.
• Avoid: shorts, tank tops, clothing with slogans or images, very revealing clothing, and work uniforms where possible. Hats must come off in the courtroom.
• Inside the courtroom: no food, drinks, gum, or reading newspapers. Keep conversations to a whisper or step into the hallway.
• Talking about your case: Don’t discuss the facts in hallways, elevators, or bathrooms. Police officers, witnesses, and prosecutors are often nearby. Save that for a private conversation with your lawyer.
• Bring a support person if it helps, but make sure they follow the same rules. A disruptive friend or relative can hurt your case.

Posting Bail and Visiting Someone in Custody

Although most defendants are now released on conditions instead of cash bail, bail is still set in some cases, such as some warrants for failing to appear or older matters. According to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office:

• During business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday), bail is paid at the Courthouse Central Fee Office, first floor of the East Wing. It can be posted using property, cash, money order, certified check, or through a bail bondsman. Personal checks are not accepted.
• After hours and on weekends, bail can be posted in cash or through a bail bondsman only at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, 1 Waterworks Road, Freehold, through the “Booking” area at the back entrance. Property and checks are not accepted after hours.

If someone was just arrested, start with our page on the Monmouth County jail and what to do after an arrest. If your loved one is being held, our guide to visiting an inmate at the Monmouth County jail explains how to visit, send mail, and put money in an inmate’s account. If the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has contacted you, read what to do if the prosecutor contacts you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Monmouth County Courthouse?

71 Monument Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. The main number is 732-358-8700, and it is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where do I park?

Public parking areas are directly behind the courthouse. Avoid parking on the street. It is heavily restricted and you could get a ticket.

What floor is criminal court on?

The Criminal Division office is on the first floor. Courtrooms are on several floors, so check your notice for the judge or courtroom number.

Can I bring my phone?

Phones are generally allowed in the building but must be turned off in the courtroom. Never take photos or record in the courtroom.

Do I have to go to court if I have a lawyer?

Usually yes. In Superior Court criminal cases, defendants are generally required to appear at most court dates. Ask your attorney before assuming you are excused.

How long will I be at court?

Plan on the whole morning. Short status conferences can be done quickly once your case is called, but you may wait a while for your turn.

My case is a traffic ticket or DWI. Do I go to Freehold?

Usually not. Traffic tickets, DWIs, and disorderly persons offenses are heard in the municipal court of the town where you were charged. Check your ticket or complaint for the court name and address.

Can I watch a court proceeding?

Most criminal court proceedings are open to the public. Juvenile matters and certain other hearings are closed.

Sources: NJ Courts – Monmouth Vicinage; NJ Courts – Criminal, Monmouth; Monmouth County Jury Reporting Information; Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office – Information for You & Inmates. This page is general information, not legal advice. Court procedures change; call the court or a lawyer to confirm details for your case.