Alexandria Township is a rural community of 4,809 people (2020 census) on about 27.7 square miles in western Hunterdon County. It includes the villages of Pittstown and Mount Pleasant, and is home to Alexandria Field, a small public airport. Its population grew by more than 70 percent between 1980 and 2010 as farmland gave way to homes, though it dipped slightly in 2020.
Alexandria Township (highlighted) within Hunterdon County. Indictable cases from every town are heard at the Justice Center in Flemington (star). Map data: NJ Office of GIS.
Alexandria Township’s municipal court meets at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Building, 405 Mine Road, Asbury, on Wednesdays. Asbury is a short drive north, and the building also hosts the Bethlehem, Bloomsbury, Glen Gardner and Lebanon Borough courts.
Alexandria Township Municipal Court at a Glance
- Location: Bethlehem Township Municipal Building, 405 Mine Road, Asbury, NJ 08802
- Phone: 908-735-4559
- Court sessions: Wednesdays (check your notice; some dates are virtual)
- Also meeting in this building: Bethlehem Township, Bethlehem/Bloomsbury Joint, Glen Gardner Borough, Lebanon Borough
- Indictable crimes: Superior Court, Hunterdon County Justice Center, 65 Park Avenue, Flemington
Where Alexandria Township cases are heard. Confirm the date, time and format on your court notice.
What Cases Come From Alexandria Township?
Alexandria’s country roads and farmland shape its cases:
- DWI on rural roads such as Routes 513 and 579, often after a single-car accident
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Harassment and neighbor disputes over property lines, animals or noise
- Criminal mischief and trespassing
- Domestic violence charges, which may also lead to a restraining order in the Family Part
Rural DWI cases often turn on details. Field sobriety tests given on a dark, sloped shoulder are less reliable. The Alcotest must be administered with a proper observation period. And the reason for the stop itself must be supported by the evidence.
Domestic Disputes in Rural Homes
In a domestic violence call, police may file criminal charges and the alleged victim may seek a temporary restraining order the same day. A final restraining order can require you to leave your home, surrender firearms and stay away from family members. The criminal case and the restraining order hearing are separate, and statements in one can be used in the other. Get advice early. See our domestic violence page.
Alexandria Township population by census, 1980 to 2020. Source: U.S. Census Bureau via NJ Office of GIS.
Alexandria Township grew rapidly from 2,798 residents in 1980 to 4,938 in 2010, as farmland was converted to homes. It declined slightly to 4,809 in 2020. The township remains rural, with long distances between homes and few major roads.
Indictable Charges Go to Flemington
If a case involves a fourth-degree crime or higher, such as drug possession, theft over $200, burglary or aggravated assault, it will be forwarded to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and heard at the Justice Center in Flemington. Some charges can be downgraded and sent back to the Alexandria Township court.
Options for Avoiding a Conviction
First-time defendants may qualify for conditional discharge (drug and paraphernalia charges), conditional dismissal (other disorderly persons offenses) or Pretrial Intervention (indictable charges). Each can end in a dismissal. A lawyer can explain whether a program makes sense or whether the case should be fought on its facts.
Firearms and Domestic Violence Cases
In rural areas where many households own firearms, domestic violence cases carry an added consequence. When police respond to a domestic call, they may seize firearms in the home. A temporary restraining order typically bars the defendant from possessing firearms and requires surrender of any Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and permits.
If a final restraining order is entered, the firearms ban continues and the weapons may not be returned. Even without a final order, the prosecutor can file a separate action to keep seized weapons. For hunters, collectors and people whose jobs require a firearm, these consequences can be as serious as the criminal case itself. It is important to address the weapons issue from the start, alongside the restraining order hearing and any criminal charge.
What Is at Stake: Penalties by Offense Level
- Petty disorderly persons offense: up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Disorderly persons offense: up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Fourth-degree crime: up to 18 months in prison
- Third-degree crime: 3 to 5 years
- Second-degree crime: 5 to 10 years
- First-degree crime: 10 to 20 years, and longer for some offenses
Maximum jail exposure rises sharply once a charge becomes an indictable crime.
How We Approach a Alexandria Township Case
Alexandria Township cases often involve rural roads, neighbors and family, so we look carefully at the setting. We gather the police report, any video and witness statements, and review whether the stop, search or arrest was lawful.
For DWI, we focus on the field sobriety tests and Alcotest. For domestic violence, we coordinate the criminal case with the restraining order hearing. For neighbor disputes, we look for ways to resolve the case without a conviction. For indictable charges, we work with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
Nearby Hunterdon County Town Guides
If your charge was written in a neighboring town, that town’s guide explains where the case will be heard and what to expect.
- Heard in the same court building: Lebanon Borough, Glen Gardner, Bethlehem Township, Bloomsbury
- Neighboring towns: Union Township, Holland Township, Milford, Frenchtown, Franklin Township
- Every town: Hunterdon County town guide index
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Alexandria Township Municipal Court?
It meets at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Building, 405 Mine Road, Asbury, NJ 08802. The phone number is 908-735-4559, and sessions are on Wednesdays.
Is Pittstown a separate town?
No. Pittstown is a village. Most of it is in Alexandria Township, with parts in Franklin and Union Townships. The ticket will name the municipality.
Can a restraining order make me leave my home?
Yes. A temporary or final restraining order can bar you from the home. The final hearing usually happens within about ten days, so prepare quickly.
Will a first DWI in Alexandria Township suspend my license?
A first DWI requires an ignition interlock device, and higher readings can also bring a suspension. A lawyer can review the stop and testing for defenses.
Who patrols Alexandria Township?
Patrol arrangements in rural Hunterdon townships vary. Your complaint will name the officer and the agency.
Can a neighbor dispute be resolved without court?
Some can be resolved through mediation or dismissal. A lawyer can explain the options.
Talk to a Hunterdon County Defense Attorney
A charge in rural Alexandria Township can affect your home, family and driving privileges. Keith Oliver Criminal Law defends people charged in Alexandria Township and across Hunterdon County. Call Keith Oliver Criminal Law at (908) 533-1064 or contact us online to talk about your case.