Mercer County Courthouse Guide: What to Expect in Trenton Criminal Court

If you, a family member or a friend has a court date in Mercer County, you will probably end up in downtown Trenton. Unlike some counties, Mercer has several court buildings within a few blocks of each other, and going to the wrong one is an easy mistake to make on an already stressful morning. This guide explains which building handles which kind of case, how to get there and park, what to expect at security and in the courtroom, and what happens at the first stages of a criminal case.

The Mercer County Court Buildings at a Glance

The Criminal Courthouse opened in January 2013. It sits directly behind the historic courthouse, which faces South Broad Street. If your paperwork says “Criminal Division” or “Superior Court” and your case is a criminal charge, you are almost certainly going to 400 South Warren Street.

Which Court Is My Case In?

The type of charge decides where your case is heard. Your summons, complaint or court notice lists the court, so check it first.

Municipal court cases

Disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, DWI and traffic tickets are heard in the municipal court of the town where the charge was written, not at the county courthouse. A shoplifting charge from Hamilton goes to the Hamilton Municipal Court, a DWI stop in Ewing goes to the Ewing Municipal Court, and a disorderly conduct charge in the capital goes to the Trenton Municipal Court. These are still criminal records if you are convicted, so they deserve real attention.

Superior Court cases

Indictable crimes, which New Jersey grades from first degree (most serious) to fourth degree, are prosecuted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and heard in the Criminal Division at 400 South Warren Street. These cases can go to a grand jury and carry the possibility of state prison. Our page on the Mercer County Superior Court walks through each stage of a felony case.

Family Part cases

Domestic violence restraining order hearings and juvenile delinquency cases are handled by the Family Part at the Civil Courthouse on South Broad Street. A domestic violence incident can produce two cases at once: a restraining order case in the Family Part and a criminal charge in municipal or Superior Court. See our guide to final restraining orders if you have a hearing coming up.

Getting There: Parking and Public Transit

Parking

Parking downtown is the most common source of late arrivals, so give yourself extra time. Mercer County lists these options near the courthouse complex:

• Metered street parking along South Broad Street, Lafayette Street and Warren Street. Spaces fill early on weekday mornings, and meters have time limits that may not cover a long court day.
• The Marriott hotel garage at Lafayette and Warren Streets, a short walk from the Criminal Courthouse.
• A public garage on Front Street between South Broad Street and Warren Street.

Driving directions

From the north, take U.S. Route 1 South to the exit marked for the Capitol Complex (the last exit before the toll bridge), then follow Market Street to South Broad Street. Route 29, Route 129 and Interstate 195 also bring you into downtown Trenton from the south and east.

Public transportation

The Trenton Transit Center is served by NJ Transit and SEPTA trains, Amtrak and several bus routes. From the station the courthouse complex is roughly a mile away, so allow time for a walk, a bus or a short taxi or rideshare trip.

Security Screening and What to Leave at Home

Every visitor goes through airport-style screening with a metal detector and bag check. Lines can be long right before 9:00 a.m., when many courtrooms start.

• Do not bring knives of any size, pepper spray, scissors, tools or anything that could be considered a weapon. Prohibited items may be confiscated, and you may have to take them back to your car and get in line again.
• Silence your phone before entering a courtroom. Photographs and recordings are not allowed in courtrooms without the court’s permission.
• Bring your court notice, a photo ID, and any paperwork your lawyer asked for, such as proof of community service, treatment or a valid license.

What Happens at a First Appearance and Detention Hearing

Summons vs. warrant

After an arrest, police either issue a complaint-summons, which releases you with a court date, or file a complaint-warrant, which means you are held at the Mercer County Correction Center until a judge reviews your case. New Jersey eliminated cash bail for most cases in 2017. Instead, a pretrial risk assessment is prepared, and most people are released with conditions.

The first appearance

If you are held on a warrant, you should see a judge within about 48 hours. The judge tells you the charges, makes sure you have a lawyer and sets release conditions. If you have a lawyer at this stage, he or she can argue for less restrictive conditions right away.

The detention hearing

If the prosecutor files a motion to keep you in jail until trial, a detention hearing is generally held within a few days. The judge decides whether any conditions of release would be enough to ensure you return to court and protect the public. This hearing has a huge effect on the rest of the case, and preparation matters. Read more in our guide to first appearances and detention hearings in Mercer County.

If there is a warrant out for you

Do not wait to be picked up. A lawyer can often arrange for you to address a bench warrant or a complaint-warrant in a controlled way. See our page on Mercer County warrants and how to clear them.

Your Court Day, Step by Step

1. Confirm the details the day before. Check the date, time, building and courtroom on your notice. Some proceedings are held virtually, and your notice or your lawyer will tell you if yours is.
2. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Parking and security take time, and judges call the list promptly.
3. Find your courtroom and check in. Building staff and directories inside can point you to the right floor.
4. Meet your lawyer before your case is called. Many cases are resolved, adjourned or narrowed in conversations with the prosecutor before the judge takes the bench.
5. Wait for your case to be called. You may be there for a few hours. Bring something to read, but keep your phone silenced and put away inside the courtroom.
6. Leave with clear next steps. Before you go, make sure you know your next court date and any conditions you must follow.

How to dress and act in the courtroom

Dress as you would for a job interview: clean, conservative clothing, no hats, and nothing with slogans or images. Stand when the judge enters and when you speak to the court. Address the judge as “Your Honor,” and let your lawyer do the talking unless the judge asks you a question directly. Never discuss the facts of your case in the hallway, where alleged victims, witnesses or officers may be standing nearby.

If Someone You Know Is in Custody

People arrested in Mercer County are held at the Mercer County Correction Center on Route 29 in Hopewell Township, not in downtown Trenton. The facility’s main number is (609) 397-7460.

• Visiting. Visiting days depend on the person’s housing unit, so ask your family member or call the Correction Center. Visitors must bring photo ID, follow a dress code (no orange clothing, sleeveless shirts or hats, among other rules) and can expect a search. Rules change, so confirm before you go.
• Release. Because New Jersey rarely uses cash bail, the key event is usually the first appearance or detention hearing, not posting bail. Getting a lawyer involved before that hearing is the most useful thing a family can do.

Our Mercer County Jail guide covers the booking process, phone calls, money and mail in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse?

At 400 South Warren Street in downtown Trenton, directly behind the historic courthouse on South Broad Street.

Where is the Mercer County Family Court?

The Family Part is in the Mercer County Civil Courthouse at 175 South Broad Street, Trenton. Domestic violence restraining order hearings and juvenile cases are held there.

Where do I park for the Mercer County courthouse?

Metered spots line South Broad, Lafayette and Warren Streets, and paid garages are available at the Marriott (Lafayette and Warren Streets) and on Front Street between South Broad and Warren. Arrive early, since street spots fill quickly.

My case is a DWI or traffic ticket. Do I go to the county courthouse?

Usually not. DWI and traffic cases are heard in the municipal court of the town where you were stopped, such as Trenton, Hamilton, Ewing or Princeton. Your ticket lists the court.

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

In Superior Court, defendants generally must appear unless the judge excuses them. In municipal court, a lawyer can sometimes appear without you for certain proceedings. Ask your lawyer before you assume you can skip a date, because missing court can lead to a bench warrant.

How long will I be at court?

Plan for at least a half day. Many cases are called in the order lawyers are ready, and a short appearance can still mean hours of waiting.

Can I watch a court proceeding?

Most criminal proceedings are open to the public. Family Part matters, including juvenile cases and many domestic violence hearings, are generally closed.