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TOWN COURT

Verdict

QUICK LINKS

CONTACT  INFORMATION

Confidential Court Clerks

E-mail: leraytowncourt@nycourts.gov

Phone: (315) 629-0228

Fax: (315) 629-0433

OFFICE HOURS

Monday to Friday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

(Except for Holidays)

TOWN JUSTICES

Name

Term

Honorable Larry G. Covell

12/31/25

Honorable Cheryl A. Clark

12/31/28

Town Justices: 

Honorable Larry G. Covell
Honorable Cheryl A. Clark

The Court handles a variety of matters including traffic violations, arraignments, criminal cases, small claims cases, and evictions within the Town limits.

 

To minimize foot traffic in the court offices, it is encouraged that payments are mailed in or paid online (pay here). Payment must be made using cash, money order, or credit card. Unfortunately, personal checks are not accepted. Please note that a 2.99% processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions.

 

If you would like to pay your ticket or case online, please contact the Town Court to obtain your ticket or case number. An additional fee applies to online payments.

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The Town of LeRay Justice Court Calendar is heard by appointment ONLY. 

VEHICLE & TRAFFIC INFORMATION

If the ticket you received is a vehicle & traffic violation you may enter a plea by mail, in person during regular business hours, or drop off in the drop box located at the court office prior to or on the appearance date given at the time of the alleged offense. The drop box is located on the left after the first set of doors, this is accessible during and after business hours. You have various procedural options in the court to bring this matter to disposition. You may want to consult with an attorney for guidance or representation before determining which course of action you will pursue, but you are not required to do so. The court cannot provide you with a recommendation as to how to proceed, or which option you should choose.

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1180 VTL Speeding: You are not entitled to automatic discovery due to the highest charge being a traffic infraction, but you have the right to file a motion for discovery. For further information seek legal counsel.

OPTION 1

Plea of GUILTY

(Section A, right top portion on original ticket)

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A GUILTY plea results in a mandatory NYS surcharge, and a fine. The NYS fine structure/ Surcharges vary and are NOT a set amount. Please seek legal advice for further guidance on the NYS fine structure/ Surcharges and potential additional penalties from the NYS DMV.

OPTION 2

Plea of NOT GUILTY and Request a Reduction from the District Attorney’s Office

(Section B, right bottom on original ticket)

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You may attempt to negotiate an alternative disposition (plea bargain) with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. To access the Jefferson County DA’s reduction ONLINE program please visit: www.co.jefferson.ny.us

 

Once you have completed the online course, a traffic reduction offer will be emailed to you in approximately 3-5 business days. It is your responsibility to submit a signed disposition to the court. Once the court receives the plea reduction form and approves the disposition, you may then be subject to a Mandatory NYS surcharge and court fine.

 

If you have any further question regarding the above option, please contact the Jefferson County DA’s Office:

 

Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601

315.785.3053
Email: traffic@co.jefferson.ny.us

OPTION 3

Plea of NOT GUILTY & Request a Trial 

(Section B, right bottom on original ticket), and attach in writing a statement requesting a trial.

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An accusatory instrument, alleging that you have committed an offense, has been filed with the court. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to a trial in this matter. You have the right to retain an attorney to represent you now, or at any stage in these proceedings. The People of the State of New York, represented by the District Attorney’s Office (the prosecution), must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you have committed the offense(s) alleged in the accusatory instrument(s). At trial, you will have the right to hear, see, and challenge any evidence submitted to prove your guilt. This includes confronting and cross-examining witnesses. You also have the right to call witnesses on your behalf to testify. You may but are NOT required to testify on your own behalf. After hearing all the evidence submitted at the trial, the Court determines whether the People have proven your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and renders a verdict.

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