The 2026 Bergen & Passaic Judicial Ledger
A Hyper-Local Guide to Municipal Justice and Courtroom Authority
Hon. Benjamin B. Choi
Presiding Judge of Municipal Courts | Bergen County (Vicinage 2)Biographical Information
Designated as the Presiding Judge for the Bergen Vicinage in late 2025, Judge Benjamin B. Choi is a titan of the North Jersey legal community. A U.S. Army Veteran and former paratrooper, Choi transitioned from a career as a high-stakes municipal prosecutor into the judiciary, previously leading the Hoboken bench. By 2026, he is the administrative head of all 70+ municipal courts in Bergen County. His background in the JAG Corps informs his approach to order, ethics, and military-grade efficiency in court administration.
Operating Style & Importance
Knowing Judge Choi is about understanding **Systemic Uniformity**. He does not tolerate “rogue” courtroom procedures. He expects every local judge in Bergen to adhere to standardized sentencing and digital discovery protocols. Litigants should know that Choi values **procedural punctuality**. If you are appearing in a court under his supervision, any deviation from the NJ Court Rules will be met with swift administrative correction. His focus is on clearing the post-pandemic backlog through mandatory virtual pre-trial conferences.
Common Crimes & Oversight
As the PJMC, he oversees the handling of complex DWI appeals, multi-jurisdictional drug task force cases, and the implementation of the Veterans’ Diversion Program across the county.
Hon. John F. Meola
Presiding Judge of Municipal Courts | Passaic County (Vicinage 11)Biographical Information
Judge John F. Meola is the administrative anchor of Passaic County’s municipal division. With three decades of experience, he has seen the evolution of Passaic from a traditional court system to a modern, rehabilitative model. Based in Paterson, he balances the needs of industrial cities like Clifton and Passaic with the suburban requirements of Wayne and West Milford. He is widely recognized for his scholarly approach to the New Jersey Rules of Evidence.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Meola is a **”Jurist’s Judge.”** He prioritizes the legal record above all else. For an attorney or defendant, this means that emotional pleas carry less weight than a well-constructed legal argument regarding the Fourth Amendment. He is the final authority on municipal appeals in the county; understanding his past rulings on “Probable Cause” is essential for anyone contesting a search or seizure in Passaic County.
Common Crimes & Oversight
His oversight frequently involves reviewing “Suppression of Evidence” motions in high-volume drug possession cases and presiding over the county’s emergent domestic violence hearings.
Hon. Karen Gwynn
Municipal Judge | City of HackensackBiographical Information
Appointed as the new face of the Hackensack bench in late 2025, Judge Karen Gwynn brought 30 years of experience as a Bergen County prosecutor to the court. A graduate of Seton Hall Law, she is a trailblazer in the local Drug Court Program. Her appointment was celebrated as a move toward a more community-centric judiciary in the county seat of Hackensack.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Gwynn operates with the **”Prosecutor’s Insight.”** She knows every tactic in the book regarding plea negotiations and evidence discovery. However, her true passion lies in **Rehabilitation**. Knowing Judge Gwynn means knowing that she is a fierce advocate for the “Recovery Court” model. If a defendant shows a genuine desire for treatment over punishment, she is arguably the most supportive judge in Bergen County for diversionary outcomes.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Hackensack, being the county seat, sees everything: Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct at the Justice Center, Shoplifting, and high volumes of Traffic Violations from Route 4 and I-80.
Hon. Jeremias E. Batista
Chief Judge | Passaic City Municipal CourtBiographical Information
Judge Jeremias Batista is a staple of the Passaic City legal community. As Chief Judge, he manages a court that serves one of the most densely populated cities in the United States. He is fluent in Spanish and English, which has allowed him to bridge cultural gaps in the justice system for over two decades. His courtroom is one of the most technologically integrated in the county, utilizing advanced translation software and virtual platforms.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Batista is known for **”Cultural Competency.”** He understands the unique community dynamics of Passaic City and emphasizes fairness for the city’s large immigrant population. To appear before him is to experience a judge who is highly efficient but takes the time to ensure the defendant understands their rights. He has a low tolerance for “procedural gamesmanship” from attorneys and values directness.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
City Ordinance violations, Landlord-Tenant criminal disputes, Petty Theft, and heavy volumes of Driving Without a License (39:3-40) cases.
Hon. James P. Sieradzki
Municipal Judge | City of CliftonBiographical Information
Judge James Sieradzki is a veteran jurist who has navigated the Clifton Municipal Court through decades of growth. Clifton is a massive jurisdiction that intersects the Garden State Parkway and Route 3, creating a diverse and relentless docket. Sieradzki is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to remain impartial even in the most heated litigation.
Operating Style & Importance
The **”Clifton Standard”** under Judge Sieradzki is one of **Patient Impartiality**. He is a “middle-of-the-road” judge who rarely deviates from established sentencing guidelines. For a defendant, this means predictability. Knowing how he operates allows a defense attorney to accurately forecast the outcome of a plea. He is particularly attentive to traffic safety and rarely grants leniency for high-speed reckless driving on Clifton’s major arteries.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Speeding (Rt 3/GSP), Shoplifting (from Clifton’s retail hubs), and “Under the Influence” cases. He also handles numerous business-related ordinance violations.
Hon. Giuseppe C. Randazzo
Judge | Garfield / Teaneck / Fair LawnBiographical Information
Judge Giuseppe Randazzo is one of the busiest municipal judges in New Jersey, often sitting in multiple towns across Bergen and Passaic Counties. By 2026, he has become the “go-to” judge for shared services courts. His ability to switch between the urban needs of Garfield and the suburban complexities of Teaneck and Fair Lawn is a testament to his legal versatility. He is a graduate of New York Law School and a recognized expert in municipal procedure.
Operating Style & Importance
Randazzo is known for **”Rapid-Fire Fairness.”** He moves through a docket with incredible speed but never misses a legal beat. Knowing Judge Randazzo means being **completely prepared**. He does not allow “fishing expeditions” during discovery motions. Litigants who are organized and get straight to the point are treated with great respect. He is a judge who values the “letter of the law” but has a soft spot for first-time offenders who show genuine remorse.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Domestic Violence (Disorderly Persons), Neighborhood Harassment, Marijuana-related “Under the Influence” stops, and Transit violations.
Hon. Richard J. Brady
Chief Judge | Mahwah TownshipBiographical Information
Judge Richard Brady oversees Mahwah, the northern gateway to Bergen County. Given its proximity to the New York border and the intersection of I-287 and Route 17, Mahwah’s court is unique. Judge Brady has spent decades refining the operations of this “border court,” ensuring that interstate legal issues are handled with precision. He is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of police procedure.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Brady is the **”Guardian of the Border.”** He is particularly focused on **Public Safety** on the highways. Knowing Judge Brady means understanding that he takes a very hard line on out-of-state drivers who endanger local residents. He is a traditionalist who values courtroom decorum and expects all participants to be dressed professionally. He is widely considered one of the most knowledgeable judges regarding the “Drug Recognition Expert” (DRE) standards.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Interstate Drug Trafficking (Municipal level), DUI/DWI (Rt 17), Commercial Vehicle weight violations, and simple trespass offenses near the Ramapo mountains.
Hon. Peter F. Weiss
Chief Judge | Wayne TownshipBiographical Information
Judge Peter Weiss leads the Wayne Municipal Court, one of Passaic County’s premier suburban jurisdictions. Wayne is a hub for retail (Willowbrook Mall) and education (William Paterson University), creating a docket that ranges from teenage shoplifting to complex white-collar municipal fraud. Judge Weiss has been the face of the Wayne bench for years, providing a steady hand through numerous town administrations.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Weiss is a **”Procedural Expert.”** He is known for giving detailed explanations of his rulings, making his courtroom a highly transparent environment. Knowing Judge Weiss is about understanding **Integrity**. He has zero tolerance for dishonesty. If a defendant is caught in a lie, even a small one, they can expect the maximum allowable sentence. Conversely, he is a major proponent of “Conditional Dismissals” for those with no prior record.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Retail Theft (Willowbrook), Underage Possession of Alcohol/Cannabis, Simple Assault, and high-volume Traffic stops on Route 23 and 46.
Hon. Joseph L. Mecca, Jr.
Chief Judge | Paramus BoroughBiographical Information
Judge Joseph Mecca Jr. governs the Paramus Municipal Court, which arguably handles more retail-related crime than any other municipal court in the United States. With the Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, and several other major malls in his jurisdiction, Judge Mecca has become a national expert on the intersection of retail security and municipal law. He is a Seton Hall Law alumnus with deep roots in Bergen County politics and law.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Mecca is the **”Retail Jurisprudence”** authority. Knowing Judge Mecca means understanding that he takes Shoplifting and Credit Card Fraud extremely seriously. He views these as attacks on the economic lifeblood of Paramus. Litigants should not expect “easy” deals in Paramus; Mecca ensures that the deterrent factor of a conviction remains high. However, he is a very fair presiding judge who ensures that mall security and police followed every proper protocol during an arrest.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Shoplifting, Credit Card Fraud, Receiving Stolen Property, and massive volumes of Route 4/17 Traffic Violations.
Hon. Matthew Fierro
Municipal Judge | Fort Lee BoroughBiographical Information
Judge Matthew Fierro presides over Fort Lee, the “Gateway to New York City.” Positioned at the mouth of the George Washington Bridge, his court handles an unprecedented amount of transit-related offenses. Judge Fierro is a seasoned attorney who has specialized in local government law, giving him a unique perspective on how municipal court rulings affect town policy and bridge operations.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Fierro is the **”Transit Authority”** on the bench. Knowing Judge Fierro means knowing that he is an expert on **Toll Evasion** and **Commercial Vehicle Laws**. He works closely with Port Authority Police. His courtroom moves at a very fast pace to keep up with the volume of bridge-related summonses. He is known to be very practical; he wants to resolve cases quickly and move them out of the system. He values settlements that include the payment of restitution to the Port Authority.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Toll Evasion (E-ZPass fraud), Drug Possession in Transit, Resisting Arrest on the GWB, and complex commercial trucking violations.
Hon. Ernest Fronzuto
Municipal Judge | Little FallsBiographical Information
Judge Ernest Fronzuto is a highly regarded jurist in Passaic County, serving Little Falls. He is a prominent trial attorney in his private practice, specializing in complex litigation. This “Trial Lawyer” background makes him one of the most intellectually rigorous judges on the municipal bench. He is often appointed to hear cases where there is a conflict of interest in other Passaic towns.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Fronzuto is a **”Technical Formalist.”** Knowing Judge Fronzuto means being prepared for a mini-trial on almost every motion. He is not a “rubber stamp” judge for the prosecution. If a defense attorney can show a technical flaw in the police report or the Alcotest calibration, Fronzuto is intellectually honest enough to dismiss the case. He is widely respected for his commitment to the “Presumption of Innocence.”
Common Crimes Before the Judge
DWI, Petty Theft, Assault, and municipal cases involving the students of Montclair State University (which overlaps into Little Falls).
Hon. Ari Bernstein
Municipal Judge | Oradell BoroughBiographical Information
Judge Ari Bernstein serves the Oradell community. He is known for his community-based approach to the law. A former Bergen County prosecutor, he understands the balance between public safety and the need for a second chance. He has been a leader in the New Jersey State Bar Association, helping to draft guidelines for municipal court best practices.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Bernstein is known for **”Civility.”** He maintains one of the most polite and respectful courtrooms in Bergen County. Knowing Judge Bernstein means knowing that he values **Honesty and Accountability**. He often speaks directly to younger defendants about the long-term impact of a criminal record. He is very fair on “Points” reduction for traffic tickets if the driver has a clean history and is respectful of the officer involved.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Traffic summonses from Kinderkamack Road, Minor CDS possession, and Local Ordinance infractions regarding property maintenance.
Hon. Joseph M. Ariyan
Municipal Judge | River EdgeBiographical Information
Judge Joseph Ariyan presides over River Edge. He is a seasoned litigator who has spent decades in the Bergen County court system. His private practice focus on insurance and civil law gives him a sharp eye for the “liability” aspect of municipal cases, particularly in motor vehicle accidents that lead to municipal charges.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Ariyan is the **”Common Sense”** judge. He is very skilled at cutting through legal jargon to get to the heart of what happened. Knowing Judge Ariyan means being **Practical**. He prefers solutions that resolve the matter without unnecessary litigation. He is a strong supporter of “Mutual Dismissals” in neighborhood harassment cases where both parties are at fault. He is a highly efficient administrator who keeps his virtual sessions moving smoothly.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Accident-related summonses (Careless Driving), Simple Assault, and Shoplifting from the Riverside Square Mall periphery.
Hon. Francis A. Ciambrone
Municipal Judge | Maywood BoroughBiographical Information
Judge Francis Ciambrone is a veteran of the Bergen County legal scene. He has served as a judge in various municipalities over the years and currently leads Maywood. His deep historical knowledge of the Bergen County judiciary makes him a mentor to younger judges. He is known for his academic interest in the evolution of constitutional law at the municipal level.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Ciambrone is a **”Constitutionalist.”** He is highly sensitive to issues of **Due Process**. Knowing Judge Ciambrone means knowing that he will strictly enforce a defendant’s right to a speedy trial and proper discovery. If the state is slow to provide evidence, Ciambrone is known for issuing “Discovery Orders” with real teeth. He is a very thorough judge who writes detailed opinions on his municipal rulings.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Driving While Suspended, Insurance violations, Disorderly Conduct, and complex Zoning-related municipal trials.
Hon. Kecia Clarke Michel
Municipal Judge | Passaic City (Associate/Specialist)Biographical Information
Judge Kecia Clarke Michel serves as a vital associate judge in the Passaic City court system. She often handles specialized dockets, including domestic violence and juvenile-related municipal matters. She is an alumna of Rutgers Law and has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity and gender representation on the Passaic bench.
Operating Style & Importance
Judge Michel is known for **”Compassionate Decisiveness.”** She handles high-emotion cases with a steady hand. Knowing Judge Michel means understanding that she is **Safety-Oriented**. In domestic disputes or harassment cases, her primary focus is on the safety of the victim and the community. She is very thorough in her questioning of “Restraining Order” violations and is known to be firm on bail conditions for repeat offenders. She is highly respected for her work with Passaic’s youth programs.
Common Crimes Before the Judge
Domestic Violence (Simple Assault), Violation of Court Orders, Harassment, and Juvenile delinquency matters handled at the municipal level.