2026 Master Directory of Judges Monmouth County Municipal Courts

Hon. James M. Newman

Presiding Judge of Municipal Courts (PJMC) | Marlboro & Manalapan

2026 Seniority: 50+ Years Legal Experience | PJMC Since 2005

Biographical Information

Judge James M. Newman is the primary administrative and judicial authority for municipal law in Monmouth County. Having been admitted to the bar in 1975, he carries a level of institutional knowledge that is unsurpassed in the New Jersey court system. He currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Courts for all of Monmouth County while maintaining a primary bench in Marlboro and Manalapan. He is known as a “judge’s judge,” responsible for the education and ethical oversight of every municipal jurist in the vicinage.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Appearing before Judge Newman requires an absolute commitment to **Judicial Ethics and Decorum**. As the Presiding Judge, he is hyper-vigilant regarding conflicts of interest and procedural purity. He expects a high degree of “legal craft” from attorneys—casual or ill-prepared arguments are not tolerated. For a defendant, Judge Newman represents the “Standard of the State”; his rulings are often the benchmark for how other Monmouth judges handle high-profile cases.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

In the Marlboro/Manalapan corridor, Judge Newman frequently adjudicates complex DWI matters, high-speed traffic violations on Route 9 and Route 18, and “White Collar” municipal offenses. He is a noted authority on the evolution of New Jersey’s “remanded” indictable offenses.

Contact Marlboro Court

Hon. Nicole Sonnenblick

Chief Judge | Freehold Township & Colts Neck

2026 Status: 20+ Years Legal Career | High-Volume Expert

Biographical Information

Judge Nicole Sonnenblick commands the bench in Freehold Township, one of the most active courts in Central Jersey. Before her elevation to the bench, she served as a formidable municipal prosecutor, which provides her with a unique “prosecutorial-analytical” perspective. She has managed thousands of cases ranging from simple traffic summonses to complex criminal disputes. Her dual role in Freehold and Colts Neck allows her to manage two distinct socioeconomic demographics with consistent legal application.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Sonnenblick is known for her **sharp analytical mind** and **efficient docket management**. In Freehold Township, the volume of cases is immense; knowing her operating style means being prepared for a fast-paced environment where “cutting to the chase” is rewarded. She values transparency and is remarkably skilled at spotting inconsistent testimony. For defendants, this means that truthfulness and early cooperation with discovery are the best paths to a favorable plea agreement.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

Due to the proximity of the Freehold Raceway Mall and major state highways (Route 9 and 33), she frequently handles high-volume Shoplifting, CDS Possession, and DWI cases. In Colts Neck, her docket often shifts toward local ordinance disputes and high-speed moving violations.

Freehold Township Court Info

Hon. Susan Schroeder Clark

Chief Judge | Howell Township & Tinton Falls

2026 Milestone: 11th Year in Tinton Falls | Veteran NJ Jurist

Biographical Information

Judge Susan Schroeder Clark is a powerhouse of the Monmouth County judiciary. Effective January 1, 2026, she was reappointed to a full three-year term in Tinton Falls, continuing a tenure that began in 2015. She also maintains a major presence in the Howell Township court. Her legal background is diverse, featuring significant experience in both municipal and criminal litigation, which she applies to the sprawling jurisdictions she serves.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Clark is highly regarded for her **fairness and community-oriented approach**. She understands the local impact of crime in large townships like Howell. Knowing her “judicial temperament” is essential; she is known to be remarkably patient with self-represented litigants but expects seasoned attorneys to maintain a rigorous standard of evidence. She is a strong proponent of “Remediation Over Incarceration” for first-time youthful offenders.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

High-volume Parkway offenses (GSP exits 100-109), Commercial Vehicle Violations, Simple Assault, and Harassment cases originating from domestic disputes in these growing residential hubs.

Contact Howell Court

Hon. James E. Berube

Chief Judge | Middletown Township

2026 Status: Lead Judge of Monmouth’s Largest Township

Biographical Information

Judge James E. Berube oversees the municipal court of Middletown, the most populous municipality in Monmouth County. In 2024, Middletown initiated a shared services agreement with Keyport, further expanding the jurisdictional influence of its court staff. Judge Berube is an expert in managing complex, multi-defendant dockets and has been a stabilizing force for the Middletown bench through various town administrations.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

In Middletown, Judge Berube operates with **administrative precision**. Because the township is so large, the court must function like a well-oiled machine. Knowing Judge Berube means understanding that he values **pre-trial resolution**. He encourages prosecutors and defense attorneys to exhaust all avenues of negotiation before taking up bench time. For a defendant, having a well-documented defense ready at the first appearance is critical to moving quickly through his system.

Crimes Often Before the Court

Middletown’s court sees a vast array of cases: Boating Violations (along the Raritan Bay), Traffic offenses on Route 35 and 36, and “Quality of Life” ordinances related to property and noise.

Middletown Court Directory

Hon. Roger McLaughlin

Municipal Court Judge | Wall Township

2026 Appointment: Term Effective Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2028

Biographical Information

Newly appointed for a full three-year term starting in 2026, Judge Roger McLaughlin brings fresh energy to the Wall Township Municipal Court. He succeeds a line of distinguished jurists in a town that serves as a major gateway to the Jersey Shore. His appointment was ratified by the Township Committee to ensure a high level of legal scholarship in one of the county’s busiest shore-adjacent courts.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

As a relatively recent appointee to this specific seat (though a veteran of the Monmouth legal scene), Judge McLaughlin is establishing a reputation for **strict procedural adherence**. Knowing Judge McLaughlin means knowing that he is meticulously reviewing the “Probable Cause” for every stop. He is a judge who pays close attention to the details of police reports. Defendants with technical defenses regarding search and seizure will find a fair, intellectually honest audience in his courtroom.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

Wall Township is the hub of the Parkway/I-195 interchange. His docket is dominated by high-velocity Traffic Violations, DWI/DUI, and “Disorderly Persons” offenses originating from seasonal tourism spikes.

Wall Township Court Portal

Hon. George Cieri

Chief Judge | Long Branch Municipal Court

2026 Status: 25+ Years Experience | Urban Coast Expert

Biographical Information

Judge George Cieri presides over the City of Long Branch, a jurisdiction that blends high-density urban living with elite beachfront commerce. Judge Cieri has spent decades in the Monmouth County court system and is known for his ability to handle “high-friction” dockets with a calm, authoritative hand. He is a graduate of reputable New Jersey law institutions and has seen the transformation of Long Branch into a premier destination.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Cieri is known for his **Judicial Temperament**. He maintains order in a courtroom that often sees complex emotional disputes. Knowing Judge Cieri involves understanding his commitment to **Community Harmony**. In a city with active nightlife and diverse housing, he often uses his bench to mediate neighborhood disputes through “Mutual Dismissals” or restorative conditions. However, he is remarkably tough on “Disorderly Conduct” that threatens public safety in retail areas like Pier Village.

Crimes Often Before the Court

City Ordinance violations, Assault (downgraded), Retail Theft, and seasonal alcohol-related offenses. Long Branch also features a significant amount of code enforcement litigation.

Long Branch Court Info

Hon. Daniel J. DiBenedetto

Chief Judge | Asbury Park Municipal Court

2026 Status: Veteran Jurist in NJ’s Most Iconic Coast City

Biographical Information

Judge Daniel J. DiBenedetto leads the Asbury Park Municipal Court. This court handles some of the most diverse and high-profile municipal matters in the county due to the city’s resurgence as a cultural and entertainment hub. Judge DiBenedetto has been a pillar of the local judiciary, navigating the legal complexities of a city that sees massive seasonal population shifts.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge DiBenedetto is known for his **thoroughness regarding Constitutional Rights**. He is famously meticulous about ensuring defendants understand the consequences of their pleas, particularly regarding immigration status and professional licensing. Knowing his style means being prepared for a judge who asks deep, clarifying questions. He is a proponent of “Street-Level Justice” that considers the unique challenges of Asbury Park’s urban environment.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

Simple Assault, Drug Possession, City Ordinance violations (Noise/Permit), and Public Intoxication. He also oversees the city’s specialized “Quality of Life” task force cases.

Asbury Park Court Contact

Hon. Michael D. Pugliese

Chief Judge | Hazlet & Keyport

2026 Status: Specialist in Northern Monmouth Shared Services

Biographical Information

Judge Michael D. Pugliese is the primary judicial figure for the northern bayshore area of Monmouth County. By 2026, he has become a specialist in managing “Shared Services” courts, effectively presiding over both Hazlet and Keyport. His career is marked by a focus on “Practical Law,” ensuring that smaller municipalities have access to high-level judicial expertise without the overhead of independent facilities.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Pugliese is a **”Common Sense” jurist**. He is highly effective at identifying “frivolous” complaints and moving them out of the system. Knowing Judge Pugliese means being **Direct and Truthful**. He values the time of the court and the police officers; if a defendant takes responsibility early, Pugliese is known for being fair in his sentencing. However, he is remarkably firm on “Reckless Driving” on the Route 35/36 corridors.

Crimes Often Before the Judge

DWI (Bayshore corridor), Theft, Domestic Violence (DP level), and transit-related offenses near the Hazlet/Keyport bus and rail lines.

Hazlet Court Directory

Hon. Robin T. Wernik

Chief Judge | Neptune Township

2026 Status: High-Volume Urban/Suburban Hybrid Specialist

Biographical Information

Judge Robin T. Wernik presides over the Neptune Township Municipal Court. Neptune is a unique jurisdiction that includes urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and the historic Ocean Grove area. Judge Wernik brings a sophisticated legal background to the bench, having practiced in diverse fields of law before her appointment. She is known for her ability to handle the “Remanded” docket from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office with extreme efficiency.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Wernik is known for her **Decisiveness**. In Neptune, the docket is relentless; knowing her means understanding that she expects attorneys to be “Discovery Ready” at the second appearance. She is highly focused on **Public Safety and Rehabilitation**. She is a major supporter of the “Straight to Treatment” model for drug-related offenses. For a defendant, showing a proactive step toward counseling is often the most significant factor in her sentencing decisions.

Crimes Often Before the Court

Drug Possession, Simple Assault, Receiving Stolen Property, and complex Traffic Violations near Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Neptune Court Portal

Hon. Paul Capotorto

Judge | Bradley Beach, Neptune City, Allenhurst, Sea Girt

2026 Status: The “Shared Services” Architect of the Shore

Biographical Information

Judge Paul Capotorto is perhaps the most visible municipal judge for the coastal boroughs of Monmouth County. By 2026, he has consolidated several “shared services” benches, providing a unified judicial experience for residents of Bradley Beach, Neptune City, Allenhurst, and Sea Girt. He is a veteran of the Monmouth County Bar and is widely regarded for his expertise in “Borough Law” and the unique needs of small-town beachfront communities.

The Importance of Knowing the Judge

Judge Capotorto is known for **Community-Based Justice**. Because he serves several small, tight-knit boroughs, he understands the local dynamics of neighbor disputes and seasonal influxes. Knowing Judge Capotorto means understanding that he values **Respect for Local Peace**. He is particularly strict on “Quality of Life” ordinances that affect the quiet enjoyment of shore towns (Noise, Parking, Public Intoxication). He is a proponent of mediation for non-criminal neighbor disputes.

Crimes Often Before the Court

DWI (Main Street corridor), Local Ordinance violations, Petty Theft, and “Beach Crimes” involving seasonal tourism and short-term rental disputes.

Bradley Beach/Shared Court Access