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Town Court

Town Justices

Honorable Christopher Clauson
Town Justice since 1992
Court is held on Mondays at 5:00pm

Honorable Jules Ravo
Town Justice since 2014
Court is held on Wednesdays at 5:00pm

Court Clerks

Deborah Gallagher
Senior Court Clerk

Nicole Knapp
Court Clerk

Contact Information

93 East Main Street
Dryden, NY 13053

Phone: (607) 844-8888, Option 1
Fax: (607) 240-5064

Please Note: Communication with the Court via email or voicemail is not accepted. If you need to speak with a Court Clerk, please call or stop in during office hours, or mail in your request. If you are unable to make it during office hours, there is a 24 hour drop box located inside the front door vestibule at Town Hall.

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday — 8:00am-4:30pm
Friday — CLOSED

In-Person Operations

AT THIS TIME, APPEARANCES ARE BACK TO IN-PERSON:

 In-person operations will be scheduled within 15 minute blocks. It is important that you appear at the EXACT scheduled time or only 5 minutes prior to be signed in. The entrance for in-person operations is at the back of the Town Hall.
 All first appearances are scheduled to be in-person unless scheduled otherwise.
 If it is necessary that your appearance be scheduled virtually, please contact the Court at the above number PRIOR TO THE APPEARANCE DATE.

Virtual Court

IF YOUR APPEARANCE IS SCHEDULED VIRTUALLY, PLEASE SEE THE BELOW INFORMATION:

Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on Your Computer or Mobile App
Click Here to Join the Meeting

Or Call-In (audio only)
+1 347-378-4143,,860646688#   United States, New York City
Phone Conference ID: 860 646 688#
Find a Local Number | Reset PIN
Learn More | Meeting Options

Please Note:
1. When you click on the link to join the Microsoft Teams Meeting, you will be prompted to download an app on your phone or computer. Please do so and then re-enter the virtual Court lobby using the above link.
2. When you join the meeting via the link, you will be placed in a lobby and the Court will let you into the meeting at the appropriate time. If for some reason you leave the meeting or the session times out, the Court will re-admit you to the meeting once you sign back on and enter the lobby.
3. When utilizing the Call-In feature, your microphone will automatically be muted. You must unmute yourself for the Judge to hear you.
4. It is recommended that you keep you microphone muted and video off until you are requested to speak. This will minimize distractions for all people.
5. All court sessions are audio recorded. The video may also be recorded when the Court feels this is helpful, or in necessary situations.

If you are having trouble joining the meeting, you can try calling the court. However, due to limited staffing, there is no guarantee that your call will be answered during court. If you cannot get through, call the following business day during office hours to discuss the next step in your matter(s). 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

Additional Information and Procedures

TO REQUEST INFORMATION:
Please fill out and file with the court – REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

MAIL WAIVER TO CHANGE OR ENTER YOUR PLEA:
Please fill out and mail the waiver form to the court – PLEA BY MAIL WAIVER

TO APPLY FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY ASSIGNED COUNSEL:
You may now apply for Assigned Counsel through an online eligibility application

TO MAKE PAYMENTS:
• Send a money order or certified check (payable to Dryden Town Court) via mail to:
     – Dryden Town Court, 93 E Main Street, Dryden, NY  13053
• Pay online: paycourtonline.com
     – You will need your case or ticket number for this option
• Pay over the phone: 1-888-912-1541 (service fees apply)
     – You will need your case or ticket number for this option
• Pay in-person during office hours:
     – Acceptable forms of payment during office hours include – cash, credit, money order, or certified check

FILING FEES:
• SMALL CLAIMS
     – Up to$1,000.00 = $10.00 File Fee
     – Between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00 (maximum) = $15.00 File Fee
     – To file a small claims in Dryden Town Court – SMALL CLAIMS for DRYDEN TOWN COURT

• SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS
     – $20.00 File Fee
     – For summary proceeding or eviction proceeding information refer to the website – https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/
     – You may refer to the handbook which could also be found on the above website – SMALL CLAIMS HANDBOOK

FOR CONSIDERATION OR REDUCTION ON A VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC TICKET (AN INFRACTION OR VIOLATION IN NATURE):
The Justice cannot reduce or amend any traffic infractions… If you would like reduction or consideration of the Vehicle and Traffic Law infraction(s) currently pending against you in this Court:

FACE COVERING WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING DURING OFFICE HOURS AND FOR COURT APPEARANCES – COVID RESTRICTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED