Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today welcomed Chief Municipal Judge Benjamin Choi and Municipal Judge Scott Pennington following a swearing-in ceremony at Hudson County Superior Court on Aug. 29.
Mayor Bhalla announced their appointments in July, marking the first time in the City’s history that an Asian American and African American individual held either position.
"The appointments of Mr. Choi and Mr. Pennington mark a pivotal moment in our Mile Square,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Not only will Hoboken’s court system now reflect the increasing diversity of our city and state, but will also elevate public servants with the experience and dedication to ensure equal justice for all. I’m proud to welcome them to their new positions.”
"I am deeply honored to be appointed as the Chief Municipal Court Judge for the City of Hoboken,” said Chief Municipal Judge Choi. “In my new position as the Chief Judge, I look forward to working with the Court Administrator, our excellent Court Staff and our newly appointed Municipal Court Judge, Judge Scott Pennington. Together, we will work to ensure that all court participants will be given an opportunity to be heard and will be treated respectfully, fairly and justly."
As Chief Municipal Judge, Choi will be responsible for all supervisory and administrative functions of the municipal court.
From 2009 until today, Choi served the city as the Alcohol Beverage and Control Board's prosecutor, later as the ABC Board attorney, municipal prosecutor, and municipal court judge.
I am honored and eager to begin my role as Municipal Court Judge, dedicated to upholding the principles of fairness and justice within our community,” said Municipal Court Judge Pennington. “I look forward to serving Hoboken and working diligently to ensure a just legal process for all individuals who come before the court.”
As Municipal Court Judge, Pennington will adjudicate all complaints brought before the municipal court including disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, DUI offenses, traffic citations, and city code violations, among others.
Pennington is a partner at Bennet Pennington LLC and has served on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on Municipal Court Practice and the local Attorney Ethics Committee.
For more information, go to www.hobokennj.gov/news/mayor-bhalla-makes-historic-judicial-appointments.
