Received Summons For Property Maintenance Violation In Jackson Township, Nj (tall Grass)– Need Advice

Hi everyone,

I recently received a notice of summons from Jackson Township, NJ, regarding a property maintenance violation. The notice states that I am required to appear in court on [XX-XX-2024]. The specific violation is under Section 244-164 for property maintenance.

Here's a summary of the key points from the notice:

• Violation Date: [05-XX-2024]
• Violations to be Abated by: [05-XX-2024] Same Date as Violation Date
• Section: 244-164
• Title: Property Maintenance and Violation Penalty
• The notice outlines that it is my responsibility to maintain the property in a safe and orderly condition.
• "Court Appearance Required" is checked, but there is no mention of a fine to pay.

I have a few questions:

1. What steps should I take to address this violation before the court date? By the time I received this notice, I had already mowed the yard and corrected the violation.
2. The “violation date” and “Violation to be Abated by” are the same. Shouldn't I have been given some notice prior to being summoned to correct the violation?
3. Should I consider hiring a lawyer for this issue, and if so, what type of lawyer would be best suited?
4. Are there any immediate actions I should take to mitigate potential penalties?

Any advice or insights from those with experience in property maintenance violations or local New Jersey laws would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!