Paul B. Phinney III, Town Justice

Richard Finning, Town Justice

There are two Town Justices, one elected every two years for a four-year term, in the Town of Orangetown.  They are assisted by a court clerk, Barbara Hofsommer, an Assistant Court Clerk, four full-time clerks and one part-time clerk. The Justice Court has general jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and vehicle and traffic within the Town. Civil jurisdiction is limited to matters up to $3,000 where the Plaintiff or Defendant lives, has a place of business or works in Orangetown and the other party may be served in the County of Rockland.  There is a Small Claims part of the Court - with jurisdiction up to $3,000.  However, jurisdiction is based upon the Defendant living, working or maintaining a place of business in Orangetown.

Paul B. Phinney III has served as Town Justice since 1985.  He received his Doctor of Law Degree from Cornell Law School.  Prior to entering law, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters for his over 119 combat missions in Southeast Asia.  He previously served two terms as South Nyack Village Trustee.

Richard C. Finning is a graduate of Fordham University School of Law. He has practiced law for over 20 years. Justice Finning has been active in community affairs and has served as Trustee of the Orangeburg Library, as First Vice President of the Blauvelt Lions Club, Coach for the OMM Soccer League, and a member of the South Orangetown Rotary Club.