Hearing on Dowd’s DWI charge postponed
By carolyn o’connell
Staff Writer

MONMOUTH BEACH — Monmouth County Republican Chairman William F. Dowd did not show up for his hearing in the borough’s municipal court, but his lawyer and law practice partner John Reilly did.

Dowd, 58, of Ocean Avenue in Long Branch was supposed to be in court on Tuesday to face charges of driving while intoxicated and several other motor vehicle infractions stemming from a stop on Jan. 2 by Long Branch police officer Michael Vogler.

Reilly entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of Dowd and said, "I did not receive notification from Long Branch Municipal Court that the case would be heard in Monmouth Beach."

He said he learned of the hearing by reading the newspaper.

After entering the not-guilty plea, Reilly sought to have the case moved to another court.

He said the matter should not be heard in Monmouth Beach since Municipal Court Judge John G. Colannino and Dowd were classmates at a small parochial school in North Jersey.

"Recently," said Reilly addressing the judge, "you and Dowd attended a reunion for that school, and my client (Dowd) should not be judged by someone he went to high school with."

At that point in the proceedings, Colannino asked that Reilly bring his client into the courtroom.

Reilly said he could not comply because his client "is not here because he is not feeling well."

Reilly maintained that Dowd’s presence was not needed because this was not a trial and asked for an adjournment.

Colannino, upholding Dowd’s right to appear before the court, said, "It would be unfair to proceed without Dowd being present."

Monmouth Beach Prosecutor Robert J. Holden concurred, saying, "The procedures can’t be waived at such a critical stage in the proceedings."

Colannino said he did not appreciate "delaying tactics by Dowd, and the court or I should have been notified in advance."

The case has been rescheduled for March 5, which will give Dowd and his attorney a total of two months since the arrest to complete discovery in the case.

The judge ordered that all discovery demands must be met within seven days to ensure "no discovery problems would occur."

Holden said, "I have given Reilly a package with documents from Long Branch Prosecutor Steven C. Rueben."

Reilly said it is possible that documents may be missing.

After granting the new trial date, the judge warned Reilly, "Don’t come asking for another adjournment."

He added, "I want him (Dowd) here and ready to go on March 5."