Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Somerset County, NJ — What Are Your Defenses?
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Somerset County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, carrying fines, points, and potential jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing this charge in the Somerset Vicinage Superior Court.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
The offense of failure to obey a police officer is defined under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-57. This law makes it illegal for any driver to refuse or fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. This is a broad statute that can cover a range of actions, from failing to stop when signaled to disregarding specific traffic control instructions given by an officer at the scene of an accident or a roadblock.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, leads our defense team. His understanding of both sides of the courtroom provides a strategic advantage in building a defense against these charges.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey statutes)
- Somerset Vicinage Superior Court website
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Somerset County
In Somerset County, a failure to obey a police officer charge is typically heard in the Municipal Division of the Superior Court located in the municipality where the alleged offense occurred. The process is adversarial, and the prosecution must prove you willfully failed to comply with a lawful order. An experienced failure to obey a police officer lawyer Somerset County can challenge the officer’s account, the lawfulness of the order, and the evidence presented.
- Receive Your Summons: You will receive a traffic ticket/summons specifying the charge (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) and your court date in the local municipal court.
- Initial Consultation with an Attorney: Contact a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Somerset County immediately to review the summons and discuss potential defenses before your first court appearance.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may attend a pre-trial conference with the municipal prosecutor to discuss the case, present mitigating factors, and explore possibilities for a plea negotiation or dismissal.
- Motion Practice: If necessary, your lawyer can file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if your rights were violated or the charge is defective.
- Trial: If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a municipal court judge. Your attorney will present your defense, cross-examine the officer, and argue for an acquittal.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your lawyer will argue for minimal penalties. You have the right to appeal a conviction to the Law Division of the Superior Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Somerset County, a conviction for failure to obey a police officer under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 can result in fines, motor vehicle points, and even jail time, making a strong defense critical.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Violation / Disorderly Persons Offense (if willful) | Up to 15 days in jail (discretionary) | $50 to $200+ plus court costs | 2 motor vehicle points added to your driving record | Increased insurance premiums; possible community service; a conviction remains on your driving abstract. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources and a track record of favorable outcomes to your case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive and full representation for every client. We understand that a traffic conviction can have lasting effects, and we fight to protect your driving privileges and your record.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local results for this charge in Somerset County are not enumerated here, our firm-wide approach has secured numerous favorable outcomes in traffic and municipal court matters. We have successfully argued for dismissals, reductions in charges, and minimized penalties for our clients. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our focus is on providing a personalized and vigorous defense case-specific to the unique facts of your situation.
Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Near Somerset County Courts
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Somerset County. We are accessible to those needing representation at municipal courts in Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, and surrounding areas. Our location is near major highways like I-287 and Route 22 for your convenience.
Neighborhoods Served: Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, Bedminster.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with failure to obey a police officer in NJ?
Do not ignore the ticket. Contact an experienced failure to obey a police officer lawyer Somerset County immediately. Pleading guilty without counsel can result in fines, points, and a permanent mark on your driving record. An attorney can review the circumstances and build a defense.
Can I go to jail for failing to obey a police officer’s signal?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, a judge has discretion to impose a jail sentence of up to 15 days, especially if the violation is deemed willful or contributed to an accident. This highlights the importance of having a skilled attorney argue for alternative penalties.
How many points will I get on my license for this charge?
A conviction for failure to obey a police officer in New Jersey adds 2 motor vehicle points to your driving record. Accumulating points can lead to surcharges and potential license suspension. An affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Somerset County may be able to negotiate a plea to a zero-point offense.
What are common defenses against this charge?
It depends on the facts. Defenses can include arguing the officer’s order was not lawful or clear, you did not willfully disobey, you had a legitimate safety concern, or the officer lacked proper authority. Your lawyer will investigate the incident to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Should I just pay the ticket to make it go away?
No. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and results in a conviction. This adds points to your license and will likely increase your insurance rates. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney first to explore your options for fighting the charge.
Internal Resources
For more information on related legal matters in New Jersey, please visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. You may also find our pages on Somerset County DUI defense and Somerset County traffic violations useful.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your failure to obey a police officer charge in Somerset County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Somerset County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on failure to obey a police officer lawyer New Jersey covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Somerset County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.