Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Middlesex County, NJ
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Middlesex County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, which can lead to fines, points, and license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients in the Middlesex Vicinage Superior Court. If you are charged, contact a failure to obey a police officer lawyer Middlesex County for a case review.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
The statute for failure to obey a police officer is 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 includes orders to stop, move, or turn a vehicle.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Middlesex Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in traffic court matters. The firm was founded in 1997.
Official Legal Resources
You can review the official state statute for N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (failure to obey a police officer) on the New Jersey Legislature website. For court procedures, visit the Middlesex Vicinage Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge
In Middlesex County, a failure to obey a police officer charge is typically heard in the Municipal Division of the Superior Court. The process is adversarial, and the prosecutor must prove you willfully failed to comply with a lawful order. An affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Middlesex County can challenge the evidence of what the officer ordered and whether your actions constituted a willful refusal.
- You will receive a traffic summons with a court date for the Middlesex Vicinage Superior Court.
- Consider hiring a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Middlesex County before your first appearance.
- Your attorney can review the evidence, which may include the officer’s report and any dashcam or bodycam footage.
- Possible defenses include arguing the order was unclear, unsafe to follow, or that you did not willfully refuse to comply.
- Your lawyer may negotiate for a reduced charge or present your case at a trial before a judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for minimal penalties at sentencing.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer
In Middlesex County, a conviction for failure to obey a police officer under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 carries a fine of $50 to $200, up to 15 days in jail, and 2 motor vehicle points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Offense | Up to 15 days | $50 – $200 | 2 points on driving record | Increased insurance premiums; possible community service. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Legal Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for traffic and criminal matters. Our approach is case-specific, built on a detailed review of the facts and applicable law.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for failure to obey charges in Middlesex County are not listed, our firm has handled numerous traffic violations. Outcomes in any case depend on the specific facts and evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Middlesex County Traffic Defense Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Middlesex County. We are accessible via NJ Turnpike, Route 1, and Route 18. If you need a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Middlesex County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-0900
By appointment only.
We serve New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Perth Amboy, South Brunswick, East Brunswick, Metuchen, Sayreville, South Amboy, and Monroe Township. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is failing to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
No. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, it is a traffic offense, not a criminal crime. However, a conviction can result in fines, jail time, and points on your license.
Can I go to jail for not obeying a police officer’s signal?
Yes. The statute allows for a sentence of up to 15 days in jail. Whether jail time is imposed depends on the facts of your case and your prior driving history.
How many points is failure to obey a police officer in NJ?
It carries 2 motor vehicle points. These points are added to your driving record and can lead to higher insurance costs and potential license suspension if you accumulate too many.
What are common defenses to this charge?
It depends. Defenses may include proving the officer’s order was not lawful, the order was unclear or impossible to safely follow, or that you did not willfully refuse to comply. An attorney can review your situation.
Should I just pay the ticket for failure to obey?
No. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt. It will result in points on your license and a permanent violation on your driving record. It is better to contest the charge with legal help.
Other Legal Services in Middlesex County
If you need other legal help, we also handle business law, contract disputes, and DUI defense in Middlesex County. For more on our traffic defense practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures can change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Middlesex County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Middlesex Vicinage (6th Vicinage), 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, telephone (732) 981-3000, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Middlesex 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: Middlesex County NJ lawyers directory · Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Essex County, NJ.