Burlington County Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Burlington County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 that can lead to fines, points, and a criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides direct defense for these charges at the Burlington Vicinage Superior Court.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the offense of failure to obey a police officer is governed by 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 not a minor infraction; it is a traffic violation that carries significant penalties and is treated seriously by Burlington County courts. The core of the charge hinges on whether the officer’s command was lawful and clearly communicated.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Burlington Vicinage Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for Failure to Obey a Police Officer Charges
In Burlington County, a failure to obey a police officer ticket is typically heard in the Municipal Division of the Superior Court in the municipality where the alleged violation occurred. The process begins with your court date listed on the ticket. Prosecutors in these courts often seek the standard penalties, making an early case review by a failure to obey a police officer lawyer Burlington County critical.
- Receive your summons with a mandatory court date.
- Consult with a failure to obey a police officer lawyer before your first appearance.
- Appear in the designated municipal court for an initial hearing.
- Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a trial before a judge.
- A verdict will be issued, which can be appealed to the Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey in Burlington County
In Burlington 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 on your license.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Violation | Up to 15 days | $50 – $200 | 2 points | Increased insurance premiums, potential community service. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Burlington County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined attorney experience of over 120 years and a history of thousands of case results, our firm brings a deep understanding of New Jersey traffic court procedures. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive and thorough representation for every client facing a failure to obey charge.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific local results for this charge are not published, our approach is consistent: we scrutinize the officer’s report, challenge the legality of the order, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed to avoid points on your license.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Traffic Defense Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County. We are situated to assist you at courts in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and surrounding areas. If you need a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Burlington County, our team is accessible.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is failure to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
No. It is a traffic violation, not a criminal offense under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. However, it is a serious traffic ticket that can result in jail time, fines, and points on your driving record.
Can I go to jail for not obeying a police officer in Burlington County?
Yes. The statute allows for a sentence of up to 15 days in jail. While not common for a first offense, a judge may impose jail time, especially if the violation was flagrant, involved other dangerous behavior, or if you have a prior record.
How many points is a failure to obey ticket in NJ?
It carries 2 motor vehicle points. These points remain on your driving record for two years from the violation date and can lead to significant surcharges from the state and increased insurance premiums.
Should I just pay the ticket for failure to obey?
It depends. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt, which means you will automatically receive the 2 points, fines, and potential insurance hikes. Consulting with an affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Burlington County can help you explore options to fight the charge and potentially avoid these consequences.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include arguing the officer’s order was unlawful or unreasonable, the order was not clearly audible or visible, an emergency situation prevented compliance, or that you were not the driver. A lawyer can identify the best defense for your specific case.
Related Legal Help in Burlington County
If you are dealing with this charge, you may also want to learn about: Burlington County DUI Lawyer or Burlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer. For broader assistance, see our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your failure to obey a police officer charge in Burlington County.
For the full picture beyond Burlington County, our page on failure to obey a police officer cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington 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.