Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Union 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. defends clients at the Union Vicinage Superior Court. If you need a failure to obey a police officer lawyer in Union County, contact us for a case review. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
The charge 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 pull over 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, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling traffic and criminal matters across New Jersey, including Union County.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey statute)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage website
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Union County
In Union County, a failure to obey a police officer charge is typically heard in the Municipal Division of the Superior Court within the vicinage where the violation occurred. 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 Union County can challenge the evidence, including the officer’s report and any video, to protect your driving record.
- You receive a summons/ticket specifying the charge and a court date for the Union Vicinage.
- Consult with a defense attorney before your first appearance to discuss strategy.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to challenge the stop or the officer’s authority.
- Attend a pre-trial conference where your lawyer negotiates with the municipal prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a municipal court judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for minimal penalties or file an appeal to the Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Union County, a conviction for failure to obey a police officer under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 can result in 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 Offense (Disorderly Persons if willful) | Up to 15 days in jail | $50 – $200 | 2 points | Increased insurance premiums; possible community service. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over 4,739 cases with a high rate of favorable outcomes. Our approach is direct: we analyze the facts of your stop, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to protect your driving privileges and record. As a firm with a failure to obey a police officer lawyer Union County practice, we understand the local court procedures.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients facing serious traffic and criminal charges. While specific results for failure to obey charges in Union County are not listed, our overall firm-wide track record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes over 4,739 cases with a high rate of dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements. Every case is unique, and we build a defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of your incident.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Union County Traffic Defense Lawyers
If you are searching for a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Union County, our New Jersey location serves clients throughout the area. Our location is accessible via the NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78, making it convenient for residents of Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
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.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Failure to Obey a Police Officer Charges
Is failing to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
Yes. While typically processed as a traffic ticket, a willful violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 can be treated as a disorderly persons offense, which is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by jail time.
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. While not common for a first offense, a judge may impose jail time, especially if the failure to obey endangered others or was part of a more serious incident.
How many points is a failure to obey charge in New Jersey?
It carries 2 motor vehicle points. These points remain on your driving record for at least two years and can significantly increase your car insurance premiums.
What should I do if I’m charged with failure to obey?
Do not ignore the ticket. Contact a defense attorney as early as possible. An experienced failure to obey a police officer lawyer Union County can review the details, such as whether the officer’s order was lawful and clearly communicated, to build your defense.
Can this charge be dismissed or reduced?
It depends. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a zero-point offense or seek a dismissal by challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the sufficiency of the evidence against you.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer Hub
- Bergen County Civil Litigation Lawyer
- Union County DUI Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your failure to obey a police officer charge in Union County.
If you want to see how an Union County case fits into the wider process, our page on failure to obey a police officer lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union 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.