Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Salem County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Salem 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 a strong defense for these charges in the Salem Vicinage Superior Court.
Statutory Definition of 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 unlawful for any person 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. The statute is broad, covering situations where an officer is directing traffic at an accident scene, a malfunctioning traffic signal, a parade, or any other event requiring official traffic control.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with experience across multiple jurisdictions, understands that these charges often arise from misunderstandings or high-stress situations. An affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Salem County can analyze whether the officer’s order was lawful and properly communicated.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms, visit the Salem Vicinage Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Salem County
In Salem County, a failure to obey a police officer charge is typically heard in the Municipal Court of the township or borough where the alleged violation occurred, such as Pennsville or Carneys Point. The process is adversarial. The prosecutor must prove you willfully failed to comply with a lawful order. A failure to obey a police officer lawyer Salem County will scrutinize the state’s evidence, which usually consists of the officer’s testimony and any available video.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a traffic ticket specifying a court date, location, and the statute violated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57).
- Initial Consultation: Contact a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Salem County as early as possible to discuss the facts and potential defenses.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: Your attorney will review the evidence, file any necessary motions, and engage in plea negotiations with the municipal prosecutor.
- Court Appearance: You may have the option to appear with your attorney. If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial before the municipal judge.
- Post-Trial Actions: If convicted, your attorney can advise on the appeal process to the Law Division of the Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Salem 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 driving record.
| 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 | $50 – $200 | 2 Motor Vehicle Points | Increased insurance premiums; possible community service; court costs. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Salem County Traffic Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We approach each failure to obey charge with a detailed strategy, examining the legality of the officer’s order and the circumstances of your alleged non-compliance.
Our Approach to Failure to Obey Charges
We contest failure to obey charges by challenging whether the officer’s order was lawful and clearly communicated. Was the officer in uniform and acting within official duties? Was the order necessary for public safety? Could you reasonably have complied? We gather evidence, including witness statements and any available dashcam or bodycam footage, to build your defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Salem County Traffic Defense Lawyers
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at courts throughout Salem County, including those in Salem, Pennsville, and Carneys Point. We are accessible via I-295 and Route 49. If you are searching for an affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Salem County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We serve communities across Salem County, including Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro.
Frequently Asked Questions: Failure to Obey a Police Officer in Salem County
Is failing to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
It depends. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, it is primarily a traffic violation. However, if the failure is deemed willful and obstructs justice, it could be charged as a disorderly persons offense, which is a criminal misdemeanor.
How many points is failure to obey a police officer in NJ?
A conviction for failure to obey a police officer in New Jersey adds 2 points to your driving record. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers surcharges from the state.
Can I go to jail for not obeying a police officer’s order?
Yes. The statute allows for a penalty of up to 15 days in jail. While jail time is less common for a first offense, it is a possibility, especially if the violation is considered egregious or part of a broader pattern of conduct.
What are common defenses to a failure to obey charge?
Defenses include proving the order was unlawful, you did not hear or understand the order, you were unable to safely comply due to traffic conditions, or the officer was not properly identified or acting within official duties. A lawyer can identify the best defense for your case.
Should I just pay the ticket for failure to obey?
No. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt. This will result in a conviction, points on your license, higher insurance rates, and a permanent record. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney first to explore your options for fighting or reducing the charge.
For more information, see our New Jersey Traffic Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Atlantic County and Burlington County. If you are facing other charges in Salem County, we handle related matters such as DUI and reckless driving.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your failure to obey a police officer charge in Salem County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If your case reaches beyond Salem County, our page on failure to obey a police officer charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Salem 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 Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem 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.