Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer in Gloucester County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
A driving in wrong direction charge in Gloucester County is a serious traffic violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85, often classified as reckless driving. This can lead to fines, points, license suspension, and even jail time. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges in the Gloucester Vicinage Superior Court.
What Constitutes Driving in the Wrong Direction in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the offense of driving in the wrong direction is formally addressed under the state’s traffic statutes. The primary law governing this violation is N.J.S.A. 39:4-85, which prohibits driving a vehicle in a direction opposite to that which is officially designated for traffic on a roadway. This includes entering a one-way street from the wrong end, driving against traffic on a divided highway, or operating a vehicle on the wrong side of a two-way road.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand that a charge for driving in the wrong direction is not a simple mistake; prosecutors in Gloucester County often treat it as a severe safety hazard, seeking maximum penalties.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures, visit the Gloucester Vicinage Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Charge in Gloucester County
Your case for driving in the wrong direction will be heard in the Gloucester Vicinage Superior Court, Municipal Division, located in Woodbury. Prosecutors here frequently seek aggressive penalties for wrong-way driving due to the high risk of head-on collisions. An affordable driving in wrong direction lawyer Gloucester County can challenge the evidence, such as the officer’s observation or the signage at the location of the alleged violation.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a traffic ticket specifying the statute (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85) and a court date at the Gloucester Vicinage court.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Gloucester County as early as possible to review the charges and possible defenses.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: Your attorney will gather evidence, request discovery from the prosecutor, and may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
- Court Appearances: Appearances are held at the courthouse on Hunter Street in Woodbury. Your lawyer will negotiate with the municipal prosecutor, often seeking a reduction to a lesser offense.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through a plea agreement, a trial before a judge, or, if successful, a dismissal of all charges.
Potential Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in NJ
In Gloucester County, a conviction for driving in the wrong direction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85 carries significant penalties, including fines, points, and possible jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Fines | Motor Vehicle Points | License Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving in Wrong Direction (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85) | Traffic Violation / Reckless Driving | $50 – $200+ | 2 points (plus 5 for reckless if charged) | Possible suspension for repeat offenses or if combined with other violations | Jail up to 60 days; increased insurance premiums; surcharges. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Traffic Defense in New Jersey
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide practice has documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific local results vary, our systematic approach to traffic defense in New Jersey courts provides a foundation for building your defense. We focus on challenging the state’s evidence and negotiating for reduced charges to protect your driving privileges.
Case Results in Traffic Matters
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in various traffic and related matters. In one case, a client facing severe charges saw them reduced to a non-criminal violation, avoiding jail time. In another, a dismissal was secured after challenging the legality of a traffic stop. Each case is unique, and we apply our extensive experience to seek a favorable outcome for your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Service for Gloucester County Residents
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) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Gloucester County. We are accessible from I-295, Route 55, and other major highways, making it convenient for residents of Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman. If you need a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Gloucester County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving in Wrong Direction Charges
Is driving the wrong way on a one-way street a criminal offense in NJ?
No, it is typically a traffic violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85. However, it can be elevated to a reckless driving charge, which is a quasi-criminal offense with more severe penalties, including potential jail time.
How many points will I get for a wrong-way driving ticket?
Two motor vehicle points are assessed for a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-85. If the charge is amended to or combined with reckless driving, you could receive an additional 5 points, totaling 7 points on your driving record.
Can I go to jail for driving in the wrong direction?
Yes. While less common for a first-time standalone violation, the law allows for up to 60 days in jail. Jail time becomes more likely if the act is deemed reckless, if there was an accident, or if you have a prior history of serious violations.
What should I do immediately after receiving a ticket for this?
Do not ignore the ticket. Note your court date and contact a traffic defense attorney as early as possible. An affordable driving in wrong direction lawyer Gloucester County can review the circumstances, advise you on the strength of the state’s case, and begin building a defense strategy before your first court appearance.
Are there defenses to a wrong-way driving charge?
It depends. Common defenses include improperly posted or obscured signage, an emergency situation that necessitated the action, or a mistake of fact. A lawyer can examine the evidence to determine if the officer had a proper vantage point and if the charge can be challenged.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing this charge, you may also want to learn about reckless driving defense in Gloucester County. For other legal needs in the area, consider our services for DUI defense or business law matters. For a broader view of our traffic practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on your driving in wrong direction charge in Gloucester County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If you want to see how a Gloucester County case fits into the wider process, our page on driving in wrong direction lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
DWI and traffic charges are heard first in the municipal court for the town where the stop occurred; appeals go to the Law Division of the county Superior Court. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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. 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated) within N.J.S.A. Title 39, the motor vehicle and traffic code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.