Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Options?
Wrong-way driving in Union County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-85, often charged as reckless driving. A conviction can mean fines, points, and potential jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these charges in the Union Vicinage Superior Court. Contact a driving in wrong direction lawyer Union County at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Law on Wrong-Way Driving
In New Jersey, driving the wrong way on a roadway is primarily addressed under the state’s careless and reckless driving statutes. The specific law is N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, which defines careless driving as operating a vehicle “without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.” Wrong-way driving, especially on controlled-access highways like the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, is a clear violation as it creates an imminent danger of a head-on collision.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the careless driving statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and locations, visit the Union Vicinage section of the NJ Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Wrong-Way Driving Ticket in Union County
Wrong-way driving tickets in Union County are typically heard in the Municipal Court of the municipality where the violation occurred, such as Elizabeth, Union Township, or Westfield. These courts follow standardized procedures but can have local nuances. For instance, some municipal courts may have specific early resolution programs or mandatory court appearances for serious moving violations.
- Receive Your Ticket & Plea: You will receive a traffic ticket (summons) with a court date. You must enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest by the date listed.
- Pre-Trial Conference: If you plead not guilty, a pre-trial conference may be scheduled where your attorney can negotiate with the municipal prosecutor.
- Motion Practice: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the evidence, such as the officer’s observation or calibration of equipment.
- Trial: If no resolution is reached, a bench trial (judge only) will be held where the state must prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge will impose fines, costs, and other penalties at the hearing or a later date.
- Appeal: A conviction in municipal court can be appealed to the Law Division of the Superior Court in Union County.
Potential Penalties for Wrong-Way Driving in NJ
In Union County, a wrong-way driving conviction can result in fines, surcharges, motor vehicle points, and even jail time depending on the specific charge and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) | Traffic Violation | Up to 15 days | $50-$200 | 2 motor vehicle points | Court costs, surcharges |
| Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) | Traffic Violation | Up to 60 days | $50-$200 | 5 motor vehicle points | Possible insurance surcharge of $250/yr for 3 years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Union County Traffic Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we are committed to a vigorous defense for every client facing traffic charges in New Jersey.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for wrong-way driving in Union County are not enumerated here, our firm’s extensive history includes successful resolutions in traffic matters. We have secured dismissals, reductions in charges, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious moving violations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Presence & Accessibility for Union County Residents
If you need a driving in wrong direction lawyer near me Union County, our New Jersey location serves clients throughout the region. Our location is strategically located to represent individuals at courts across Union County, including those in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, and Westfield. We serve numerous communities including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings available by appointment only.
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.
FAQs: Driving in Wrong Direction Charges in Union County
Is wrong-way driving a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No, it is typically charged as a serious traffic violation, not a criminal crime. However, if it results in an accident causing injury, it could escalate to criminal charges like assault by auto.
How many points will I get for a wrong-way driving ticket?
It depends on the specific charge. Careless driving carries 2 points, while reckless driving carries 5 points. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers a state surcharge.
Can I just pay the ticket online to avoid court?
Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt. It will result in points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and potential surcharges. Consulting an affordable driving in wrong direction lawyer Union County first is advisable to explore defense options.
What should I do if I was charged with wrong-way driving?
Do not plead guilty immediately. Note the details of the incident, contact a driving in wrong direction lawyer Union County to review the summons, and prepare a defense for your court date.
Can I lose my license for this violation?
While wrong-way driving itself may not lead to an automatic suspension, the points from a conviction contribute to your total. The NJ MVC can suspend a license for excessive point accumulation.
Internal Resources
For more information on traffic defense in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. If you are facing related charges, consider reading about DUI defense in Union County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your driving in wrong direction lawyer Union County case.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey driving in wrong direction practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 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 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 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 · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Driving in Wrong Direction Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.