Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, carrying fines, points, and potential license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing this charge at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
The statute for failure to obey a police officer in New Jersey is 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 can include ignoring hand signals, verbal commands to stop or pull over, or instructions at a traffic control point.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings a unique perspective to these cases, understanding both sides of the courtroom. The charge is not a simple moving violation; it is a direct challenge to an officer’s authority and is treated seriously by Bergen County courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey statutes). For local court procedures, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Bergen County
Your case for failure to obey a police officer will be heard in the Municipal Division of the Superior Court located in the municipality where the alleged offense occurred. In Bergen County, this could be one of many local municipal courts. The process is adversarial, with a prosecutor representing the state. A conviction results in motor vehicle points and fines.
- You will receive a summons or ticket specifying a court date in the local municipality.
- You must appear in court on that date or have an attorney appear on your behalf.
- The municipal prosecutor will present the state’s case, often relying on the officer’s testimony.
- Your attorney can cross-examine the officer, present evidence, and argue for a dismissal or reduction.
- If the case proceeds, the judge will render a verdict. If found guilty, you will be sentenced.
- You have the right to appeal a conviction to the Law Division of the Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Bergen 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, two motor vehicle points, and possible court costs.
| Offense | Classification | Fine | License Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Violation | $50 – $200 | 2 points | Court costs, potential insurance increase, possible license suspension if part of a point accumulation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bergen County Traffic Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that a traffic charge like failure to obey a police officer can have lasting effects on your driving record and insurance rates. Our approach is to examine the details of the stop and the officer’s instructions to build a case-specific defense.
Our Approach to Failure to Obey Charges
We focus on the specifics of your interaction with the officer. Was the order lawful and clear? Could the situation have been misunderstood? We review all evidence, including any available dashcam or bodycam footage, to challenge the prosecution’s case. Our goal is to seek a dismissal or negotiate a reduction to a zero-point offense where possible.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Traffic Defense Team
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need a failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Bergen County, our team is ready to help.
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.
We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
Is failure to obey a police officer a criminal charge in New Jersey?
No. It is a traffic violation under Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes. However, it is a serious offense that carries points and can lead to consequences similar to a criminal charge, like increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension.
Can I go to jail for failing to obey a police officer’s signal?
It depends. N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 does not list jail time as a penalty. However, if your failure to obey results in an accident, injuries, or is coupled with other charges like eluding, jail time becomes a possibility. The primary penalties are fines and points.
How many points will I get on my license?
Two motor vehicle points are assessed for a conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57. Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period can lead to a license suspension.
Do I need a lawyer for this ticket, or can I just pay the fine?
You should consult a lawyer. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt, which means you will automatically receive the two points on your driving record. An affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Bergen County may be able to get the charge dismissed or reduced to a no-point offense, saving you money in the long term.
What defenses are available for this charge?
Common defenses include arguing the officer’s order was not lawful or clear, demonstrating you made a reasonable attempt to comply, or challenging the officer’s observation. Evidence like witness statements or video footage can be crucial.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing other charges, our firm can help. We also handle DUI defense in Bergen County, reckless driving, and criminal defense. For a broader view of our traffic practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Hudson County and Passaic County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.