Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Monmouth 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. defends clients in the Monmouth Vicinage Superior Court. If you have been charged, contact a failure to obey a police officer lawyer Monmouth County for a 24/7 consultation.
What Is Failure to Obey a Police Officer in New Jersey?
The statute for failure to obey a police officer 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 is a broad statute that covers a range of situations where a driver does not follow a police officer’s command.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth 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 Monmouth County.
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 Monmouth Vicinage Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Monmouth County
In Monmouth 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. The process is adversarial, and the prosecutor must prove you willfully failed to comply with a lawful order. An experienced failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Monmouth County can challenge the officer’s account and the lawfulness of the order itself.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a traffic ticket/summons specifying the charge, court date, and location.
- Initial Consultation: Speak with a lawyer to review the details of the alleged incident and your legal options.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: Your attorney will obtain discovery (the officer’s notes, any video) and develop a defense strategy, which may involve filing pre-trial motions.
- Court Appearances: You or your attorney will appear in the assigned municipal court for conferences, motion hearings, or a trial.
- Resolution: Your case may be resolved through a plea negotiation, dismissal, or a trial before a judge.
- Post-Trial: If convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Superior Court, Law Division.
Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Monmouth 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, court costs, and 2 motor vehicle points assessed to your driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Fine | License Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Violation | $50 – $200 + costs | 2 points | Potential increase in insurance premiums; possible additional charges if incident involved other violations. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Monmouth County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of how traffic cases are argued in New Jersey courts. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders” for our clients. While we do not have a published case result specific to failure to obey in Monmouth County, our attorneys are familiar with the local court procedures and personnel.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Monmouth County Traffic Charge?
Our approach is based on thorough case review and assertive advocacy. We examine whether the police officer’s order was lawful and properly given. We look for inconsistencies in the state’s evidence and explore all procedural avenues for dismissal or reduction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact a Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer Serving Monmouth County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Monmouth County, including Freehold, Tinton Falls, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Middletown, Holmdel, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, Wall Township, Neptune, and Colts Neck. If you need an affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Monmouth County, our team is accessible.
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) 651-0900
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Monmouth County Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer FAQ
Is failing to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
No. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57, failure to obey a police officer is a traffic violation, not a criminal offense. However, it carries fines, points, and must be addressed in court.
Can I go to jail for failure to obey a police officer?
It depends. The statute itself does not authorize jail time. However, if your failure to obey was part of an incident that led to more serious charges like eluding or obstruction, those separate charges can carry jail sentences.
How many points is failure to obey a police officer?
Two (2) motor vehicle points are assessed against your New Jersey driving record for a conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57.
What is a common defense to this charge?
A common defense is that the police officer’s order was not lawful or reasonable under the circumstances. Your attorney may also argue the order was not clear or that you did not willfully refuse to comply.
Should I just pay the ticket for failure to obey?
No. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt, resulting in a conviction, points on your license, and likely higher insurance rates. You should consult with a lawyer to explore your defense options first.
Can this charge be dismissed?
Yes, it is possible. Dismissals may occur if the prosecution lacks evidence, if the officer’s order is found to be unlawful, or if procedural errors are identified in the case. An attorney can work to secure a dismissal.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing this charge, you may also want to learn about reckless driving defense in Monmouth County or fighting other traffic tickets. For a broader view of our New Jersey practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Ocean County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Monmouth County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on failure to obey a police officer cases in New Jersey explains each stage.