Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer in Sussex County, NJ
A charge for failure to obey a police officer in Sussex 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 clients facing this charge in the Sussex Vicinage.
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 willfully 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 conduct, from ignoring a lawful command to stop to disobeying an officer’s traffic direction at an accident scene.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Sussex Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures and forms, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Sussex Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Failure to Obey Charge in Sussex County
Your case for failure to obey a police officer will be heard in the Sussex Vicinage Municipal Court where the alleged violation occurred. The process is adversarial, with a prosecutor representing the state. In Sussex County courts, prosecutors often seek the maximum penalties for traffic offenses they view as disrespecting police authority, making a strong defense critical.
- Receive Your Summons: You will get a traffic ticket (summons) specifying the charge, court date, and location.
- Initial Appearance: You must appear in the designated municipal court. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or request an adjournment to consult an attorney.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: If you plead not guilty, your attorney can negotiate with the municipal prosecutor, often seeking to have the charge reduced or dismissed.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a municipal court judge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. You have the right to appeal a conviction to the Superior Court, Law Division.
Potential Penalties for Failure to Obey a Police Officer in NJ
In Sussex 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.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Obey a Police Officer (N.J.S.A. 39:4-57) | Traffic Offense / Disorderly Persons Offense (if jail sought) | Up to 15 days in jail | $50 – $200 | 2 motor vehicle points | Increased insurance premiums, potential criminal record if jailed. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With the firm’s tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” we bring a focused, aggressive approach to traffic defense. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years, and we have handled thousands of traffic matters across New Jersey. We understand that a charge for failure to obey a police officer is not just about a fine—it’s about your record and your relationship with law enforcement.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin by scrutinizing the officer’s report and the legality of the order given. Was the officer’s command lawful and clear? Can the state prove you acted “willfully”? We explore all procedural defenses and negotiate assertively with municipal prosecutors. Our goal is to resolve your case with the least possible impact, whether through dismissal, reduction to a zero-point offense, or a favorable plea agreement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Sussex County Failure to Obey a Police Officer Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Sussex County. We are accessible via Route 15, Route 206, Route 23, and Route 94. We represent individuals in Newton, Sparta, Vernon, Franklin, Hamburg, Andover, Stanhope, and Hopatcong (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is failure to obey a police officer a criminal charge in NJ?
It depends. While typically processed as a traffic ticket, N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 allows for a jail sentence of up to 15 days. If the prosecutor seeks jail time, the matter is treated as a disorderly persons offense, which is a criminal charge.
Can I just pay the fine for failure to obey a police officer online?
No. A summons for failure to obey a police officer under N.J.S.A. 39:4-57 requires a mandatory court appearance. You cannot simply pay a fine and resolve this charge without going before a judge.
What if I didn’t understand the police officer’s command?
This is a common defense. The statute requires a “willful” failure to comply. If your attorney can show the command was unclear, you were confused, or there were external factors (like loud noise), it can defeat the prosecution’s case. An experienced failure to obey a police officer lawyer near me Sussex County can evaluate these facts.
How many points is failure to obey a police officer in NJ?
A conviction for failure to obey a police officer adds 2 points to your New Jersey driving record. Accumulating 6 or more points within three years triggers surcharges from the state.
Where can I find an affordable failure to obey a police officer lawyer Sussex County?
Our firm provides transparent fee structures for defending traffic charges. We offer a strong defense at a reasonable cost because we believe everyone deserves quality legal representation. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific case and fees.
Related Legal Services in Sussex County
If you are facing other charges, we also handle DUI defense in Sussex County, reckless driving, and traffic ticket defense. For broader legal needs, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page or similar services in Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding a failure to obey a police officer charge in Sussex County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.