Picture of James F. Hughes

James F. Hughes

defense@nycap.rr.com
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Toll Free: (888) 371-1299

233 Tallow Wood Dr
Clifton Park, New York 12065

I am proud of my long record of public service, as a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and as a 20 year veteran of the New York State Police. I earned my undergraduate degree at night while working as a State Trooper. I retired in June, 1981, and in November of that year I was elected to the position of Town Justice in the Town of Clifton Park. I am currently serving my eighth term as Judge. Several years after my retirement in 1981, I attended Albany Law School full time and received my law degree in 1987.

As an attendee of the National Judicial College, I am honored to have been chosen as an instructor for the semi-annual Magistrates' In-service Training Program, which I have been teaching for the past 22 years. I am a member of the Saratoga County Magistrates Association, and have served as its president for 3 terms.

The New York State Resource Center for Local Judges is an idea I conceived in 1986, which is an important tool that Judges can use to research information on the law. This Resource Center was later adopted by the State. I was also instrumental in initiating a reciprocal compact between New York State and the Province of Quebec for enforcement of traffic citations.

I authored a "Manual for Conducting Criminal DWI Jury Trials", which has been used extensively by New York State Judges.

Practice Areas
  • Vehicle and Traffic Violations
  • DWI - Drunk Driving
  • Criminal Law
  • Misdemeanor and Felony Arrests
Education
  • National Judicial College, Drug and Alcohol Certification
  • Albany Law School Union University,  J.D.
  • Russell Sage College, B.S.  Criminal Science
  • Hudson Valley Community College, A.A.S.  Police Science
  • New York State Police Academy
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
  • New York State Bar Association
  • New York State Magistrates Association
  • Association of Former New York State Troopers
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Clifton Park Elks
Legal Experience
  • Town Justice, Town of Clifton Park, NY      1982 - Present
  • Retired City Court Judge, Mechanicville, NY
  • New York State Police (20 years) – retired as zone sergeant
  • Law Guardian representing children in custody and visitation matters (20 years)
  • New York State Magistrates certification program instructor
  • General Practice of law with emphasis on
    • Vehicle and Traffic tickets
    • DWI / Drunk Driving defense
    • Criminal matters
Publications
  • Authored a Manual for Conducting Criminal DWI Jury Trials, used extensively by New York State Judges.
Free Initial Consultation
Phone numbers: (518) 371-1299 & (888) 371-1299