Picture of James F. Hughes

James F. Hughes

defense@nycap.rr.com
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Toll Free: (888) 371-1299
Office: 1 (518) 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.

Education

J.D., Albany Law School, 1987

B.S., Russel Sage College, 1973

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice New York State, 1988
Professional & Bar Association Memberships

New York State Bar Association
Member Since: 1988

New York State Magistrates Association
Member Since: 1988

Association of Former New York State Troopers
Member Since: 1981

Practice Areas
  • Vehicle and Traffic Violations
  • Points for Moving Violations
  • Plea Bargaining
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