How long does a criminal case take in Burlington County
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Burlington County, New Jersey, one of the first questions you ask is how long the criminal case will take. The answer is not a single number—the timeline depends on the severity of the charges, which court handles the matter, and the defense strategy chosen. A disorderly persons offense heard in the Burlington County Municipal Court can resolve in a very different timeframe than an indictable crime proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand the pressures that come with a pending criminal case. They work with clients to navigate Burlington County’s courts while focusing on achieving a favorable resolution. To discuss your situation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Means in Burlington County
New Jersey classifies criminal charges into two broad tiers: disorderly persons offenses, which are the equivalent of misdemeanors, and indictable crimes, which are comparable to felonies. Disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons matters are handled in the Burlington County Municipal Court. Indictable offenses—first-degree through fourth-degree crimes—are prosecuted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division—Criminal Part, located at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, within the 8th Vicinage.
Burlington County spans a wide geographic area, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. The firm’s New Jersey location serves clients across all of these communities. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, so pretrial release in Burlington County is based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score rather than the ability to post money. For first-time indictable offenders, the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program can lead to a complete dismissal after a period of supervision. The court also offers conditional discharge for certain first-time drug possession cases in Municipal Court. These local procedural factors can influence the overall timeline of a criminal case.
Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the defense process begins with a case evaluation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team review the charges, the police reports, and any procedural issues. The approach varies with the level of the offense. For a disorderly persons case in Municipal Court, early discussions with the prosecutor and careful preparation can lead to a negotiated resolution that may reduce exposure. Because these courts move relatively quickly, prompt action can help bring the matter to a faster conclusion.
For indictable crimes in Burlington County Superior Court, the timeline extends further. A grand jury must return an indictment, and then pretrial motions, discovery, and hearings shape the schedule. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to challenge the evidence, secure favorable pretrial release conditions, and explore diversionary options such as PTI when applicable. The court’s calendar, the complexity of the charges, and the need for expert testimony all affect how long the case will take. The firm’s multi-state experience and its familiarity with Burlington County’s courts allow it to guide clients through each stage, from initial appearance to possible trial or resolution.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice that handles criminal defense across all five jurisdictions. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the state constructs a case, and he works closely with his Of Counsel to provide a well-prepared defense. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together, they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Every attorney at the firm has well over a decade of practice experience, and the team approaches each Burlington County criminal matter with a focus on protecting the client’s rights and pursuing a favorable outcome. Mr. Sris limits his personal caseload to maintain direct involvement in significant cases, collaborating with his Of Counsel on strategy and representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence how long a criminal case takes in Burlington County?
The type of charge and the court in which it is heard are the most important factors determining the duration of a Burlington County criminal case. Disorderly persons offenses in Municipal Court may be resolved within weeks or a few months, while indictable crimes in Superior Court often take many months. The need for grand jury presentation, pretrial motions, discovery, expert witness involvement, and the court’s trial calendar all contribute. A skilled defense attorney can sometimes expedite resolution by negotiating a plea, securing diversion into PTI, or identifying procedural grounds for dismissal. Each case is unique, and the timeline must balance thorough preparation with the client’s desire for prompt resolution.
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Burlington County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA)—a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ. The system evaluates flight risk and danger to the community. If the PSA indicates a low risk, the defendant may be released on conditions or recognizance. High-risk defendants may be detained pending trial. Cases are heard at Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss pretrial release options.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Burlington County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Burlington County. Successful completion of 1–3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of the charges. Applications are processed through Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession. The program allows individuals to avoid a criminal conviction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly guide clients through PTI eligibility and the application process. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. NJ’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal, which creates an expungement pathway. Petitions are filed in Burlington County Superior Court. The availability and timing of expungement depend on the specific charges and any subsequent convictions. For advice on your record, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Burlington County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of 6 months jail and a fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days and a fine. These cases are heard in Burlington County Municipal Court. Indictable crimes (felonies) are handled in Superior Court. The distinction matters because the court, timeline, and potential consequences vary significantly. For a disorderly persons charge, a skilled defense can often achieve a reduction or dismissal. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel about your case.
How do I find a criminal defense lawyer in Burlington County?
You can contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel team. The firm’s New Jersey location is at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, and it serves clients across Burlington County. When choosing an attorney, consider experience, familiarity with the specific court, and whether the lawyer can explain the process and potential timeline. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Results may vary.
Related Resources
For other criminal defense matters in New Jersey, visit our pages on Hunterdon County criminal defense, Somerset County criminal defense, Morris County criminal defense, Bergen County criminal defense, and Monmouth County criminal defense.
Official Legal Resources
For authoritative information on New Jersey criminal law, visit the Burlington Vicinage of the New Jersey Courts, the New Jersey Legislature for statutes, and the New Jersey Courts Attorney Resources.
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.