What happens at a criminal arraignment in Burlington County
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest in Burlington County, New Jersey. At this hearing, the judge tells you what charges have been filed against you, asks whether you understand those charges, and takes your initial plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Because New Jersey completely eliminated cash bail in January 2017, the judge also addresses your pretrial release status at or immediately after the arraignment. Instead of setting a money bail amount, the court relies on a computerized Public Safety Assessment to decide whether you will be released on your own recognizance, released with conditions, or detained pending trial. The arraignment takes place either in the Burlington County Municipal Court, which handles disorderly persons offenses—the New Jersey equivalent of misdemeanors—or in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division—Criminal Part, located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly, if you are facing an indictable crime, the term New Jersey uses for felony-level charges. What you say at the arraignment matters, and you have the right to be represented by counsel. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation before you appear. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding the arraignment step by step
In Burlington County, the arraignment process differs slightly depending on whether you are charged with a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime. For a disorderly persons charge—such as simple assault, shoplifting, or a first-offense DWI—the matter is typically heard in the Burlington County Municipal Court. The judge will read the complaint aloud and ask how you plead. If you plead not guilty, the court sets a future date for a pretrial conference or trial. The entire proceeding usually lasts only a few minutes per case, but the consequences of what happens in that short window can follow you for years.
For indictable crimes, the first appearance is often a central judicial processing hearing or a formal arraignment in the Superior Court after an indictment is returned by a grand jury. At that stage, your attorney will have already received discovery—the evidence the prosecutor intends to use—and you will enter a plea. The judge also addresses any pending motions regarding pretrial detention. Because New Jersey has no cash bail, the prosecutor may move to detain you if the Public Safety Assessment indicates a high risk of flight or danger to the community. Your attorney can argue for your release with conditions such as electronic monitoring or regular check-ins. The court at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly hears these matters as part of the 8th Vicinage. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer with you at every stage, from the initial appearance through trial.
Bail and pretrial release in Burlington County after arraignment
New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017 fundamentally changed what happens after an arrest. Cash bail no longer exists. Instead, the court uses a Public Safety Assessment—a computerized risk score based on factors such as age, prior criminal record, and the nature of the current charge—to decide pretrial release. At the arraignment, the judge will address whether you are to be released on your own recognizance, released with conditions, or detained. For disorderly persons offenses, you are typically released without monetary conditions. For more serious indictable charges, the prosecutor may file a motion for detention. A detention hearing must be held within a short time after the initial appearance. Because the system focuses on risk rather than ability to pay, having an attorney who understands how to present relevant facts about your ties to the community, employment, and family can have a direct impact on whether you go home or remain in jail while your case moves forward.
New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017; pretrial release is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money.
Source: N.J.S.A. Title 2C; Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017. Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Pleas and what they mean at arraignment
At your arraignment, you will be asked to enter a plea. The three possible pleas are guilty, not guilty, and no contest. A guilty plea means you admit the charges and give up your right to trial; the judge may then sentence you immediately or schedule a sentencing date. A not guilty plea means you dispute the charges and want the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. A no contest plea—also called nolo contendere—means you do not admit guilt but do not contest the charges; from a sentencing perspective, it is treated much like a guilty plea. For most defendants, entering a not guilty plea is the prudent first step because it preserves your right to challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, if appropriate, apply for diversionary programs such as Pre-Trial Intervention. Before deciding how to plead, you should have a full conversation with your attorney about the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment in Burlington County?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but appearing at an arraignment without counsel can put you at a significant disadvantage. At the arraignment, the judge will read the charges, ask for your plea, and address pretrial release. An experienced attorney can advise you on how to plead, argue for release under the Public Safety Assessment system, and begin building a defense immediately. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for a public defender by completing a financial questionnaire; the application fee can be waived. However, public defenders carry heavy caseloads. Private counsel can devote more time to your matter from the very beginning. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Burlington County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment—a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. Cases are heard at Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, located at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team actively practice in this court. If you are detained, a detention hearing must be held promptly, and you have the right to be represented by counsel at that hearing. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention in Burlington County?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable offenders in Burlington County that, when successfully completed, results in the complete dismissal of charges. It is a supervised program lasting one to three years, administered by the probation division. You must apply through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, and the prosecutor must consent. If you successfully complete PTI, the criminal case is dismissed and you avoid a conviction on your record. For first-time drug possession offenses handled in municipal court, a similar diversion called conditional discharge is available. Eligibility depends on your criminal history and the nature of the offense. To discuss whether PTI is an option in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged?
Yes. New Jersey law allows for expungement of many criminal records after a waiting period. For indictable crimes, the waiting period is generally five years from the date of sentence completion; for disorderly persons offenses, it is two years. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility for people with multiple convictions. Additionally, successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention results in an automatic dismissal of the charges without a conviction, which avoids the need for an expungement. Petitions for expungement are filed in the Superior Court in the county where the arrest occurred. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle expungement matters for clients throughout Burlington County. To discuss the details of your record, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Burlington County?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor and is handled in the Burlington County Municipal Court. The maximum penalty for a disorderly persons offense is up to six months in jail and a fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry a maximum of 30 days in jail and a fine. These cases are heard at the municipal court level, not the Superior Court. Common examples include simple assault, shoplifting, disorderly conduct, and first-offense DWI. While disorderly persons offenses are less serious than indictable crimes, a conviction still creates a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I wear to court for my arraignment?
Dress conservatively and professionally—think business casual—to show respect for the court. You do not need a suit, but avoid shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive graphics. A clean, pressed shirt and slacks or a modest dress or skirt are appropriate. The judge, prosecutor, and court staff will form an impression of you based partly on your appearance, and that can subtly influence proceedings such as release conditions. Remove hats and sunglasses before entering the courtroom, turn off your cell phone, and be prepared to address the judge as “Your Honor.”
What happens if I miss my arraignment?
Missing your arraignment will likely result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. The court takes failure to appear seriously, and the warrant will authorize law enforcement to take you into custody. Additionally, missing the arraignment can negatively affect your release status under the Public Safety Assessment because the court may view you as a flight risk. If you realize you will be unable to attend on the scheduled date, contact your attorney immediately so that a motion to adjourn can be filed. Stating your situation proactively is far better than waiting for a warrant to issue.
Will my arraignment be in person or virtual?
Most arraignments in Burlington County are currently conducted in person at the courthouse, though some municipal courts may offer a virtual option for routine matters. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly, requires in-person appearances for almost all criminal proceedings. Municipal courts sometimes allow remote appearances for minor disorderly persons offenses if your attorney makes a request. You should confirm the format with your lawyer well before the hearing date. Appearing virtually still requires you to dress appropriately, have a stable internet connection, and be in a quiet, private location.
How long does an arraignment take?
The arraignment hearing itself usually takes only a few minutes per case, but you may spend significantly longer waiting at the courthouse. The judge calls cases in the order listed on the docket, and the courtroom can be crowded. You should plan to be at the court for at least a couple of hours, even though your time before the judge will be brief. Arrive early to find parking, clear security, and meet with your attorney. Being late can create a negative impression and may cause the judge to reschedule your hearing. The court’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the state builds its cases and what strategies can lead to dismissals, charge reductions, or acquittals. Mr. Sris has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his commitment to the law beyond the courtroom. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Alongside his Of Counsel team, Mr. Sris appears regularly in Burlington County courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
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