What happens at a criminal arraignment in Burlington County

At a criminal arraignment in Burlington County, the defendant appears before a judge in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage—located at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly—to be formally informed of the charges and to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The arraignment is the first significant court appearance after an arrest; it is not the trial. During this proceeding, the judge reads the complaint, advises the defendant of the right to counsel, and sets conditions of pretrial release consistent with New Jersey’s 2017 Criminal Justice Reform Act, which eliminated cash bail and replaced it with a risk-based Public Safety Assessment. For anyone facing a criminal charge in Burlington County—whether a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime—having an experienced attorney at the arraignment can shape how the case proceeds. If you or a loved one has an upcoming arraignment, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Understanding the arraignment process in Burlington County

The criminal arraignment serves several key purposes under New Jersey law. First, the court confirms the defendant’s identity and ensures that the defendant understands the charges. The prosecutor provides a copy of the complaint, which outlines the alleged offense, the statute violated, and the factual basis for the charge. The judge then advises the defendant of the right to an attorney: if the defendant cannot afford one, the court may determine eligibility for a public defender. After the defendant is informed of the charges and rights, the court asks for a plea. A not-guilty plea leads to scheduling future dates, while a guilty plea may move the case immediately to sentencing if the judge accepts it—though most defendants plead not guilty at this stage to preserve the right to challenge the evidence. Because the arraignment also addresses pretrial release, the judge reviews the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score, which evaluates the risk of flight and danger to the community without requiring money bail.

In Burlington County, arraignments for disorderly persons offenses (roughly equivalent to misdemeanors) typically take place in Municipal Court, while indictable crimes (felony-equivalent) are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. The court calendar moves quickly, and missing an arraignment can result in a bench warrant. Having counsel present allows the defendant to raise issues—such as a motion to reduce bail-restrictive conditions or to challenge the sufficiency of the complaint—that may affect the entire trajectory of the case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly appear at the Burlington Vicinage and understand the local procedures, from the initial appearance through the pretrial conference stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an arraignment in a New Jersey criminal case?

An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest, where the defendant is formally told of the charges, enters an initial plea, and has the opportunity to request counsel. In New Jersey, the judge will also address pretrial release based on a risk assessment rather than cash bail. The proceeding occurs in the Burlington County Municipal Court for disorderly persons offenses or the Superior Court for indictable crimes. The defendant should be prepared to provide basic identification and respond to the plea question. An attorney can argue for release on personal recognizance or other non-monetary conditions.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Burlington County?

You are not required to have a lawyer present at arraignment, but having one is strongly advisable because decisions made at this early stage can affect the entire case. A lawyer can evaluate whether the charges are legally sufficient, negotiate conditions of release, and begin building a defense strategy. If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court may assign a public defender after a financial review. However, eligibility depends on income and assets, and representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide more immediate, focused attention at the arraignment and beyond. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss representation.

Does New Jersey still use cash bail for criminal cases?

No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Burlington County is now determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) that measures flight risk and danger to the community, not by the defendant’s ability to pay. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. Instead, the judge may order release on personal recognizance, impose non-monetary conditions such as monitoring or reporting, or order pretrial detention in cases where the PSA recommends detention and a motion is filed. This system applies to both Municipal Court and Superior Court arraignments.

What happens after I plead not guilty at the arraignment?

After a not-guilty plea, the court schedules the next proceeding—often a pretrial conference or a status hearing—and addresses any motions regarding discovery, evidence, or conditions of release. For indictable offenses, the case will be reviewed by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and may be presented to a grand jury for formal indictment. The defense attorney will then receive discovery materials, including police reports, witness statements, and body-worn camera footage, and begin to prepare motions or negotiations. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling.

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, allowing them to avoid a criminal conviction by completing a period of supervised probation. If a defendant applies and is accepted into PTI, the criminal case is held in abeyance for one to three years. Successful completion of all conditions—such as community service, counseling, or restitution—results in the charges being dismissed entirely. The application is reviewed by the probation division and the prosecutor. An attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can assess eligibility and guide you through the PTI application process.

Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged after an arraignment results in a dismissal?

Yes. New Jersey law permits expungement for many offenses after the case ends in a dismissal, acquittal, or successful completion of a diversion program such as PTI or conditional discharge. The waiting period depends on the offense: two years for disorderly persons offenses, five years for most indictable crimes, with certain clean-slate provisions that may shorten the wait. Petitions are filed in the Burlington County Superior Court. Even arrests that do not result in conviction can appear on a record, so pursuing expungement after a favorable outcome is often worthwhile.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Burlington County?

You should bring a government-issued photo ID, any paperwork related to your arrest or bail conditions, and contact information for your attorney. If you have been served with a complaint or a summons, bring those documents. Do not bring weapons, drugs, or anything that could be considered contraband, as the courthouse has security screening. Arrive early to allow time for parking and court security procedures at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. If you have hired an attorney, they will typically meet you at the courthouse before the proceeding.

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 up to six months in jail and a fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses are less serious, with a maximum of thirty days of jail time and a fine. These cases are heard in Burlington County Municipal Court rather than the Superior Court and are not entitled to a jury trial. Despite their less severe classification, a conviction can still result in a criminal record and affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.

What happens if I miss my arraignment in Burlington County?

Missing an arraignment can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest and may also lead to forfeiture of any bond or release conditions. You should contact your attorney immediately or, if you do not have one, call the court clerk or the criminal division manager’s office to explain the situation. The court may reschedule the arraignment if a valid reason is presented. However, ignoring the missed appearance can lead to additional charges and more restrictive pretrial conditions. It is critical to act promptly.

How can I find a criminal defense lawyer for my arraignment in Burlington County?

You can contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation with an attorney familiar with the Burlington County courthouse and New Jersey criminal procedure. The firm’s lawyers appear regularly at the Burlington Vicinage and are admitted in New Jersey. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 and brings extensive combined legal experience together with his Of Counsel team. They can review the charges, explain the arraignment process, and represent you from the first court appearance through trial or negotiated resolution.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has extensive experience handling criminal matters in New Jersey courts, including the Burlington Vicinage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every representation. For an arraignment in Burlington County, having counsel who understands the local prosecutors, the pretrial release system, and the motions practice can make a meaningful difference. Results may vary. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

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