Burlington County Strangulation Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A strangulation charge in Burlington County, NJ, is a serious criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, often charged as aggravated assault. A conviction can lead to years in prison, a permanent criminal record, and a domestic violence restraining order. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and protecting your rights.
Understanding Strangulation Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, strangulation is not a standalone statute but is typically prosecuted under the assault laws, most commonly as aggravated assault. The act of impeding another person’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose or mouth, constitutes the offense. The severity of the charge often hinges on the alleged victim’s injuries and the context, such as whether it occurred during a domestic dispute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 (official New Jersey assault statutes)
- Burlington Vicinage, Superior Court of New Jersey
Local Court Process for Strangulation Charges in Burlington County
Strangulation cases in Burlington County begin with an arrest and are heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, in Mount Holly. These cases are often fast-tracked due to their serious nature and potential domestic violence components. Prosecutors in the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office typically pursue these charges aggressively, making early and strategic defense intervention critical.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be processed and have a first appearance in Superior Court, where bail conditions and a TRO hearing may be set.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: The prosecutor reviews evidence to decide whether to present the case to a grand jury for indictment.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: If indicted, the case proceeds in the Criminal Division of Superior Court.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney will obtain all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines, which for aggravated assault can include significant prison time.
Potential Penalties for a Strangulation Conviction
In Burlington County, a strangulation charge prosecuted as aggravated assault can be a second, third, or fourth-degree crime, carrying penalties from 18 months to 10 years in state prison.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault (Serious Bodily Injury) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, No Early Release Act (NERA), permanent restraining order |
| Aggravated Assault (Significant Bodily Injury) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, potential parole ineligibility, domestic violence penalties |
| Simple Assault (Attempted Strangulation) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months (county jail) | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible restraining order, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources and a founder’s direct insight into prosecution tactics to every strangulation charge defense. Our team understands how Burlington County courts handle these sensitive, high-stakes cases.
Our Approach to Strangulation Cases
We approach every strangulation charge defense by immediately investigating the facts. We scrutinize the arrest procedure, medical reports, witness statements, and the relationship dynamics at play. A common defense involves challenging the intent to cause injury or the severity of the alleged harm. In domestic situations, we may argue self-defense or that the incident has been mischaracterized. Our goal is to secure a dismissal or reduction of charges to avoid the life-altering consequences of a felony assault conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Strangulation Defense Lawyer Near Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly. We represent individuals in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 334-7469
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is strangulation a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Strangulation is typically charged as aggravated assault, which is a second, third, or fourth-degree crime in New Jersey. All these degrees are considered indictable offenses, which are the equivalent of felonies in other states.
What should I do if I am charged with domestic strangulation in Burlington County?
Do not speak to police or anyone about the case without an attorney. Immediately contact a domestic strangulation lawyer Burlington County. Also, strictly comply with any temporary restraining order (TRO), as violations are separate crimes. Your lawyer will guide you through the initial court appearance and TRO hearing.
Can a strangulation charge be dropped?
It depends. The prosecutor may drop charges if evidence is weak, the alleged victim recants, or a self-defense claim is strong. An experienced strangulation charge defense lawyer Burlington County can negotiate for dismissal or file pre-trial motions to have evidence suppressed, which may lead to the case being dropped.
What is the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault for strangulation?
The key difference is the level of injury. Aggravated assault requires “significant” or “serious” bodily injury. Simple assault involves lesser injury or attempted injury. The charging decision significantly impacts potential prison time, making the medical evidence a central point for your defense.
How can a lawyer help with a strangulation charge?
A strangulation lawyer Burlington County investigates the arrest, challenges the prosecution’s evidence, negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges, represents you at restraining order hearings, and prepares a vigorous trial defense if necessary. Early legal intervention is important for a favorable outcome.
Related Legal Resources
- New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Burlington County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Strangulation Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Strangulation Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Strangulation Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.