Burlington County Racing Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Street racing in Burlington County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52, carrying 5 points, up to 60 days in jail, and a $200 fine for a first offense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for racing charges in Mount Holly and across Burlington County.
New Jersey Racing Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, the crime of racing is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-52. The law prohibits participating in, aiding, or abetting a race or speed contest on any highway. This includes street racing, drag racing, and any other form of pre-arranged competitive speeding. The statute is part of Title 39, which governs motor vehicles and traffic regulation in the state.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense cases, including those involving serious charges like racing.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the racing statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 (official New Jersey Legislature site). All traffic matters in Burlington County are adjudicated in the Municipal Court. You can find court information, including location and hours, on the Burlington Vicinage website (New Jersey Courts .gov).
Local Court Process for a Racing Charge in Burlington County
All racing charges in Burlington County are heard in the Municipal Court located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. New Jersey treats traffic offenses as quasi-criminal matters, meaning you have the right to a trial before a judge. A common and effective defense strategy is negotiating a reduction from a racing charge (5 points) to a lesser offense like careless driving (2 points). This can save you thousands of dollars in mandatory NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) surcharges, which add $100 per year for each point over 6 on your license for three years.
- Receive Your Ticket & Court Date: You will receive a traffic ticket (summons) with a mandatory court appearance date for a racing charge.
- Consult a Racing Lawyer: Before your court date, speak with an attorney to review the evidence and discuss potential defenses or negotiation strategies.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may meet with the municipal prosecutor before trial to discuss reducing or dismissing the charge.
- Trial or Plea: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial where the judge hears evidence and decides guilt.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge will impose fines, jail time (if applicable), points, and surcharges at sentencing.
- Appeal: You have 20 days to appeal a Municipal Court conviction to the Burlington County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Racing in New Jersey
In Burlington County, a racing conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 carries severe penalties including 5 motor vehicle points, potential jail time, high fines, and a mandatory license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing (1st Offense) | Traffic Offense | Up to 60 days | Up to $200 | 5 points; 1-2 year suspension* | NJ MVC surcharges; major insurance increase |
| Racing (Subsequent) | Traffic Offense | Up to 3 months | Up to $500 | 5 points; 2+ year suspension* | Higher surcharges; possible vehicle forfeiture |
*The court has discretion on the length of suspension. A conviction also triggers the NJ Unsafe Driver Surcharge of $250 per year for three years if you have 3+ moving violations in a 3-year period.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Racing Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We bring a deep understanding of New Jersey’s technical traffic laws and the local Burlington County court procedures. For an affordable racing lawyer Burlington County residents can consult, our team provides clear, strategic defense options focused on protecting your driving privileges and minimizing long-term costs.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a proven record of defending clients against serious traffic charges. While specific results depend on unique case facts, our firm-wide dedication to vigorous defense has yielded over 4,739 documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We actively represent clients in Burlington County Municipal Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Racing Lawyer Near Me Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Burlington County Municipal Court in Mount Holly. We represent individuals from communities across the county, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is street racing a criminal offense in New Jersey?
No, but it is a quasi-criminal traffic offense. While not a crime like theft, it is heard in Municipal Court, not an administrative hearing. You have the right to an attorney, a trial, and can face jail time, making a strong defense critical.
How many points is racing in NJ?
Racing carries 5 motor vehicle points in New Jersey. Accumulating 6 or more points within 3 years triggers the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Surcharge of $100 per year for each point over 6, paid for three years. This makes point reduction a key defense goal.
Can I go to jail for a first-time racing charge?
Yes. N.J.S.A. 39:4-52 allows for up to 60 days in jail for a first offense. While not automatic, the possibility exists, especially if aggravating factors are present. An experienced racing lawyer Burlington County can argue against incarceration.
What is the difference between racing and reckless driving in NJ?
Both carry 5 points, but the statutes differ. Racing (N.J.S.A. 39:4-52) involves a pre-arranged competition. Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is driving with willful disregard for safety. The penalties are similar, but the evidence required for conviction differs, which a lawyer can challenge.
Will my license be suspended for racing?
It depends. The court has discretion to suspend your license for 1-2 years for a first offense and longer for subsequent offenses. A skilled attorney can present mitigating factors to argue for a shorter suspension or no suspension at all.
Can I plead guilty to a lesser offense?
Yes, plea bargaining is common in NJ Municipal Courts. A frequent strategy is negotiating a reduction from racing (5 points) to careless driving (2 points). This significantly reduces points, surcharges, and insurance impacts, which is why consulting a lawyer is important.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey racing practice, where the whole process is set out.
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 · Racing Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Racing Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Monmouth County NJ Racing Lawyer.