Burlington County Felony DWI Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony DWI in Burlington County is a serious criminal charge under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, often involving prior convictions or aggravating factors, and can lead to years in prison and permanent consequences. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these contested cases.
Understanding Felony DWI Charges in New Jersey
While New Jersey law typically classifies DWI as a traffic offense, certain circumstances elevate it to an indictable crime—commonly called a felony DWI. This occurs primarily in cases of repeat offenses within a 10-year period or when the DWI results in serious bodily injury to another person. A conviction carries severe, life-altering penalties far beyond a standard DWI.
Last verified: April 2026 | Burlington County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures, visit the Burlington Vicinage of the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Felony DWI Charge
Felony DWI cases in Burlington County begin in municipal court but are quickly transferred to the Burlington County Superior Court for indictment and trial. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction often seek maximum penalties for repeat offenders. An insider note is that early negotiation before indictment can sometimes lead to a reduction in charges.
- Your first appearance will be in municipal court for the initial charge.
- The case is presented to a grand jury at the Superior Court for indictment.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence and procedural errors.
- Negotiations with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office occur to seek a plea deal.
- If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing, if convicted, is handled by a Superior Court judge.
Potential Penalties for a Felony DWI Conviction
In Burlington County, a felony DWI conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a 10-year license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWI – 3rd+ Offense | 4th Degree Crime | 180 days mandatory minimum | $1,000 | 10-year suspension | Ignition interlock, probation, community service |
| DWI Causing Serious Bodily Injury | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years state prison | $15,000+ | Revocation | Potential civil liability, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a felony charge defense lawyer Burlington County scenario and build each defense from the ground up.
Building a Defense for a Serious Criminal Charge
When facing a felony DWI, a generic defense is insufficient. Our approach involves a meticulous case-specific investigation. We scrutinize the traffic stop’s legality, challenge the accuracy and administration of breathalyzer or blood tests, and investigate the circumstances of any alleged injury. For a serious criminal charge lawyer Burlington County, case preparation is everything. We work to create reasonable doubt or negotiate for a reduced charge to avoid a felony conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony DWI Defense in Burlington County
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout Burlington County. We are familiar with the local courts and procedures in Mount Holly and across the county.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Felony DWI Lawyer Burlington County FAQs
Is a third DWI a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. A third DWI offense within 10 years is prosecuted as a fourth-degree indictable crime in New Jersey, which is equivalent to a felony in other states. It carries a mandatory 180-day jail sentence.
Can a felony DWI charge be reduced?
It depends. Reduction is possible, especially before indictment, by challenging the evidence or negotiating with the prosecutor. Factors like the strength of the state’s case, lack of injury, and your history influence this. An experienced felony DWI lawyer Burlington County can evaluate the possibility.
What is the difference between a DUI and a felony DWI in NJ?
In New Jersey, “DUI” and “DWI” are used interchangeably for standard offenses. A “felony DWI” refers specifically to an indictable crime—either a repeat offense or one causing serious injury—handled in Superior Court with prison time, unlike municipal court DWIs.
How long does a felony DWI case take?
A felony DWI case in Burlington County Superior Court typically takes 9 to 18 months from arrest to resolution, depending on the issues in dispute, motions filed, and court scheduling. The indictment process alone can take several months.
Will I go to jail for a felony DWI?
For a third offense, a 180-day jail sentence is mandatory under NJ law. For a DWI causing serious injury, state prison is likely. A strong defense aims to avoid conviction or reduce the charge to avoid these mandatory penalties.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey felony dwi practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
DWI and traffic charges are heard first in the municipal court for the town where the stop occurred; appeals go to the Law Division of the county Superior Court. 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 N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 (driving while intoxicated) within N.J.S.A. Title 39, the motor vehicle and traffic code. 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 · Felony DWI Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Felony DWI Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Felony DWI Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.