Felony DWI Lawyer Burlington County — Defending Against Serious Criminal Charges
A felony DWI charge in Burlington County is a serious criminal charge with severe penalties. Under New Jersey law, a DWI becomes a felony DWI lawyer Burlington County case when it involves a death, serious bodily injury, or is a third or subsequent offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
In New Jersey, DWI is typically a traffic offense. However, specific circumstances elevate it to an indictable crime, akin to a felony in other states. This includes causing death or serious bodily injury while driving under the influence (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5) or facing a third or subsequent DWI offense within 10 years. These charges are prosecuted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, and carry the potential for state prison time, not just county jail.
Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, leads our defense for these matters in New Jersey. With bar admissions in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and New York, and as the founder who has personally amended state code, he brings substantial authority to building a defense against a serious criminal charge.
Official New Jersey DWI & Criminal Statutes
Understanding the specific laws is critical. The primary DWI statute is N.J.S.A. 39:4-50. Charges escalate under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 for death by auto and related statutes for assault by auto. All felony-level DWI cases are heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage in Mount Holly.
Burlington County Court Process for Felony DWI Charges
Felony DWI charges follow a different path than standard Municipal Court DWI cases. The process begins with an indictment by a grand jury. In the Burlington Vicinage, prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively given the potential for severe harm. A key local procedural fact is that while plea bargaining is extremely limited for standard DWI, negotiations in felony cases may involve reducing the degree of the indictable offense or arguing for sentencing alternatives, but this requires sophisticated legal strategy.
- Arrest & Initial Charges: You will be arrested and charged. The case is forwarded to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, the case proceeds to Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Conferences & Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge procedural errors, or dismiss charges. Discovery is exchanged.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing is imposed by a Superior Court judge, with penalties guided by New Jersey’s criminal code.
Potential Penalties for Felony DWI in New Jersey
In Burlington County, a felony DWI conviction carries state prison terms, lengthy license suspensions, and fines exceeding $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death by Auto (DWI) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years State Prison | Up to $150,000 | 10-year suspension minimum | Parole ineligibility, permanent criminal record |
| Assault by Auto (Serious Bodily Injury) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years State Prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-2 year suspension | Parole ineligibility, permanent criminal record |
| Third DWI Offense (within 10 years) | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months State Prison | $1,000 | 10-year suspension | 180 days jail (if not prison), 90 days community service, ignition interlock |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose SRIS, P.C. for Your Felony DWI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a felony DWI lawyer Burlington County case and provide a defense focused on challenging the evidence, protecting your rights, and seeking the best possible resolution.
Case Results & Firm Experience
While specific Burlington County felony DWI results are confidential, our firm’s extensive litigation experience forms the foundation of your defense. SRIS actively practices in Burlington County courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This volume of experience is critical when facing a serious criminal charge lawyer Burlington County scenario, as it means we have encountered and developed strategies for a wide array of complex evidentiary and procedural challenges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony DWI Lawyer Near Burlington County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Burlington County courts, including the Superior Court at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. We serve communities across the county, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felony DWI in Burlington County: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DWI a criminal offense in Burlington County, New Jersey?
No. A standard DWI in Burlington County is a traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, heard in Municipal Court. It does not appear on a criminal record. However, a DWI becomes a criminal charge if it causes death/serious injury or is a third offense, making a felony DWI lawyer Burlington County essential.
What makes a DWI a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. New Jersey law elevates a DWI to an indictable crime (similar to a felony) in three main situations: if the violation causes a death (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5), causes serious bodily injury, or if it is the driver’s third or subsequent offense within a 10-year period. These are serious criminal charges.
Can a felony DWI be expunged in NJ?
No. Indictable crimes (felonies) in New Jersey, including felony DWI convictions for death by auto or assault by auto, are generally not eligible for expungement. A third-offense DWI classified as a 4th-degree crime may have a 10-year waiting period for expungement eligibility under strict conditions.
What are the defenses to a felony DWI charge?
Defenses can include challenging the traffic stop’s legality, the accuracy of chemical tests, the causation between driving and the accident, the severity of injuries, or the validity of prior convictions. An experienced felony DWI lawyer Burlington County will investigate all procedural and factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Who handles felony DWI cases at SRIS, P.C. in New Jersey?
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, leads the defense for felony DWI and other serious criminal charges in New Jersey. His multi-state bar admissions and deep experience with complex litigation are assets in building a strong defense strategy.
Internal Links: For more information on related services, see our New Jersey DWI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Hunterdon County and Somerset County. If you are facing other charges, our Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.