Burlington County Municipal Court Lawyer

Defending Your Rights with a Municipal Court Attorney in Burlington County

Receiving a summons to appear in court can be an intimidating experience that instantly disrupts your life. Whether you were pulled over on the New Jersey Turnpike, stopped by local police in Mount Laurel, or involved in a dispute in Evesham, the prospect of facing a judge is stressful. Many people make the mistake of assuming that charges handled in municipal court are minor infractions that do not require legal representation. They believe they can simply walk in, explain their side of the story, and pay a fine. The reality is far more serious. Municipal courts handle real criminal offenses that carry real penalties, including permanent criminal records, license suspensions, and even jail time. To protect your future, you need the advocacy of a skilled Burlington County municipal court lawyer who knows how to navigate these local systems.

At The Scardella Law Firm, LLC, we focus our practice on defending individuals in municipal courts throughout Burlington County. We understand that good people often find themselves in difficult legal situations due to a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse in judgment. We do not treat you like a criminal. We treat you like a person who deserves a strong, personalized defense. Our goal is to guide you through this complex process, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward a resolution that allows you to move forward with your life.

If you have received a court summons or have been arrested, do not face the prosecutor alone. Contact a Burlington County municipal court lawyer today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding the Municipal Court System

Municipal courts in New Jersey have jurisdiction over motor vehicle violations, municipal ordinance offenses, and disorderly persons and other non-indictable offenses. While these courts do not handle indictable crime trials, they can impose penalties that significantly affect your liberty and finances. Disorderly persons offenses, such as simple assault or possession of drug paraphernalia, are criminal charges.  A conviction can create a criminal record that may be visible on background checks for employment, housing, schooling, and more indefinitely. Only by going through the process to get this record expunged can it later be sealed from public access. 

A qualified Burlington County municipal court lawyer understands that the stakes in these courtrooms are high. Prosecutors are under pressure to resolve cases efficiently, but they must also uphold the law. Without an attorney to protect your interests, you may be pressured into accepting a plea deal that seems convenient at the moment but carries long-term negative consequences. We intervene early to make sure that your rights are respected and that the prosecutor understands the weaknesses in their case.

We handle cases across the county, from busy highway corridors in Bordentown and Burlington Township to residential communities like Medford and Moorestown. We know that each court has its own specific procedures and personnel. We use this local knowledge to your advantage, crafting defense strategies that resonate with the specific judges and prosecutors handling your case.

Types of Cases We Handle in Burlington County

Our firm represents clients in a wide range of matters heard in municipal court. We are prepared to handle everything from serious traffic offenses to criminal charges.

• Burlington County traffic violations: We defend against speeding tickets, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and leaving the scene of an accident that involved property damage.
• Burlington County DWI and DUI: Charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can carry mandatory penalties, which may include loss of driving privileges, ignition interlock requirements, and potential jail time.
• Burlington County simple assault: Disputes between neighbors, family members, or strangers can lead to assault charges that carry the stigma of a violent crime.
• Burlington County shoplifting and theft: We handle disorderly persons cases involving retail theft, under-ringing merchandise, and theft of movable property under $200 (not escalated by prior offenses).
• Burlington County drug offenses: Possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to turn over CDS, and other drug-related disorderly persons offenses are common in municipal court.
• Burlington County harassment and disorderly conduct: Arguments that escalate into shouting matches or threatening text messages can result in disorderly conduct or harassment charges, depending on the conduct and intent.
• Burlington County municipal ordinance violations: We defend against noise complaints, public drinking citations, and other local code violations.
• Burlington County criminal mischief: Acts of vandalism or property damage are often prosecuted in municipal court if the monetary damage is low.
• And more: Our firm steps in to defend clients charged with other matters within municipal court jurisdiction. 

A municipal court attorney in Burlington County from our firm will review the specific details of your summons to determine the best course of action. We do not take a cookie-cutter approach. We tailor our defense to the specific facts of your case.

The Legal Process in Burlington County Municipal Courts

Navigating the municipal court process requires an understanding of legal procedure and court rules. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate the anxiety of your court date.

• First appearance: You appear before the judge to be advised of your rights and the charges against you, and to enter a plea of not guilty.
• Discovery exchange: Your attorney requests all evidence from the prosecutor, including police reports, video footage, and witness statements.
• Case review and strategy: We analyze the discovery to find errors in the police investigation or gaps in the state’s evidence.
• Plea negotiations: We engage in discussions with the prosecutor to advocate for a dismissal, a downgrade to a lesser charge, or entry into a diversionary program.
• Status conferences: The court may schedule additional appearances to monitor the progress of discovery and negotiations.
• Trial: If a favorable resolution cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a trial where the judge hears testimony and decides guilt or innocence.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or jail time.

We stand by your side at every appearance, ensuring that you do not say anything that could damage your case. We handle the legal arguments so that you can focus on your daily obligations.

Consequences of a Municipal Court Conviction

While municipal court offenses are often considered “minor” by the public, the penalties are severe and lasting. The court has the authority to impose punishments that affect your freedom, your finances, and your reputation.

• Jail time: Disorderly persons offenses carry a potential sentence of up to six months in the Burlington County Jail.
• Criminal record: A conviction for a disorderly persons offense creates a permanent criminal record that can disqualify you from jobs and professional licenses.
• License suspension: The judge has the discretion to suspend your driver’s license for many offenses, including drug possession, shoplifting, and traffic violations.
• Significant fines: You may be required to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and mandatory state assessments.
• Probation: The court can place you on probation, requiring you to report to a court officer and adhere to strict conditions for a set period.
• Community service: You may be ordered to perform community service hours as a way to repay the community for the offense.
• Immigration issues: Certain offenses involving drugs or theft can have serious immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation.

Retaining a Burlington County municipal court lawyer is the most effective way to mitigate these risks. We fight to avoid a conviction and to keep your record clean.

How The Scardella Law Firm LLC Can Help

We know that dealing with the legal system is stressful and confusing. You may be worried about missing work for court or how a conviction will affect your family. At The Scardella Law Firm, LLC, we take that burden off your shoulders. We provide clear, honest communication throughout the entire process. We explain what is happening, what your options are, and what we recommend based on our experience.

Our client-centered approach means that we are accessible and responsive. We listen to your concerns and answer your questions promptly. We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves, whether it is a speeding ticket or a drug charge. A Burlington County municipal court lawyer from our firm is your dedicated advocate, fighting to protect your rights and your future. We are committed to helping you put this chapter behind you with as little damage as possible.

Defending Against Municipal Court Charges

Building a defense in municipal court requires a proactive approach. We do not wait for the prosecutor to hand us a deal. We actively investigate the case to find the leverage we need.

• Challenging the stop: In traffic and DWI cases, we question whether the police had a valid legal reason to pull you over in the first place.
• Suppressing evidence: If the police conducted an illegal search of your car or person, we file motions to have the evidence thrown out.
• Questioning witness credibility: In assault or harassment cases, we expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story to show they are not reliable.
• Identifying procedural errors: We confirm that the police followed all proper procedures during the arrest and booking process.
• Negotiating for conditional dismissal: For first-time offenders, we advocate for admission into diversionary programs that result in the dismissal of charges.
• Downgrading charges: We fight to have criminal charges downgraded to municipal ordinance violations, which are not crimes and do not result in a criminal record.

A municipal court attorney in Burlington County uses these strategies to dismantle the state’s case. We are relentless in our pursuit of the best possible outcome for you.

Why Choose The Scardella Law Firm LLC

When your future is on the line, experience matters. Lauren Scardella is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases. She knows what prosecutors look for and where they are willing to compromise. This insider perspective allows us to negotiate from a position of strength. We know the local court system inside and out. We appear regularly in courts throughout Burlington County, including Evesham, Mount Laurel, Pemberton, and Westampton.

We focus our practice specifically on criminal and municipal court defense. We do not dabble in other areas of law. This focus allows us to stay up to date on the latest changes in the law and defense strategies. We have a track record of achieving favorable results for our clients, from outright dismissals to negotiated plea deals that preserve their records. When you hire a municipal court attorney in Burlington County from our firm, you are hiring a professional who is personally invested in your success.

Call Us Today to Discuss Your Defense

Do not ignore a court summons. Failing to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest. Take control of your situation by securing legal representation immediately.

Call us now or reach out through our online contact form to speak with an attorney and learn how we can help protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington County Municipal Court