Burlington County Criminal History
Burlington County criminal history records are managed through the Superior Court and county offices in Mount Holly. This is the largest county in New Jersey by land area, stretching from the Delaware River to the Pine Barrens. With over 460,000 residents across 40 municipalities, the county handles a large volume of criminal cases each year. Law enforcement agencies throughout Burlington County feed arrest and charge data into shared state systems that track criminal history.
Burlington County Quick Facts
Burlington County Criminal Records Office
The Burlington County courthouse in Mount Holly is the central location for criminal records in the county. The Superior Court, Criminal Division handles all indictable offenses. Staff at the court can help you find case files, docket sheets, and other documents tied to criminal cases.
The Burlington County government website provides links to the Clerk, Sheriff, and Prosecutor offices. Each of these plays a role in the creation and storage of criminal records. The Clerk maintains court records. The Sheriff handles warrants and inmate records. The Prosecutor manages case files for indictable offenses.
County offices in Mount Holly are open on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call ahead to confirm hours for the specific office you need.
Burlington County covers a wide area. Towns range from suburban communities like Mount Laurel and Evesham to rural areas in the Pine Barrens. All criminal cases from these 40 municipalities funnel through the court in Mount Holly. The size of the county means the court handles a diverse range of cases each year.
How to Search Burlington County Criminal History
You can search Burlington County criminal history records through several channels. Online tools offer quick access to basic case data. In-person visits give you the chance to review full files. Formal requests through OPRA let you get copies of specific records.
The eCourts portal is the main online tool for searching criminal cases in New Jersey. You can search by name or docket number to find Burlington County cases. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case status. It is free to use. However, it does not include sealed or expunged records.
For in-person searches, visit the Burlington County Courts Facility at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. The Criminal Division records room is open during business hours. You will need:
- Valid photo ID
- Name of the person you are searching
- Docket number if you have it
Staff can pull case files and make copies for a fee. Older records may take longer to locate. The court keeps records going back many years, but very old files may need to be retrieved from storage.
Note: Online searches of Burlington County criminal records only show cases that have not been sealed or expunged.
Burlington County Prosecutor Criminal Cases
The Burlington County Prosecutor handles all indictable crimes in the county. This office works closely with police departments in all 40 municipalities. When a serious crime happens in any Burlington County town, the Prosecutor takes over the case. Each case generates records that become part of the criminal history system.
The Prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the case moves to the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. The case file includes the indictment, discovery materials, motions, and any plea agreement. If the case goes to trial, the file also includes the verdict and sentencing documents.
Records from the Burlington County Prosecutor are available through OPRA requests under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1. Active investigation files are exempt from disclosure. Closed case records are generally public. Contact the Prosecutor's OPRA custodian in Mount Holly to submit a request.
Criminal History Expungement in Burlington County
New Jersey law allows expungement of certain criminal records. If you were arrested or convicted in Burlington County, you may qualify. The rules are set out in N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 and the sections that follow. You file the petition at the Superior Court in Mount Holly.
Most indictable offenses require a six-year wait after you complete your sentence. Disorderly persons offenses have a five-year wait. Drug crimes may qualify under an early pathway with shorter timelines. The court looks at your full record and any objections from the Prosecutor before ruling.
If the judge grants the expungement, orders go to every agency with the record. This includes the Burlington County Prosecutor, local police, the Sheriff, the State Police, and the FBI. After the order takes effect, the record will not appear in public criminal history searches of Burlington County.
Some offenses cannot be expunged. These include murder, sexual assault, and certain other serious crimes. Talk to a lawyer or review the statute to find out if your Burlington County record qualifies.
Note: Expunged records in Burlington County are not destroyed but are isolated from public access.
Burlington County Court Criminal Records
The Superior Court in Mount Holly maintains all criminal case records for Burlington County. The Criminal Division processes cases from the initial complaint through sentencing and any post-judgment motions. Each case file is a public record unless a judge has ordered it sealed.
You can find more information at the Burlington County Superior Court website. The site has directions, contact numbers, and links to the eCourts online search tool.
| Court |
Burlington County Superior Court Criminal Division 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, NJ 08060 Phone: (609) 518-2500 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | njcourts.gov/courts/superior/burlington |
Criminal records from Burlington County court include complaints, indictments, plea agreements, motions, court orders, and judgments. Anyone can request to view these records. You do not need to be a party to the case. Copy fees apply for documents you want to take with you.
Burlington County Criminal Record Checks
The New Jersey State Police operate the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) database under N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.1. This statewide system is the most thorough way to check criminal history for Burlington County and all other counties. It pulls data from every law enforcement agency and court in New Jersey.
To get a CHRI check, you need to be fingerprinted at an authorized IdentoGO location. There are sites near Burlington County in Mount Laurel and other towns. Results include all arrests, charges, and court outcomes on file. The turnaround time is usually a few weeks.
You can request your own record at any time. For someone else's record, you need their written consent or a legal basis for the request. The State Police set the fee, which may change.
Burlington County OPRA Records Requests
The Open Public Records Act gives the public access to government records in New Jersey. You can file an OPRA request for criminal history records held by Burlington County agencies. This includes the court, the Prosecutor, the Sheriff, and municipal police departments.
Fill out the standard OPRA request form and send it to the records custodian at the agency that has what you need. Be as specific as you can. Include names, dates, case numbers, and the type of record you want. The agency has seven business days to respond. They may provide the records, deny the request, or ask for more time.
Note: Law enforcement investigation records in Burlington County may be exempt from OPRA until the case is closed.
Cities in Burlington County
Burlington County has 40 municipalities. All indictable criminal cases from these towns are handled at the Superior Court in Mount Holly. Municipal courts in each town process lesser offenses.
Other municipalities in Burlington County include Bordentown, Maple Shade, Moorestown, Pemberton, Medford, and Lumberton. All criminal cases from these communities are handled at the county court in Mount Holly.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Burlington County. Criminal cases are filed in the county where the offense occurred. Check the location carefully to make sure you search the right jurisdiction for the criminal history record you need.