Burglary Lawyer Bergen County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Burglary Lawyer Bergen County NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Bergen County, NJ, is an indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, carrying severe penalties. If you are charged, you need a burglary lawyer Bergen County NJ who understands the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes.
New Jersey Burglary Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, burglary is not a simple trespassing charge. It is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2 as entering a structure with the purpose of committing an offense inside. The severity of the charge depends on factors like whether the structure was a dwelling, if anyone was present, or if you were armed. This makes securing a skilled burglary attorney Bergen County NJ critical from the outset.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built its practice on a deep understanding of criminal statutes and courtroom strategy. We approach each burglary case by examining the intent element, the legality of the entry, and the evidence chain.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms for Bergen County are available through the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Handling a Burglary Case in Bergen County Court
The key local procedural fact is that all burglary charges in Bergen County are indictable crimes (felony equivalents) handled by the Superior Court, not Municipal Court. New Jersey’s bail reform means release decisions are based on a risk assessment, not cash. A burglary law firm Bergen County NJ like ours knows that early intervention can influence this assessment and case direction.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will appear in Superior Court for an initial hearing where the judge reviews the charges and decides on release conditions under New Jersey’s bail reform laws.
- Case Review & Discovery: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence. We scrutinize the warrant, if any, and the proof of intent to commit a crime inside.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Before a grand jury hears the case, your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor for a downgrade to a lesser charge or into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: If not resolved, the case goes to a grand jury. If indicted, it proceeds formally in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Trial: We file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in New Jersey
In Bergen County, burglary is typically a third-degree crime punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison, but it can be elevated to second-degree with a presumption of imprisonment.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Most Cases) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses. |
| Burglary of a Dwelling, Armed, or Victim Present | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years (Presumption of Imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Graves Act penalties if armed, mandatory parole ineligibility. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Bergen County Burglary Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We focus on building a defense that challenges the prosecution’s case on intent, entry, and evidence. Our approach is case-specific, examining every detail from police procedure to witness credibility.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While individual results depend on case facts, our systematic approach focuses on achieving dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Burglary Lawyer Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Bergen County
Is burglary a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Burglary is an indictable crime, which is New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony. It is prosecuted in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage, not Municipal Court.
What is the difference between burglary and trespassing in NJ?
Burglary requires entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. Trespassing is simply entering or remaining on property without permission. The intent element makes burglary a much more serious charge, necessitating a burglary attorney Bergen County NJ.
Can burglary charges be dropped in Bergen County?
It depends. Charges may be dropped if the evidence of intent is weak, if your entry was lawful, or if your rights were violated during the investigation. An early and aggressive defense by a burglary law firm Bergen County NJ is key to identifying these opportunities.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for burglary?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time offenders. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges. Eligibility for burglary is not guaranteed and requires a persuasive application to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
How long does a burglary case take in Bergen County?
For an indictable crime like burglary, the timeline from arrest to resolution can range from several months to over a year, depending on case complexity, negotiations, and court scheduling.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters in Bergen County like DUI defense and family law.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your burglary charges in Bergen County, NJ.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.