Burlington County Criminal Records
What Is Burlington County Criminal Records
Burlington County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Burlington County, New Jersey. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various county and state agencies.
Criminal records in Burlington County typically include:
- Arrest records maintained by the Burlington County Sheriff's Department and local police departments
- Court case files held by the Burlington County Superior Court
- Incarceration records from the Burlington County Detention Center
- Probation and parole information maintained by the New Jersey State Parole Board
According to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), these records are considered government records subject to public disclosure with certain exceptions.
Burlington County criminal records distinguish between several important categories:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when someone is taken into custody on suspicion of a crime, while conviction records indicate a formal finding of guilt through trial or plea.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: In New Jersey, serious crimes are classified as indictable offenses (similar to felonies), while less serious offenses are classified as disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanors).
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for defendants under 18 are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality under N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Current warrants represent ongoing enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Burlington County include:
Burlington County Sheriff's Department
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-265-5127
Burlington County Sheriff's Department
Burlington County Superior Court
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-518-2600
Burlington County Superior Court
New Jersey State Police - Criminal Records Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Are Criminal Records Public In Burlington County
Criminal records in Burlington County are generally public documents pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA). This law establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and investigative integrity.
According to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest."
Public criminal records in Burlington County typically include:
- Court dockets and case files for adult defendants
- Conviction records and sentencing information
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sex offender registry information
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
However, several categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1)
- Juvenile records (N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60)
- Records expunged by court order (N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1)
- Domestic violence records with protective orders
- Records sealed by judicial determination
- Certain victim information, particularly in cases involving sexual assault
The New Jersey Judiciary provides additional guidance through Court Rule 1:38, which establishes that court records are presumptively open to public access unless specifically exempted by rule, statute, or court order.
Law enforcement agencies in Burlington County may withhold certain information if disclosure would:
- Impede an ongoing investigation
- Create a risk to public safety
- Compromise confidential informants
- Reveal tactical information that could hinder future operations
Individuals seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while the presumption favors disclosure, specific exemptions may apply to particular documents or information contained within those records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Burlington County in 2026
Burlington County residents and interested parties can access criminal records through several official channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and its custodian agency.
For in-person requests at the Burlington County Superior Court:
- Visit the Criminal Division Records Office at the Burlington County Courts Facility
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or defendant name
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
Burlington County Superior Court - Criminal Division
49 Rancocas Road, 1st Floor
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-518-2600
Burlington County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For mail requests to the Burlington County Clerk:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form
- Include specific information about the records sought (case numbers, names, dates)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate records custodian
Burlington County Clerk's Office
50 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-265-5122
Burlington County Clerk
For criminal history background checks:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor
- Complete the New Jersey State Police request form
- Pay the required processing fee
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
New Jersey State Police - Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
New Jersey State Police
For active warrants and inmate information:
- Contact the Burlington County Sheriff's Department
- Provide the name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the information requested
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, records custodians must respond to requests within seven business days. Requestors should maintain copies of all correspondence and receipt of payment.
How To Find Criminal Records in Burlington County Online?
Burlington County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
The New Jersey Judiciary's public access portal serves as the primary online resource:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access website
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Choose Burlington County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
- Review the case summary information
- Request detailed documents if needed (fees may apply)
For inmate and custody status information:
- Access the New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or ID number
- Review current custody status, location, and projected release date
The Burlington County Sheriff's Department maintains an online portal for:
- Active warrant information
- Daily arrest logs
- Detention center population reports
Online resources include:
- New Jersey Courts Public Access - Case information, dockets, and some document access
- Burlington County Sheriff's Inmate Search - Current detention center population
- New Jersey Sex Offender Registry - Information on registered sex offenders in Burlington County
Users should note the following limitations of online systems:
- Complete case files are rarely available for download
- Certain sensitive documents require in-person requests
- Historical records may not be digitized
- Registration may be required for some systems
- Search functionality may be limited by available fields
According to the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, online access is provided as a convenience but does not replace official court records maintained by the respective clerk's offices.
Can You Search Burlington County Criminal Records for Free?
Burlington County residents maintain the right to inspect certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) establishes guidelines for reasonable fees associated with record reproduction.
Free inspection options include:
- In-person review of non-confidential court files at the Burlington County Superior Court
- Public terminal access at the Criminal Division Records Office
- Viewing of current jail population reports at the Sheriff's Department
- Examination of criminal court calendars and dockets
Free online resources include:
- New Jersey Courts Public Access - Basic case information and status
- Burlington County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - Current detention center population
- New Jersey Sex Offender Registry - Information on registered offenders
According to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5(b), "A custodian shall permit access to a government record and provide a copy thereof in the medium requested if the public agency maintains the record in that medium." The statute further specifies that "access to electronic records and non-printed materials shall be provided free of charge, but the public agency may charge for the actual cost of any needed supplies such as computer discs."
For in-person inspection of records:
Burlington County Superior Court - Criminal Division
49 Rancocas Road, 1st Floor
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-518-2600
Burlington County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, standard fees apply for copies:
- Paper copies: $0.05 per page (letter size)
- Paper copies: $0.07 per page (legal size)
- Electronic records: No charge if emailed; actual cost of media if physical delivery required
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
The Burlington County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Department maintain similar fee structures for document reproduction in accordance with state regulations.
What's Included in a Burlington County Criminal Record?
Burlington County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content varies based on the case stage and maintaining agency but typically includes several standard categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention status
- Arresting circumstances
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and statutory citations
- Classification (indictable offense or disorderly persons offense)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor assignment
- Judge presiding
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Trial outcome (if applicable)
- Verdict or judgment
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration period
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions
- Appeal status
- Probation/parole supervision details
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or detainers
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
According to the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, criminal records are maintained in accordance with the New Jersey Court Rules and relevant statutes governing record retention and public access.
How Long Does Burlington County Keep Criminal Records?
Burlington County adheres to the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule for maintaining criminal records. The retention periods vary based on the record type, case outcome, and severity of the offense.
Standard retention periods include:
- Indictable Offense Convictions (Felonies): Permanent retention
- Disorderly Persons Convictions (Misdemeanors): 15 years after case completion
- Dismissed Cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Acquittals: 3 years after verdict
- Arrest Records (No Charges Filed): 3 years from arrest date
- Probation Records: 10 years after supervision completion
- Parole Records: 10 years after supervision completion
- Court Transcripts: Permanent retention for indictable offenses; 15 years for lesser offenses
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained by State Police indefinitely unless expunged
These retention periods are established pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:3-8.1, which authorizes the State Records Committee to establish retention schedules for government records.
The Burlington County Superior Court follows the New Jersey Judiciary Records Retention Schedule as mandated by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Important considerations regarding record retention:
- Records may be maintained beyond minimum retention periods
- Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
- Expunged records are removed from public access but may be retained for limited official use
- Juvenile records have specialized retention schedules with greater confidentiality protections
- Records related to first-time, non-violent offenders may qualify for earlier destruction under certain diversion programs
Individuals seeking to remove eligible records from public access may petition for expungement under N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 through the Burlington County Superior Court.