Bill

Bill > S2079


NJ S2079

NJ S2079
Clarifies procedures for revocation of pretrial release for certain defendants.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
05/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill concerns the temporary detention of a defendant who violates a condition of pretrial release, and clarifies the procedures for revocation of pretrial release for certain defendants. Under current law criminal courts are authorized to order the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or order pretrial detention of a defendant who is found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. A court may revoke a defendant's pretrial release and order the defendant to be detained pending trial if the defendant violates a condition of release or commits a new crime while on release if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that no monetary bail or conditions of release would reasonably assure the defendant's appearance in court and the public's safety, or reasonably prevent the defendant from the obstruction or attempted obstruction of the criminal justice process. Under the bill, a court may, upon motion of a prosecutor, temporarily detain a defendant who has been arrested or otherwise taken into custody if the defendant violates a condition of pretrial release or commits a crime while on pretrial release. The bill further provides that the procedures under current law for determining whether an eligible defendant is to be detained pending trial would apply to defendants who are temporarily detained for violating a condition of pretrial release. This bill encompasses Recommendation #22 of the Report of Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, issued on June 7, 2023.

AI Summary

This bill clarifies procedures for temporarily detaining defendants who violate conditions of their pretrial release, which is the temporary release of a defendant from custody while awaiting trial. Under current law, a court can revoke pretrial release and order detention if a defendant violates a condition or commits a new crime, but only after a high standard of proof ("clear and convincing evidence") that no bail or conditions can ensure their court appearance or public safety. This bill allows a prosecutor to request a court to temporarily detain a defendant who has been arrested for violating a pretrial release condition or committing a new crime while on release. The bill also specifies that the existing procedures for determining pretrial detention will apply to these temporarily detained defendants, and that a risk assessment, which evaluates a defendant's likelihood to appear in court and pose a danger, will be considered by the court. This change is part of a broader effort to reform the criminal justice system, specifically addressing Recommendation #22 from a June 2023 report.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 05/16/2024)

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