Bill > S3190

This bill modifies New Jersey juvenile court jurisdiction rules regarding the venue where juveniles must appear for delinquency complaints. For more serious offenses (first through third-degree crimes), juveniles will be required to appear in the county where the alleged incident occurred. For less serious offenses (fourth-degree crimes, disorderly persons offenses, or petty disorderly persons offenses), juveniles will generally appear in their county of residence, unless the court finds good cause to retain venue in the county where the incident happened. If multiple defendants are involved, venue will be in the county where the incident occurred. Either the prosecutor or defense can file a motion to change venue, which must be submitted to the Family Presiding Judge or designee within five days of receiving the complaint. The bill aims to provide more clarity and flexibility in determining the appropriate court location for juvenile delinquency cases while balancing the interests of judicial efficiency and the juvenile's circumstances. The changes are designed to ensure that juveniles appear in the most appropriate court based on the nature and location of the alleged offense.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3190