Bill > A4981

This bill modifies existing New Jersey law to allow courts additional time to consider pretrial release or detention when a defendant is charged with a firearm-related offense. Specifically, the bill permits prosecutors to request that the court take extra time beyond the standard 48-hour window for making a pretrial release decision, but only in cases involving firearms. The additional time is limited to what is reasonably necessary to conduct a firearms ballistic analysis, with a maximum extension of seven days. Under the current law, courts are required to make pretrial release decisions without unnecessary delay and within 48 hours of a defendant's commitment to jail. The bill provides flexibility for more thorough review in cases involving firearms, allowing prosecutors to request additional time for ballistic analysis that must be immediately provided to the court. The goal appears to be ensuring a comprehensive assessment of potential risk when a firearm is involved in a criminal case, while still maintaining relatively strict time limits on pretrial decision-making. The bill does not change the fundamental criteria for pretrial release, which still focus on ensuring the defendant's court appearance, community safety, and prevention of obstruction of justice.

Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4981