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Bill > S4624
NJ S4624
NJ S4624Eliminates presumption of pretrial release for defendants charged with repeat home invasion offenses.
summary
Introduced
06/23/2025
06/23/2025
In Committee
06/23/2025
06/23/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill eliminates the presumption of pretrial release for certain defendants who are charged with the crime of home invasion or burglary. Specifically, the presumption of pretrial release would not apply to a defendant who was previously convicted, on one or more prior and separate occasions, of home invasion or burglary of a residence. Under P.L.2014, c.31, also known as the Criminal Justice Reform Law, criminal courts are authorized to order: the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings; or the 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. Currently, the Criminal Justice Reform Law establishes a presumption for some form of pretrial release, except with respect to an eligible defendant charged with: murder; a crime for which the eligible defendant would be subject to an ordinary or extended term of life imprisonment; the theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle; or a crime under any statute of the United States, this State, or any other state that is substantially equivalent. Under the bill, the presumption of pretrial release also would not apply to an eligible defendant charged with home invasion or burglary of a residence if the defendant was previously convicted of these crimes on one or more prior and separate occasions.
AI Summary
This bill modifies New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform Law by eliminating the presumption of pretrial release for defendants who have previously been arrested for or convicted of home invasion or residential burglary. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that prevents defendants from automatically qualifying for pretrial release if they have prior convictions for home invasion burglary, residential burglary, or substantially equivalent crimes. Under the existing law, courts generally aim to release defendants before trial while ensuring they will appear in court, not pose a danger to the community, and not obstruct criminal proceedings. The bill introduces an exception to this presumption of release for repeat home invasion offenders, meaning such defendants will face greater scrutiny and potentially stricter pretrial conditions or detention. This change is intended to enhance public safety by keeping individuals with a history of residential breaking and entering from easily obtaining release before their trial. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, allowing courts to apply these new restrictions right away.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 06/23/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4624 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4624_I1.HTM |
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