Bill > S1963

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program in two locations within the state to test the effectiveness of requiring certain offenders to participate in a "drug court" program, which is a type of special probation. This program aims to determine if mandatory sentencing to this special probation, as outlined in a specific statute (N.J.S.2C:35-14), is feasible for expansion statewide. The program will apply to defendants who are suspected of being dependent on drugs, are otherwise ineligible for regular probation due to serious offenses, but do meet the general criteria for special probation. If a professional assessment confirms drug dependency and eligibility, the court must sentence the defendant to this special probation, unless a prison sentence is absolutely required by law. The Administrative Office of the Courts will oversee the program, select the pilot locations, and evaluate its success by tracking completion rates, revocations, re-offending rates, and costs, comparing these to non-mandatory participants, and will report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.