New Jersey Senate Bill S4168

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/30/23
• Refer: 11/30/23

Caption

Concerns consideration of factors by court at hearing for pretrial detention or violation of condition of pretrial release.

Impact

The bill mandates that if a defendant violates a restraining order or condition of their release, the court is required to revoke their release for increasing periods: 30 days for a first violation, 60 days for a second, and 120 days for a third. Future violations could lead to indefinite detention pending trial. Additionally, if there is probable cause to believe a defendant has committed a new crime while on release, the court must act to revoke their release unless it can be proven that monetary or non-monetary bail can ensure compliance with court orders. This legislative change could significantly decrease the instances of pretrial release for certain defendants and heighten their potential for pretrial detention.

Summary

Senate Bill S4168, introduced in New Jersey, addresses the factors considered by courts during pretrial detention hearings and violations of release conditions. It aims to amend existing laws governing how courts determine whether to revoke a defendant's pretrial release. Under current law, the court has the discretion to revoke a defendant's release based on a series of conditions that ensure the safety of the community and the defendant's appearance in court. However, S4168 specifies stricter guidelines regarding the consideration of violations and the associated consequences for defendants who breach their release conditions.

Contention

Opponents of SB S4168 argue that the bill could unjustly extend the periods of detention without trial for defendants, potentially affecting their rights and presenting challenges in relation to due process. Critics fear that the mandatory detention stipulations may lead to overcrowding in jails and may not take into account the individual circumstances of a defendant's case. The requirement of the Pretrial Services Program to conduct risk assessments and report findings adds complexity and accountability to the judicial process but may also lead to logistical challenges in implementation as courts adapt to the proposed legal framework.