S 4229 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Directs Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation for certain criminal contempt violations.

This bill requires New Jersey's Office of the Public Defender to provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal contempt for violating specific domestic violence restraining orders. It applies to violations that could result in jail time, such as those involving orders against contact or firearm possession, while explicitly excluding violations related to parenting time, financial compensation, counseling, rent, or temporary possession of property. The law expands the scope of mandatory legal aid to ensure these individuals have counsel during proceedings where they face potential incarceration. This change takes effect four months after the bill is enacted and addresses a recommendation from a state judicial committee.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 14, 2026 Last action May 14, 2026
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May 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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