Weston's Law extends New Jersey's human trafficking statute to include recruiting or coercing a juvenile to join a gang or drug trafficking scheme. This change allows prosecutors to seek waiver of juvenile jurisdiction for such cases, meaning the court may refer the case to adult court without the juvenile's consent if the juvenile was 15 or older and the act would constitute a serious crime if committed by an adult. The bill updates the juvenile waiver process to explicitly list human trafficking as a qualifying offense alongside crimes like murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. The court must consider factors such as the juvenile's age, maturity, and prior record before deciding to waive jurisdiction.
This bill changes New Jersey's pretrial detention rules by creating a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with certain violent crimes must be held in jail before trial. It applies to cases involving murder, life sentences, serious violent offenses (like domestic violence, human trafficking of minors, or crimes under specific statutes), or when prosecutors allege a high risk of flight or danger. Courts must assume detention is necessary unless the defendant proves otherwise through a hearing. The bill also clarifies that monetary bail should only be used when no other conditions can ensure court appearance or community safety. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
This bill (A 112) creates a rebuttable presumption requiring pretrial detention for defendants charged with motor vehicle theft offenses (including theft, receiving stolen vehicles, or unlawful taking), directly affecting individuals arrested for these crimes. It amends court procedures to prioritize community safety over appearance concerns when setting bail, and authorizes home detention for minors convicted of motor vehicle theft. The bill also establishes a $7 million Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program within the Juvenile Justice Commission to address youth involvement in auto theft. These changes apply specifically to motor vehicle theft cases under New Jersey law (C.2C:20-10.1, C.2C:20-10.2, and C.2C:15-2).
This bill (S 3646) upgrades the penalty for making false public alarms that target specific officials. It increases the offense from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime when the person knows their false report will trigger law enforcement response against elected officials, judges (Supreme, Superior, Tax Court, or municipal), or law enforcement officers. The penalty for this upgraded offense would be up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine, compared to the current maximum of 5 years and $15,000. The bill also maintains existing civil penalties for false alarms and requires annual reports on such offenses by law enforcement agencies.
This bill criminalizes squatting in vacant homes by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering without permission to live there), "unlawful occupancy" (living in a vacant home without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning after being evicted via court order). It presumes people know they lack permission unless they have a notarized rental agreement with the owner's contact details. The law directly affects individuals occupying vacant properties without legal authorization, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill aims to replace current eviction processes with criminal penalties for unauthorized occupancy.
"Jillian's Law" amends New Jersey law to require institutional commitment (not outpatient treatment or release) for defendants found incompetent to stand trial who are deemed dangerous to themselves or others. It removes the court's option to place such defendants in outpatient settings or release them, mandating institutional custody only for the period needed to determine if they might regain competence. The bill maintains the existing 3-month review process for fitness and requires courts to weigh factors like the defendant's regaining competence and the nature of the charges before dismissing cases. It directly affects defendants in criminal cases found incompetent who pose a danger, ensuring they remain in secure facilities until their fitness can be reassessed.
This bill revises New Jersey law to allow courts to vacate (cancel) expungement orders for criminal records at any time, not just within five years as previously required. It directly affects individuals who had criminal records expunged, as courts can now reconsider those orders if "good cause" exists - such as new convictions after expungement, changes in circumstances, or eligibility errors. Key mechanisms include expanding the grounds for vacating orders beyond undisclosed prior charges and adding procedural steps: petitions must include proof of service, objections must be filed within 60 days, and courts must rule within 120 days. The changes aim to provide flexibility for courts while ensuring due process for affected individuals.
This bill (A 219) changes New Jersey law regarding drug-related deaths involving minors. It makes distributors of certain Schedule I/II drugs (like methamphetamine or LSD) strictly liable for deaths caused by those drugs when the victim is under 18, imposing life imprisonment without parole if the drugs were in quantities of one ounce or more. It also automatically waives juvenile court jurisdiction for offenders aged 15 or older who caused such deaths, sending them directly to adult court. The bill affects drug distributors whose actions result in the death of a minor under 18, with no defense available for the victim’s own drug use or consent. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
This bill increases penalties for crimes involving heroin and fentanyl, resulting in longer prison sentences for offenders. It establishes new criminal offenses for specific heroin mixtures (blends containing heroin combined with other substances) and expands eligibility for drug court programs. Defendants charged with these offenses may now qualify for drug court, which provides treatment-focused alternatives to incarceration. These changes apply to individuals in New Jersey facing drug-related charges under state law.
This New Jersey bill (A 2511) requires courts to presume pretrial detention for certain repeat offenders or those facing serious charges, rather than allowing release on bail. It directly affects defendants with prior convictions for specific crimes - including murder, life-sentence offenses, two or more violent crimes, or domestic violence - when prosecutors file a motion. Key provisions include a rebuttable presumption of detention (meaning defendants can challenge it with evidence), mandatory hearings within three days of a motion, and a lower burden of proof ("preponderance of evidence") to overturn the presumption. The law aims to ensure defendants appear in court and do not pose community safety risks, while still allowing courts to consider release conditions if justified.
