Criminal Justice (Sentencing) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5310: Clarifies sentencing under certain circumstances.

This bill clarifies how New Jersey courts determine sentences by explicitly listing specific aggravating and mitigating circumstances judges must consider. It requires courts to weigh factors such as the severity of harm to vulnerable victims, the defendant's role in organized crime, and whether the crime involved domestic violence or attacks on public servants. Additionally, the legislation allows judges to consider leniency based on the defendant's lack of intent to cause harm, strong provocation, or compensation to the victim. Ultimately, the law aims to provide clearer guidelines for sentencing decisions across a wide range of criminal offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing

signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 2, 2026

S 4406: Clarifies sentencing under certain circumstances.

This bill allows New Jersey courts to reduce sentences for first- or second-degree crimes when mitigating factors outweigh aggravating ones and justice requires it. Under the new rule, a judge could sentence a defendant to a term appropriate for a crime one degree lower than the one they were convicted of. Additionally, if a reduced or noncustodial sentence is given, there is a ten-day waiting period before the sentence becomes final, allowing the prosecution time to appeal. The legislation restores language previously removed by a 2025 law and applies retroactively to that earlier date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Judges Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4159: Provides earned time credits to reduce parole eligibility date for inmates who participate in substance abuse treatment program.

This bill allows inmates in New Jersey to earn additional time credits if they participate in full-time substance abuse treatment programs. Specifically, while in such a program, an inmate will receive 1.5 times the number of standard good time credits they would normally earn. These extra credits will be applied to reduce the date on which the inmate becomes eligible for parole. The law applies to inmates who are not serving mandatory minimum sentences and takes effect four months after it is signed into law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4894: Makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.

This bill updates New Jersey's Crime Victims' Bill of Rights to clarify and expand the protections available to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. It directly affects individuals involved in crimes by ensuring they are treated with dignity, kept informed about case progress, and allowed to submit statements regarding the impact of the crime before sentencing. Key provisions include the right to receive timely notifications about court changes, the prompt return of property, and the ability to appear in court to voice opinions on plea negotiations. Additionally, the legislation reinforces that victims should not be required to pay costs related to the imprisonment of the person who harmed them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4233: Concerns health care services provided to incarcerated individuals.

This New Jersey bill ensures that incarcerated individuals do not have to pay for medical care, surgery, dental services, or prescription drugs provided while in state or county custody. It also requires courts to notify health insurance plans when sentencing someone to prison or detention if that person is covered by such a plan. Under the new rules, the state and counties can seek reimbursement from these insurance plans for the costs of medical treatment provided to inmates, rather than charging the inmates themselves. The legislation clarifies that these reimbursement efforts do not interfere with the existing responsibilities of correctional officials to provide care.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Insurance

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3891: "Video Game Marketplace Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Act," creates new penalties for non-reporting of suspected human trafficking through video game marketplaces.

This bill introduces stricter penalties for human trafficking that occurs through video game marketplaces and online gaming platforms in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who facilitate or participate in trafficking schemes using digital gaming environments, including those who recruit, transport, or exploit victims through these channels. The key provision adds a specific category of human trafficking offenses related to internet and gaming platforms, classifying them as first-degree crimes with mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years without parole eligibility and substantial fines ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The legislation also requires restitution to victims based on the value of their labor or services, with funds directed to a survivor assistance fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3763: Increases size of Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission; broadens reporting duties.

This bill expands the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission in New Jersey by increasing its membership from 13 to 17 members, adding four public appointees and a representative from a police organization. The commission will conduct a broader review of the state's criminal sentencing laws to recommend changes that improve fairness, public safety, and resource efficiency while addressing disparities in the justice system. Key provisions include requiring the commission to examine racial and ethnic disparities, evaluate judicial discretion and mandatory minimums, and assess whether sentencing options need expansion. The bill also broadens the commission's reporting duties, mandating that it submit detailed recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on specific sentencing issues.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2090: Reduces time period during which certain prior offenses may be considered for sentencing purposes; permits first offenses to be removed from driving record in certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill amends penalties for driving while using a wireless phone or electronic device. It reduces the look-back period for prior offenses from 10 to 3 years when determining repeat offense status (e.g., a second offense within 3 years counts as a second violation, not a first). It also allows drivers who commit a first offense to have it removed from their record after completing an approved defensive driving course. The changes apply specifically to violations under P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3), affecting drivers with prior distracted driving convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3688: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing released nonviolent offenders.

This bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that hire released nonviolent offenders. Specifically, businesses can claim a 15% credit (up to $900 per employee) on wages paid to these individuals for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, the offender must have committed a nonviolent crime (excluding certain offenses involving force), served time or alternative sentencing, and been released into community supervision. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven years, but total credits cannot exceed 50% of a business's tax liability. The bill directly affects employers in New Jersey who hire eligible individuals, aiming to incentivize their reemployment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Probation & Parole Sentencing Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1993: Makes certain procedural and substantive reforms to expungement statutes to reduce filing burdens and expand eligibility.

This bill's title claims to address expungement reforms, but the provided text actually describes a sentencing program for individuals with substance use disorders, not expungement. It amends New Jersey's criminal code to establish "special probation" as an alternative to incarceration for certain offenders with substance use disorders, requiring a professional diagnostic assessment, proof the offense was drug/alcohol-related, and no prior serious violent offenses. Eligible individuals must enter licensed treatment (residential or nonresidential) with urine testing, and courts must prioritize this option over standard sentencing. The bill does not address expungement procedures, which contradicts its title. (Note: The provided text contains no expungement provisions; the summary reflects the actual content of the bill text.)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

All criminal justice bills