Directive #09-24 - Criminal Justice Reform - Pretrial Services Defendant Compliance Reviews; Implementation of Amendments to Rule 3:26-2(c) (effective 11/01/24)

The Supreme Court by September 12, 2024 Order amended Rule 3:26-2(c) ("Modification of Release Conditions") to provide that Pretrial Services shall review eligible defendants who have been compliant with the conditions of pretrial monitoring for at least six months. If a defendant meets the criteria set out in the Rule, Pretrial Services shall recommend a reduction in the defendant's level of pretrial monitoring. This compliance review is not meant to modify the conditions of a defendant's release. The rule amendments are effective November 1, 2024.

The Court's action implements a recommendation1 of the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice (JCCJ), which was reconvened by the Chief Justice in 2023 to review data and consider enhancing various procedures and policies related to Criminal Justice Reform in New Jersey. This Directive sets out the process for Pretrial Services compliance reviews and also is effective November 1, 2024.