Notice – Presumptive Formats for Sexually Violent Predator Act Hearings

This notice clarifies and supplements the Supreme Court's October 27, 2022 Order ("Future of Court Operations 2.0") with regard to the format for hearings conducted pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predator ("SVP") Act, N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.24 to 30:4-27.38.

Effective January 1, 2024, initial SVP hearings will be conducted in person absent consent of all parties to proceed virtually; and subsequent periodic review hearings will be conducted virtually absent an individualized reason to
proceed in person, as determined by the judge.

On an interim basis, initial in-person SVP hearings will be conducted at the Middlesex County Courthouse, which is located relatively nearby to the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Periodic review hearings will continue to be conducted on a rotating basis by all Vicinages other than Middlesex.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the Administrative Office of the Courts Criminal Practice Division at (609) 815-2900 ext. 55300, or by email at AOCCrimPrac.mbx@njcourts.gov.