Q. Can I fill out an application for ISP for my spouse, boyfriend, or relative?
Yes. However, if they are unable to sign the application, they should follow up with a letter confirming their desire to apply to ISP.
Q. My offense is a 2nd degree offense. Am I still eligible to apply to ISP?
Yes. Anyone interested in the ISP Program can apply for admission. However, if the prosecutor objects, you must serve at least six months of your sentence and be within nine months of your earliest parole eligibility date to be considered for ISP admission.
Q. Can I re-apply for ISP for a new offense after previously completing ISP?
Yes. If you have previously completed ISP, you can re-apply to the program. However, there is no guarantee you will be accepted.
Q. Are there offenses or circumstances that would make me ineligible for ISP?
Yes. The following offenses and circumstances make you ineligible for the ISP program:
• criminal homicide
• robbery
• certain sexual offenses*
• bribery and corrupt influence (including conspiracy or attempt)
• misconduct in office/abuse in office (including conspiracy or attempt)
• immigration detainer
• not a resident of New Jersey
• not a state inmate
• certain drug court violations*
• organized crime*
• current or past conviction for a first-degree crime
• certain weapons offenses*
• other good cause as found by the ISP Judicial Panel or ISP Program*Note: Not all sexual offenses, drug court violations, organized crime offenses and weapons offenses are excluded from eligibility. If you have been convicted of one of those offenses and are interested in ISP, you should apply.
Q. Do I need a place to live in order to apply for ISP?
While specified housing is preferable, we do place applicants in shelters or halfway houses according to availability of space.
Q. Do I need a sponsor to get into ISP?
Having a sponsor is a crucial part of the case plan and most participants do have sponsors. However, even if you do not have a sponsor, you can still be eligible for ISP consideration.
Q. Must I live in New Jersey to apply for ISP?
You must live in New Jersey to participate in the ISP program.
Q. Do I need attorney representation for ISP?
Normally, applicants are represented by a private attorney or a public defender (PD) if they qualify. At the interview, you will be asked if you are applying for PD representation and will fill out a form for that purpose. In rare cases, the Resentencing Panel allows the applicant to represent themselves; however, this approach is not recommended.
Q. Can I reside with a convicted felon if I apply for ISP?
This would depend on a number of factors and would have to be reviewed and approved by the ISP Program and the ISP Resentencing Panel of judges.
Q. How long will I be under supervision in ISP?
If your sentence is five years or less, you must be under ISP supervision for a minimum of 12 months. However, the actual number of months served and your successful discharge from ISP depends on your performance under supervision. You cannot be on supervision for less than one year or longer than five years minus the time served in prison.
Q. How long is the application process for ISP?
The entire process from application to an appearance before ISP judges takes approximately four to six weeks
Q. What is the Cost of Supervision Fee for ISP?
The cost of supervision will be determined and ordered at the time of acceptance into ISP.
Q. Does successful completion of ISP erase my record?
No. Successful completion of ISP does not automatically erase a participant’s criminal record. There is a separate process to apply for an expungement of criminal records.
Q. Can I apply for ISP if I have a period of parole ineligibility (otherwise known as stipulation or “stip”)?
You can apply. However, a court date will not be scheduled until after the period of parole ineligibility (“stip”) has expired.