Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

New Jersey's S 1036 would require courts to automatically send juveniles aged 16 or older to adult court for any crime they allegedly committed, if there's probable cause the act would be a crime if committed by an adult. This applies to all offenses, including serious crimes like homicide, robbery, sexual assault, and firearm violations, removing judicial discretion that currently allows courts to deny waivers based on factors like the juvenile's age, maturity, or prior history. The bill changes the current process where prosecutors must seek a waiver and courts weigh specific factors before deciding. It directly affects juveniles 16 and older charged with crimes that would be prosecutable as adult offenses. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

New Jersey's S 1024 establishes a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with motor vehicle theft (including theft, receiving stolen vehicles, or unlawful taking) must be detained before trial unless they prove they won’t flee or pose a danger. It increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses and allows home detention for minors convicted of such theft. The bill also creates a $7 million pilot program through the Juvenile Justice Commission to prevent underage auto theft, targeting risk factors like peer influence or access to vehicles. These changes directly affect individuals charged with motor vehicle theft and juveniles adjudicated for such offenses in New Jersey.

This New Jersey bill (S 789) requires courts to set monetary bail for carjacking charges at least equal to the vehicle's value (double that amount if combined with eluding police). It also adds carjacking to the list of offenses that allow prosecutors to seek transferring juvenile cases to adult court without the juvenile's consent. The bill directly affects defendants charged with carjacking and juveniles aged 15+ accused of carjacking, requiring automatic adult court referral if probable cause exists. Key mechanisms include mandatory bail amounts tied to vehicle value and expanded eligibility for juvenile waiver based on the severity of the offense. The bill is pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.