NJ A3596

Juveniles adjudicated delinquent and facing incarceration or mandatory minimum parole ineligibility become eligible for New Jersey's drug court program (special probation), which was previously available only to convicted adults

Eligible juveniles must meet the same criteria as adults: be drug- or alcohol-dependent, have committed the offense while under the influence or to support their dependency, and benefit from treatment that would reduce likelihood of reoffending

Juveniles remain ineligible for drug court if adjudicated for first-degree crimes, certain violent offenses (murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, kidnapping), or distribution of drugs to minors near schools

Special probation lasts five years and requires participation in residential or nonresidential treatment programs, periodic drug testing, and compliance with court-ordered conditions

Successful completion of the program may lead to expungement of records related to the offense, while violations can result in permanent revocation and imposition of the original sentence