NJ A4740

Adds a 15th mitigating factor to New Jersey sentencing law (N.J.S.2C:44-1) allowing courts to consider whether a defendant suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that contributed to their criminal behavior

Courts may weigh this factor alongside 14 existing mitigating factors when determining appropriate sentences for convicted defendants

Implements a recommendation from Part B of the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission's third report from March 2023

Applies to sentencing decisions across all crime degrees, potentially supporting reduced sentences when abuse history is demonstrated as a contributing factor to the offense

Takes effect immediately upon enactment