NJ A1392

Requires the Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation for indigent defendants charged with criminal contempt for violating domestic violence restraining orders under N.J.S.2C:29-9.

Excludes violations of certain domestic violence order provisions from public defender representation, including orders related to parenting time, monetary compensation to victims, professional counseling requirements, and rent/mortgage payments.

Contempt violations of domestic violence orders can result in fourth-degree crime or disorderly persons offense charges, both carrying potential imprisonment.

Implements recommendation 29 from the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.