NJ A3832

Adds a 15th mitigating factor to New Jersey's sentencing statute (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 use this factor to reduce sentences when abuse history is demonstrated to have influenced the defendant's offense.

Implements a recommendation from the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission's third report dated March 2023.

The new factor joins 14 existing mitigating factors that include circumstances like no prior criminal history, acting under provocation, and being under age 26 at the time of the offense.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.