Loading chat...
NJ S181
Bill
Status
Passed
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Patrick Diegnan
Click for details
AI Summary
- Juveniles aged 14+ (or under 14 charged with murder) who elect to be tried as adults would now require court approval for the transfer, rather than automatic transfer upon election
- Courts must hold a hearing to inform juveniles of sentencing differences between adult criminal court and juvenile court, and confirm the election is made knowingly and voluntarily
- Convicted juveniles would presumptively serve custodial sentences in State juvenile facilities until age 21, with possible transfer to adult corrections after age 18 if they threaten facility safety
- Juveniles who reach age 21 may continue serving sentences in juvenile facilities with commission discretion and their consent, otherwise transferring to adult corrections
- Cases may be remanded back to Family Court at any point with consent of the juvenile and prosecutor if juvenile programs better serve public interest and the juvenile's best interests
Legislative Description
Concerns rights of juvenile defendants who elect to be tried as adults.
Withdrawn Because Approved
Last Action
Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.368.
1/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available