This bill amends existing New Jersey law regarding the venue for juveniles charged with specific acts of delinquency, particularly those related to motor vehicle offenses. It introduces a new provision stating that when a juvenile is charged with acts such as theft of a motor vehicle, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, carjacking, or burglary with the intent to commit theft of a motor vehicle, and has previously been adjudicated delinquent for one of these offenses, there will be a presumption that the venue for the case will be in the county where the complaint was filed. This change aims to streamline the judicial process for repeat offenders by establishing a clear venue for their cases.

The bill also maintains the existing jurisdictional framework for juvenile cases, ensuring that the court retains exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency matters and related family crises. It clarifies that juveniles appearing before the court are considered wards of the court and outlines the court's authority in determining custody for juveniles who are material witnesses. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-24