This bill amends the existing Criminal Justice Reform Law (CJR) in New Jersey to establish a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Under the current law, the presumption of pretrial detention applies primarily to defendants charged with murder or crimes that could lead to life imprisonment. The new language specifically adds aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer to the list of offenses that trigger this presumption, meaning that if a prosecutor files a motion for pretrial detention in such cases, the court will assume that no amount of monetary bail or conditions of release would ensure the defendant's appearance in court or the safety of others.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the presumption can be rebutted by the defendant, who must provide evidence to the contrary. The court will hold a hearing to determine whether any conditions of release can reasonably assure the defendant's appearance in court and the safety of the community. The bill also includes provisions for expedited appeals of pretrial detention orders and ensures that defendants have the right to legal representation during these hearings. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance public safety by allowing for stricter pretrial detention measures for individuals charged with serious offenses against law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:162-18, 2A:162-19