This bill amends New Jersey's laws regarding the parole process for juvenile defendants, emphasizing the importance of legal representation and the consideration of developmental factors in parole decisions. It mandates that juveniles must be represented by the Office of the Public Defender at all parole proceedings unless they choose pro bono or private counsel, with the latter requiring experience in juvenile justice. The bill also requires the State Parole Board to consider evidence of a juvenile's maturity and rehabilitation, moving beyond the current law that only focuses on progress toward rehabilitative goals. Additionally, it stipulates that all parole panel decisions must be unanimous and that panel members must complete training in juvenile justice, including research on the age-crime curve.

Moreover, the bill establishes a presumption against incarceration for juveniles charged with fourth-degree crimes or lesser offenses if they have no prior delinquency record. It outlines the conditions for incarceration, the process for parole hearings, and the criteria for revoking parole, all while emphasizing rehabilitation and community reintegration. The bill also clarifies that the Public Defender's Office must provide legal representation for eligible inmates seeking compassionate release, ensuring that juvenile defendants receive appropriate legal support and that their unique circumstances are taken into account during parole evaluations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-44, 2A:158A-5