This bill amends New Jersey's laws regarding the parole process for juvenile defendants, emphasizing the necessity 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 during all parole proceedings, unless they choose to hire pro bono or private counsel at their own expense. Additionally, the bill requires that the State Parole Board consider evidence of the juvenile's maturity and rehabilitation, as well as information related to adolescent development and the age-crime curve. A significant change is that all decisions made by the parole panel must be unanimous, ensuring a collective agreement on parole eligibility.

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 specific conditions for incarceration and factors to be considered during parole revocation hearings, while also emphasizing rehabilitation and community reintegration. The bill further requires that all members of the State Parole Board involved in juvenile hearings complete a juvenile justice training program, ensuring they are informed about the developmental aspects of juvenile offenders. Additionally, it clarifies the Public Defender's Office's responsibility in representing eligible inmates seeking compassionate release, thereby expanding legal support for indigent juvenile defendants.

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