This bill amends New Jersey's laws regarding juvenile offenders by allowing juveniles to be tried as adults for the crime of strict liability for drug-induced deaths, regardless of their age. Specifically, it stipulates that if there is probable cause to believe a juvenile committed an act that would constitute strict liability for drug-induced deaths if committed by an adult, the court must waive jurisdiction and refer the case to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority. This change aims to hold juveniles accountable for serious drug offenses that result in death, particularly when the victim is under 18 years old.

Additionally, the bill imposes a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for individuals convicted of strict liability for drug-induced deaths if the victim was under 18 and the quantity of the controlled substance involved was one ounce or more, including any adulterants or dilutants. The bill also removes the previous provision that allowed for the possibility of a juvenile being tried as an adult only if they were 15 years of age or older, thereby broadening the scope of accountability for drug-related offenses among younger individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-26.1