The "Ending the Criminal Revolving Door Act" seeks to reform the pretrial release process in New Jersey by imposing stricter standards for certain defendants, particularly those charged with serious offenses or repeat offenders. The bill establishes that defendants charged with first-degree crimes or second-degree crimes with prior convictions must be detained pending trial unless the court finds beyond a reasonable doubt that conditions of release would ensure their appearance in court and the safety of the community. For second-degree offenders without prior convictions, and for third or fourth-degree offenders with multiple prior convictions, a finding of clear and convincing evidence is required for release. Conversely, first-time offenders charged with lower-level crimes may be released unless the court finds clear and convincing evidence against it.

Key amendments include the removal of specific criteria for pretrial detention related to prior convictions and the introduction of provisions requiring courts to provide written findings for detention orders. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that monetary bail or non-monetary conditions would reasonably assure a defendant's court appearance and public safety, except in serious crime cases. Additionally, it clarifies the rights of defendants during pretrial hearings, including the right to counsel and the opportunity to present evidence, while ensuring that violations related to low-level marijuana offenses will not be grounds for revocation of pretrial release. Overall, the bill aims to balance public safety with the rights of defendants in the pretrial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:162-15, 2A:162-16, 2A:162-17, 2A:162-18, 2A:162-19, 2A:162-21, 2A:162-22, 2A:162-24