Bail Reform went into effect in New Jersey almost two years ago. Its stated goals included, among other things, a reduction in jail populations. At the heart of this issue was the implementation of a screening tool known as a Public Safety Assessment, or “PSA”, which is prepared by Pre-Trial…
What is drug addiction? How is it to be defined? Is it some sort of disease, or just another form of illegal conduct? Commonwealth v. Eldred, a case now before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, may soon provide guidance on these issues. This case is important for any criminal attorney…
Most defendants who are facing jail time are very satisfied with a probationary sentence in lieu of incarceration. However, defendants sentenced to probation do not always realize that the sentence comes with a list of terms and conditions with which they must comply during their period of supervision. Some terms…
Under current New Jersey law, the maximum term of probation is five years. Experience indicates that most defendants are typically placed on probationary terms that can run from one to three years. Many defendants facing jail time view probation as a gift and, oftentimes, it is. However, probation comes with…