2.21.21
The New Jersey Supreme Court has announced that criminal defendants awaiting trial who have been detained indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic may seek expedited release from jail. In response to the prolonged duration of the pandemic, coupled with the continued suspension of jury trials and no clear end in sight for either, the Court recently outlined a process that allows certain pre-trial detainees to reopen their detention hearings and seek release.
The density of prison environments, lack of access to adequate healthcare, and other considerations place prisoners at particularly high risk for contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. In its opinion the Court recognized that the pandemic had "created an ongoing health crisis" for those in prison.
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, writing for a unanimous Court, held that the pandemic is a per se "change in circumstances" and individuals who have been detained prior to trial for at least six months may be entitled to a new detention hearing based on a host of factors, including:
As a result of this decision, a judge who conducted an initial detention hearing may hold a new hearing on an expedited basis. However, individuals charged with first degree crimes that carry a sentence of up to life in prison are unlikely to qualify for a new hearing.
If you have a friend or family member who needs assistance with petitioning the Court for a new detention hearing, please contact the following members of the firm's COVID-19 Compassionate Release Task Force for assistance.
Christopher D. Adams | cadams@greenbaumlaw.com | 732.476.2692
Robert J. Flanagan III | rflanagan@greenbaumlaw.com | 732.476.3204
Abdus-Sami M. Jameel | ajameel@greenbaumlaw.com | 732.476.2494
Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP Forms COVID-19 Compassionate Release Task Force
April 17, 2020
Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP Press Release