Understanding New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform Act

In 2017, New Jersey implemented the Criminal Justice Reform Act (CJRA), fundamentally changing how the state handles pretrial detention and release. The reform replaced the traditional cash bail system with a risk-based assessment approach.

How the New System Works

Instead of setting a bail amount, judges now use a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) tool to evaluate each defendant's risk level. The assessment considers factors such as:

• The severity of the current charge
• Prior criminal history
• Previous failures to appear in court
• History of violent offenses
• Age at current arrest

Pretrial Release Options

Based on the PSA score, defendants may be:

• Released on their own recognizance with no conditions
• Released with conditions such as regular check-ins, travel restrictions, or electronic monitoring
• Detained if the court determines no conditions can ensure public safety or appearance

The Importance of Legal Representation

Detention Hearings in Middlesex County

In Middlesex County, detention hearings are held at the Superior Court in New Brunswick. Having an experienced attorney at your detention hearing is critical. Mr. Moschella regularly represents clients at Middlesex County detention hearings, arguing for pretrial release by challenging the prosecution's claims and presenting evidence of community ties, employment, and other factors that favor release.

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, or anywhere in Middlesex County, contact our office immediately for representation at your detention hearing.