New Jersey Bail Reform Law

New Jersey’s bail reform law, enacted in 2017, eliminated cash bail for most cases to promote fairer justice. Instead of paying money to secure release, defendants are evaluated based on flight risk and public safety, using a risk assessment tool. Those deemed low risk are released without bail, while others may be held pending court hearings. The goal is to reduce unnecessary detention, address inequalities, and ensure that pretrial detention is based on risk rather than financial means. The law applies mainly to non-violent offenses, aiming for fairer, more equitable treatment of all individuals in the criminal justice system.