The New Jersey State Bar Association supports S-269 (Turner)/A-3117 (Mukherji), which clarifies a juvenile’s right to attorney representation and requires 12-month judicial review when a juvenile is placed out-of-home.
The Association supports this proposed legislation because it clarifies that a juvenile has the right to an attorney during every critical stage of a court proceeding in a delinquency case. In addition, the bill establishes that when a court requires out-of-home placement of a juvenile, the court shall conduct a review hearing no later than 12 months after entry of the order. The placement hearing will allow the court to review the treatment, care, and custody status of the juvenile. This is a positive measure that ultimately help ensure that the juvenile is receiving services necessary to promote successful reintegration into the community.
For the reasons set forth above, the New Jersey State Bar Association supports S-269/A-3117 and urges you to vote yes to this proposed legislation.