- Article VI. Witnesses, N.J.R.E. 601. General Rule of Competency Every person is competent to be a witness unless (a) the court finds that the proposed witness is incapable of expression so as to be understood by the court and any jury either directly or through interpretation, or (b) the proposed witness is incapable of understanding the duty of a witness to tell the truth, or (c) as otherwise provided by these rules or by law. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 602. Lack of Personal Knowledge, A witness may testify to a matter only if evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may consist of the witness’ own testimony. This rule does not apply to expert testimony under Rule 703. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; caption and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 603. Oath or Affirmation, Before testifying a witness shall be required to take an oath or make an affirmation or declaration to tell the truth under the penalty provided by law. No witness may be barred from testifying because of religious belief or lack of such belief. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 604. Interpreters, The court shall determine the qualifications of a person testifying as an interpreter. An interpreter shall take an oath or make an affirmation or declaration to interpret accurately and shall be subject to all provisions of these rules relating to witnesses. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 605. Restriction on Judge as a Witness, The judge presiding at the trial may not testify as a witness in that trial. A party need not object to preserve the issue. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 606. Restriction on Juror as a Witness, A member of the jury may not testify as a witness before the jury on which the juror is serving. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 607. Witness Impeachment, Support, and Neutralization, (a) For the purpose of attacking or supporting the credibility of a witness, any party, including the party calling the witness, may examine the witness and introduce extrinsic evidence relevant to the issue of credibility, subject to the exceptions in (a)(1) and (2). (1) This provision is subject to Rules 405 and 608. (2) The party calling a witness may not neutralize the witness’ testimony by a prior contradictory statement unless (i) the statement is in a form admissible under Rule 803(a)(1), or (ii) the court finds that the party calling the witness was surprised. (b) A prior consistent statement shall not be admitted to support the credibility of a witness except: (1) to rebut an express or implied charge against the witness of recent fabrication or of improper influence or motive, and (2) as otherwise provided by the law of evidence. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; caption amended, text amended and designated as paragraphs (a), and (b) September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 608. Evidence of a Witness’ Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness, (a) A witness’ credibility may be attacked or supported by evidence in the form of opinion or reputation that relates to the witness’ character for truthfulness or untruthfulness, provided that evidence of truthful character is admissible only after the witness’ character for truthfulness has been attacked by opinion or reputation evidence or otherwise., (b) (1), In a criminal case, a witness’ character for truthfulness may be attacked by evidence that the witness made a prior false accusation against any person of a crime similar to the crime with which defendant is charged if the judge preliminarily determines, by a hearing pursuant to Rule 104(a), that the witness knowingly made the prior false accusation. (2) In a criminal case, a witness’ character for truthfulness may be attacked by evidence that the witness made a prior false statement tending to exonerate the defendant if the judge preliminarily determines, by a hearing pursuant to Rule 104(a), that the witness knowingly made the prior false statement of exoneration. (c) Except as otherwise provided by Rule 609 and paragraph (b) of this Rule, extrinsic evidence is not admissible to prove specific instances of a witness’ conduct in order to attack or support the witness’ character for truthfulness. In a criminal case, subject to the requirements in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this Rule, the court may, on cross-examination, permit inquiry into specific instances of conduct that are probative of the character for truthfulness or untruthfulness of: (1) the witness; or (2) another witness whose character the witness being cross-examined has testified about pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Rule. (d) The proponent of the specific conduct inquiry pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Rule must show that (1) a reasonable factual basis exists that the specific instance of conduct occurred, and (2) the specific instance of conduct has probative value in assessing the witness’ character for truthfulness. (3) If the witness is a criminal defendant, the proponent of the specific conduct inquiry pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Rule must give the defendant reasonable notice of the intent to cross-examine on the specific instance of conduct and the court must determine, by a hearing pursuant to Rule 104(a), that a reasonable factual basis exists that the specific instance of conduct occurred and that the specific instance of conduct has probative value in assessing the defendant’s character for truthfulness. (e) Except as provided below, the court’s determination to allow inquiry under paragraph (c) of this Rule is subject to the balancing standard of Rule 403. If, however, the specific instance of conduct occurred more than ten years before the commencement of the trial, the court must find that the probative value of the specific instance of conduct in assessing the witness’ character for truthfulness outweighs any prejudicial effect. (f) Inquiry into specific instances of conduct of a witness committed while the witness was a juvenile is generally not permissible under paragraph (c) of this Rule. The court may, however, permit inquiry into such conduct by a witness, other than the defendant in a criminal case, if the inquiry would otherwise be permitted under paragraph (c) of this Rule if the conduct had been committed by an adult and the court determines that the inquiry is necessary for a fair determination of the issues in the action. (g) By testifying on another matter, a witness does not waive any privilege against self-incrimination for testimony that relates only to the witness’ character for truthfulness. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; caption amended, paragraph (a) text amended, paragraph (b) amended and redesignated as (b)(1), new text added in paragraph (b)(2), new paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) added September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 609. Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime, (a) In General., (1) For the purpose of attacking the credibility of any witness, the witness' conviction of a crime, subject to Rule 403, shall be admitted unless excluded by the court pursuant to paragraph (b) of this rule., (2) (A), Except as provided in subparagraph (a)(2)(B) of this Rule, such conviction may be proved by examination, production of the record thereof, or by other competent evidence. (B) In a criminal proceeding when the defendant is the witness, and (i) the prior conviction is the same or similar to one of the offenses charged, or (ii) the court determines that admitting the nature of the offense poses a risk of undue prejudice to a defendant, the prosecution may only introduce evidence of the defendant's prior convictions limited to the degree of the crimes, the dates of the convictions, and the sentences imposed, excluding any evidence of the specific crimes of which defendant was convicted, unless the defendant waives any objection to the non-sanitized form of the evidence., (b) Use of Prior Conviction Evidence After Ten Years., (1) If, on the date the trial begins, more than ten years have passed since the witness' conviction for a crime or release from confinement for it, whichever is later, then evidence of the conviction is admissible only if the court determines that its probative value outweighs its prejudicial effect, with the proponent of that evidence having the burden of proof. (2) In determining whether the evidence of a conviction is admissible under subparagraph (b)(1) of this rule, the court may consider: (i) whether there are intervening convictions for crimes or offenses, and if so, the number, nature, and seriousness of those crimes or offenses, (ii) whether the conviction involved a crime of dishonesty, lack of veracity or fraud, (iii) how remote the conviction is in time, (iv) the seriousness of the crime. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; text amended and designated as paragraph (a), paragraph (a) caption added, new paragraph (b) caption and text added September 16, 2013 to be effective July 1, 2014; paragraphs (a) and (b) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions, Evidence of a witness’ religious beliefs or opinions is not admissible to attack or support the witness' credibility. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation, (a) Control by Court; Purposes., The court shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence to: (1) make those procedures effective for determining the truth; (2) avoid wasting time; and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment., (b) Scope of Cross-examination., Cross-examination should not go beyond the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the witness’ credibility. The court may allow inquiry into additional matters as if on direct examination., (c) Leading Questions., Leading questions should not be used on direct examination except as necessary to develop the witness' testimony. Ordinarily, leading questions should be permitted on cross-examination. When a party calls an adverse party or a witness identified with an adverse party, or when a witness demonstrates hostility or unresponsiveness, interrogation may be by leading questions, subject to the discretion of the court. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) captions and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 612. Writing Used to Refresh Memory, (a) Except as otherwise provided by law in criminal proceedings, if a witness while testifying uses a writing to refresh the witness' memory for the purpose of testifying, an adverse party is entitled to have the writing produced at the hearing for inspection and use in cross-examining the witness. The adverse party shall also be entitled to introduce in evidence those portions which relate to the testimony of the witness but only for the purpose of impeaching the witness. If it is claimed that the writing contains material not related to the subject of the testimony, the court shall examine the writing in camera and excise any unrelated portions. (b) If the witness has used a writing to refresh the witness' memory before testifying, the court in the interest of justice may accord the adverse party the same right to the writing as that party would have if the writing had been used by the witness while testifying. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; text amended and designated as paragraphs (a) and (b) September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 613. Prior Statements of Witnesses, (a) Examining Witness Concerning Prior Statement., When examining a witness about the witness’ prior statement, whether written or not, a party need not show it or disclose its contents to the witness. But the party must, upon request, show it or disclose its contents to an adverse party’s attorney or a self-represented litigant, unless the self-represented litigant is the witness., (b) Extrinsic Evidence of Prior Inconsistent Statement of Witness., Extrinsic evidence of a witness’ prior inconsistent statement may be excluded unless the witness is afforded an opportunity to explain or deny the statement and the opposing party is afforded an opportunity to interrogate on the statement, or the interests of justice otherwise require. This rule does not apply to admissions of a party opponent as defined in Rule 803(b). , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) captions and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 614. Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by Court, (a) Calling., The court may call a witness on its own or at a party’s request. Each party is entitled to cross-examine the witness., (b) Examining., The court may examine a witness regardless of who calls the witness., (c) Objections., A party may object to the court’s calling or examining a witness. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; caption amended, text amended and designated paragraph (a) with caption added, new paragraphs (b) and (c) adopted September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 615. Sequestration of Witnesses, At the request of a party or on the court’s own motion, the court may, in accordance with law, enter an order sequestering witnesses. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993.
- Article VII. Opinions and Expert Testimony, N.J.R.E. 701. Opinion Testimony of Lay Witnesses If a witness is not testifying as an expert, the witness' testimony in the form of opinions or inferences may be admitted if it: (a) is rationally based on the witness’ perception and (b) will assist in understanding the witness' testimony or determining a fact in issue. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 702. Testimony by Expert Witnesses, If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 703. Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts, The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the proceeding. If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; caption and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 704. Opinion on Ultimate Issue, Testimony in the form of an opinion or inference otherwise admissible is not objectionable because it embraces an ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 705. Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion; Hypotheses Not Necessary, Unless the court orders otherwise, an expert may testify in the form of an opinion or inference, state an opinion, and give reasons for it, without first testifying to the underlying facts or data. The expert may be required to disclose those facts or data on cross-examination. Questions calling for the opinion of an expert witness need not be hypothetical in form unless in the court’s discretion a hypothetical is required. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020.
- Article VIII. Hearsay, N.J.R.E. 801. Definitions, (a) Statement., “Statement” means a person’s oral assertion, written assertion, or nonverbal conduct, if the person intended it as an assertion., (b) Declarant., “Declarant” means the person who made the statement., (c) Hearsay., “Hearsay” means a statement that: (1) the declarant does not make while testifying at the current trial or hearing; and (2) a party offers in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement., (d) Business., A “business” includes every kind of business, institution, association, profession, occupation, and calling, whether or not conducted for profit, and also includes activities of governmental agencies., (e) Writing., A “writing” consists of letters, words, numbers, data compilations, pictures, drawing, photographs, symbols, sounds, or combinations thereof or their equivalent, set down or recorded by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, magnetic impulse, mechanical or electronic recording, or by any other means, and preserved in a perceptible form, and their duplicates as defined by Rule 1001(d)., (f) Public Official., A “public official” includes an official of the United States, its territories, the District of Columbia and states, as well as political subdivisions, regional and other governmental agencies thereof. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 15, 1993; paragraph (a) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 802. Hearsay Rule, Hearsay is not admissible except as provided by these rules or by other law. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 803. Hearsay Exceptions Not Dependent on Declarant's Unavailability, The following statements are not excluded by the hearsay rule:, (a) A Declarant-Witness’ Prior Statement., The declarant-witness testifies and is subject to cross-examination about a prior otherwise admissible statement, and the statement: (1) is inconsistent with the declarant-witness' testimony at the trial or hearing and is offered in compliance with Rule 613. However, when the statement is offered by the party calling the declarant-witness, it is admissible only if, in addition to the foregoing requirements, it (A) is contained in a sound recording or in a writing made or signed by the declarant-witness in circumstances establishing its reliability or (B) was given under oath at a trial or other judicial, quasi-judicial, legislative, administrative or grand jury proceeding, or in a deposition; or (2) is consistent with the declarant-witness' testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against the declarant-witness of (A) recent fabrication or (B) improper influence or motive; or (3) is a prior identification of a person made after perceiving that person if made in circumstances precluding unfairness or unreliability., (b) Statement by Party-Opponent., The statement is offered against a party-opponent and is: (1) the party-opponent's own statement, made either in an individual or in a representative capacity; or (2) a statement whose content the party-opponent has adopted by word or conduct or in whose truth the party-opponent has manifested belief; or (3) a statement by a person authorized by the party-opponent to make a statement concerning the subject; or (4) a statement by the party-opponent's agent or servant concerning a matter within the scope of the agency or employment, made during the existence of the relationship; or (5) a statement made at the time the party-opponent and the declarant were participating in a plan to commit a crime or civil wrong and the statement was made in furtherance of that plan. In a criminal case, the admissibility of a defendant's statement, which is offered against the defendant, is subject to Rule 104(c)., (c) Statements Not Dependent on Declarant's Availability., The following are not excluded by the rule against hearsay, regardless of whether the declarant is available as a witness:, (1) Present Sense Impression., A statement describing or explaining an event or condition, made while or immediately after the declarant perceived it and without opportunity to deliberate or fabricate., (2) Excited Utterance., A statement relating to a startling event or condition made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement caused by the event or condition and without opportunity to deliberate or fabricate., (3) Then-Existing Mental, Emotional, or Physical Condition., A statement made in good faith of the declarant's then-existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health), but not including a statement of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered or believed unless it relates to the execution, revocation, identification, or terms of declarant's will., (4) Statements for Purposes of Medical Diagnosis or Treatment., A statement that: (A) is made in good faith for purposes of, and is reasonably pertinent to, medical diagnosis or treatment; and (B) describes medical history; past or present symptoms or sensations; their inception; or their general cause., (5) Recorded Recollection., A statement concerning a matter about which the witness is unable to testify fully and accurately because of insufficient present recollection if the statement is contained in a writing or other record that; (A) was made at a time when the fact recorded actually occurred or was fresh in the memory of the witness; and (B) was made by the witness or under the witness' direction or by some other person for the purpose of recording the statement when it was made; and (C) the statement concerns a matter of which the witness had knowledge when it was made. This exception does not apply if unless the circumstances indicate that the statement is not trustworthy. When the witness does not remember part or all of the contents of a writing, the portion the witness does not remember may be read into evidence but shall not be introduced as an exhibit over objection., (6) Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity., A statement contained in a writing or other record of acts, events, conditions, and, subject to Rule 808, opinions or diagnoses, made at or near the time of observation by a person with actual knowledge or from information supplied by such a person, if the writing or other record was made in the regular course of business and it was the regular practice of that business to make such writing or other record. This exception does not apply if the sources of information or the method, purpose or circumstances of preparation indicate that it is not trustworthy., (7) Absence of an Entry in Records of Regularly Conducted Activity., Evidence that a matter is not included in a writing or other record kept in accordance with the provisions of Rule 803(c)(6), if: (A) the evidence is admitted to prove that the matter did not occur or exist; and (B) a record was regularly kept for a matter of that kind. This exception does not apply if the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that the inference of nonoccurrence or nonexistence is not trustworthy., (8) Public Records, Reports, and Findings., Subject to Rule 807, (A) a statement contained in a writing made by a public official of an act done by the official or an act, condition, or event observed by the official if it was within the scope of the official's duty either to perform the act reported or to observe the act, condition, or event reported and to make the written statement; or (B) statistical findings of a public official based upon a report of or an investigation of acts, conditions, or events, if it was within the scope of the official's duty to make such statistical findings. This exception does not apply if the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that such statistical findings are not trustworthy., (9) Public Records of Vital Statistics., Subject to Rule 807, a record of a birth, fetal death, death, or marriage or civil union, if reported to a public office in accordance with a legal duty., (10) Absence of Public Record or Entry., Subject to Rule 807, a certification in accordance with Rule 902 stating that a diligent search failed to disclose a public record, report, writing, or entry when offered to prove: (A) the record or statement does not exist; or (B) the matter did not occur or exist, if a public office regularly kept a record or statement for a matter of that kind. This exception does not apply if the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that the inference of nonoccurrence or nonexistence is not trustworthy., (11) Records of Religious Organizations Concerning Personal or Family History., Subject to Rule 807, a statement of birth, legitimacy, ancestry, marriage or civil union, divorce, death, relationship by blood or marriage, or similar facts of personal or family history, contained in a regularly kept record of a religious organization., (12) Certificates of Marriage, Civil Union, Baptism, and Similar Ceremonies., Subject to Rule 807, a statement of fact contained in a certificate: (A) made by a person who is authorized by a religious organization or by law to perform the act certified; (B) attesting that the person performed a marriage or civil union or similar ceremony or administered a sacrament; and (C) purporting to have been issued at the time of the act or within a reasonable time after it., (13) Family Records., Subject to Rule 807, a statement of fact about personal or family history contained in a family record, such as a Bible, genealogy, chart, engraving on a ring, inscription on a family portrait, engraving on an urn, crypt, tombstone, or other burial marker., (14) Records of Documents that Affect an Interest in Property., Subject to Rule 807, the record of a document that purports to establish or affect an interest in property if: (A) the record is admitted to prove the content of the original recorded document, along with its signing and its delivery by each person who purports to have signed it; (B) the record is kept in a public office; and (C) a statute authorizes recording documents of that kind in that office., (15) Statements in Documents that Affect an Interest in Property., Subject to Rule 807, a statement contained in a document that purports to establish or affect an interest in property if the matter stated was relevant to the document’s purpose, unless dealings with the property are inconsistent with the truth of the statement or the purport of the document., (16) Statements in Ancient Documents., A statement in a document at least 30 years old and whose authenticity is established., (17) Market Reports and Similar Commercial Publications., Market quotations, tabulations, lists, directories, or other published compilations that are generally relied on by the public or by persons in particular occupations., (18) Statements in Learned Treatises, Periodicals, or Pamphlets., A statement contained in a published treatise, periodical, or pamphlet, on a subject of history, medicine, or other science or art, if: (A) the statement is relied on by an expert witness on direct examination or called to the attention of the expert on cross-examination; and (B) the publication is established as a reliable authority by testimony or by judicial notice. If admitted, the statement may not be received as an exhibit but may be read into evidence or, if graphics, shown to the jury., (19) Reputation Concerning Personal or Family History., Evidence of a person's reputation among members of a person's family by blood, adoption, or marriage or civil union, or among a person's associates, or in the community, concerning a person's birth, adoption, marriage or civil union, divorce, death, legitimacy, ancestry, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage or civil union, or other similar facts of a person's personal or family history., (20) Reputation Concerning Boundaries or General History., Evidence of reputation in a community, arising before the controversy, concerning boundaries of land in the community or customs that affect the land, or concerning general historical events important to that community, state, or nation in which the community is located., (21) Reputation Concerning Character., Evidence of reputation of a person's character at a relevant time among the person's associates or in the community., (22) Judgment of Previous Conviction of Crime., In a civil proceeding, except as otherwise provided by court order on acceptance of a plea, evidence of a final judgment against a party adjudging the party guilty of an indictable offense in New Jersey or of an offense which would constitute an indictable offense if committed in this state, as against that party, to prove any fact essential to sustain the judgment., (23) Judgment Involving Personal, Family, or General History, or a Boundary., A judgment that is admitted to prove a matter of personal, family, or general history, or boundaries, if the matter: (A) was essential to the judgment; and (B) could be proved by evidence of reputation. (24) [Not adopted.], (25) Statement against Interest. [Relocated to N.J.R.E. 804(b)(3).], (26) Judgments against Persons Entitled to Indemnity., Subject to Rule 807 and except in a case brought under the Joint Tortfeasors Contribution Law, N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-1 to -5, the record of a final judgment is admissible if offered by the judgment debtor in an action in which the debtor seeks to recover partial or total indemnity or exoneration for money paid or a liability incurred because of the judgment, as evidence: (A) of the liability of the judgment debtor; (B) of the facts on which the judgment is based; and (C) of the reasonableness of the damages recovered. If the defendant in the second action had notice of and opportunity to defend the first action, the judgment is conclusive evidence., (27) Statements by a Child Relating to a Sexual Offense., A statement made by a child under the age of 12 relating to sexual misconduct committed with or against that child is admissible in a criminal, juvenile, or civil case if (a) the proponent of the statement makes known to the adverse party an intention to offer the statement and the particulars of the statement at such time as to provide the adverse party with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet it; (b) the court finds, in a hearing conducted pursuant to Rule 104(a), that on the basis of the time, content and circumstances of the statement there is a probability that the statement is trustworthy; and (c) either (i) the child testifies at the proceeding, or (ii) the child is unavailable as a witness and there is offered admissible evidence corroborating the act of sexual abuse; provided that no child whose statement is to be offered in evidence pursuant to this rule shall be disqualified to be a witness in such proceeding by virtue of the requirements of Rule 601. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraph (c)(25) amended and paragraph (c)(27) added June 30, 1993 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (c)(5), (c)(22), (c)(26), and (c)(27) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; paragraphs (a), (a)(1), (a)(2), (b), (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (c), (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), (c)(5)(A), (c)(5)(B), (c)(5)(C), (c)(6), (c)(7) amended, (c)(7) redesignated as (c)(7)(A) and (B), (c)(8), (c)(8)(A), (c)(8)(B), (c)(9), (c)(10), (c)(10)(A), (c)(10)(B), (c)(11), (c)(12) amended, (c)(12) redesignated as (c)(12)(A), (B), and (C), (c)(13), (c)(14) amended, (c)(14) redesignated as (c)(14)(A), (B), and (C), (c)(15), (c)(16), (c)(17), (c)(18), (c)(18) amended, (c)(18) redesignated as (c)(18)(A) and (B), (c)(19), (c)(20), (c)(21), (c)(22), (c)(23), (c)(23) amended, (c)(23) redesignated as (c)(23)(A) and (B), (c)(25), (c)(26), (c)(26) amended, (c)(26) redesignated as (c)(26 (A), (B), and (C), and (c)(27) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020; deleted from N.J.R.E. 803 and relocated with amendments as N.J.R.E. 804(b)(3) September 15, 2023 to be effective July 1, 2024., N.J.R.E. 804. Hearsay Exceptions: Declarant Unavailable, (a) Definition of Unavailable., Except when the declarant's unavailability has been procured or wrongfully caused by the proponent of declarant's statement for the purpose of preventing declarant from attending or testifying, a declarant is "unavailable" as a witness if declarant: (1) is exempted by ruling of the court on the ground of privilege from testifying concerning the subject matter of the statement; or (2) persists in refusing to testify concerning the subject matter of the statement despite an order of the court to do so; or (3) testifies to a lack of memory of the subject matter of the statement; or (4) is absent from the trial, hearing or proceeding because of death, physical or mental illness or infirmity, or other cause; and (A) the proponent of the statement is unable by process or other reasonable means to procure the declarant's attendance at the trial, hearing, or proceeding; and (B) with respect to statements proffered under Rules 804(b)(4) and (7), the proponent must be unable, without undue hardship or expense, to obtain declarant's deposition for use in lieu of testimony at the trial, hearing, or proceeding; or, (5), [Deleted – see N.J.R.E. 803(c)(27)]., (b) Hearsay Exceptions., Subject to Rule 807, the following are not excluded by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness., (1) Testimony in Prior Proceedings., (A) Testimony that: (i) was given by a witness at a prior trial of the same or a different matter, or in a hearing or deposition taken in compliance with law in the same or another proceeding; and (ii) is now offered against a party who had an opportunity and similar motive in the prior trial, hearing or deposition to develop the testimony by examination or cross-examination. (B) In a civil proceeding, or when offered by the defendant in a criminal proceeding, testimony given in a prior trial, hearing or deposition taken in compliance with law to which the party against whom the testimony is now offered was not a party, if the party who offered the prior testimony or against whom it was offered had an opportunity to develop the testimony on examination or cross-examination and had an interest and motive to do so, which is the same or similar to that of the party against whom it is now offered. (C) Expert opinion testimony given in a prior trial, hearing, or deposition otherwise admissible under (A) or (B) may be excluded if the court finds that there are experts of a like kind generally available within a reasonable distance from the place in which the action is pending and the interests of justice so require., (2) Statement Under Belief of Imminent Death., In a criminal proceeding, a statement made by a victim unavailable as a witness is admissible if it was made voluntarily and in good faith and while the declarant believed in the imminence of declarant's impending death., (3) Statement Against Interest., A statement that a reasonable person in the declarant's position would have made only if the person believed it to be true because, when made, it was so contrary to the declarant’s proprietary, pecuniary or social interest, or had so great a tendency to invalidate the declarant’s claim against another or to expose the declarant to civil or criminal liability. Such a statement is admissible against a defendant in a criminal proceeding only if the defendant was the declarant., (4) Statement of Personal or Family History., A statement about: (A) the declarant's own birth, adoption, legitimacy, ancestry, marriage or civil union, divorce, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage or civil union, or similar facts of personal or family history, even though the declarant had no way of acquiring personal knowledge about that fact; or of the matter stated; or (B) another person concerning any of these facts, as well as death, if the declarant was related to the person by blood, adoption, or marriage or civil union, or was so intimately associated with the person's family that the declarant’s information is likely to be accurate., (5) Other Exceptions., [Not Adopted], (6) Trustworthy Statements by Deceased Declarants., In a civil proceeding, a statement made by a person unavailable as a witness because of death if the statement was made in good faith upon declarant's personal knowledge in circumstances indicating that it is trustworthy., (7) Voters' Statements., A statement by a voter concerning the voter's qualifications to vote or the fact or content of the vote. (8) [Deleted.], (9) Forfeiture by Wrongdoing., A statement offered against a party who has engaged, directly or indirectly, in wrongdoing that was intended to, and did, procure the unavailability of the declarant as a witness. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a)(5) and (b)(8) deleted and paragraph (b)(2) amended June 30, 1993 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (a) and (b) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005; paragraph (b)(9) added September 15, 2010 to be effective July 1, 2011; paragraph (a) caption and text amended, paragraph (b) caption amended, paragraphs (b)(1), and (b)(4) captions and text amended, paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(6), (b)(7), (b)(9) captions amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020; paragraph (b)(3) relocated as amended from N.J.R.E. 803(c)(25) September 15, 2023 to be effective July 1, 2024., N.J.R.E. 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay, Hearsay within hearsay is not excluded by the rule against hearsay if each part of the combined statements conforms with an exception to the rule. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 806. Attacking and Supporting Credibility of Declarant, When a hearsay statement has been admitted in evidence, the credibility of the declarant may be attacked, and if attacked may be supported, by any evidence which would be admissible for those purposes if the declarant had testified as a witness. The court may admit evidence of the declarant’s inconsistent statement or conduct, regardless of when it occurred or whether the declarant had an opportunity to explain or deny it. If the party against whom a hearsay statement has been admitted calls the declarant as a witness, that party is entitled to examine the declarant on the statement as if under cross-examination. NOTE: Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 807. Discretion of Court to Exclude Evidence Under Certain Exceptions, Except if offered by a defendant in a criminal proceeding, when any statement is admissible under Rules 803(c)(8), 803(c)(9), 803(c)(10), 803(c)(11), 803(c)(12), 803(c)(13), 803(c)(14), 803(c)(15), 803(c)(26) or 804(b), the court may exclude the statement at the trial if it appears that the proponent's intention to offer the statement in evidence was not made known to the adverse party at such time as to provide that party with a fair opportunity to challenge the statement. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; caption and text amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 808. Expert Opinion Included in a Hearsay Statement Admissible Under an Exception, Expert opinion that is included in an admissible hearsay statement shall be excluded if the declarant has not been produced as a witness unless the court finds that the circumstances involved in rendering the opinion tend to establish its trustworthiness. Factors to consider include the motive, duty, and interest of the declarant, whether litigation was contemplated by the declarant, the complexity of the subject matter, and the likelihood of accuracy of the opinion. NOTE: Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020.
- Article IX. Authentication and Identification, N.J.R.E. 901. Requirement of Authentication or Identification To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying an item of evidence, the proponent must present evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what its proponent claims. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 902. Self-Authentication, The following items of evidence are self-authenticating and they require no extrinsic evidence of authenticity in order to be admitted:, (a) New Jersey Public Documents., A document purporting to bear a signature affixed in an official capacity by an officer or employee of the State of New Jersey or of a political subdivision, department, office, or agency thereof., (b) Other Domestic Public Documents., A document (1) bearing a seal purporting to be that of the United States, or of any state, district, commonwealth, territory, or possession thereof, or of a political subdivision, department, office, or agency thereof, and a signature purporting to be an attestation or execution, or (2) purporting to bear a signature affixed in an official capacity by an officer or employee of such an entity, having no seal, if a public officer having a seal and having official duties in the district or political subdivision of the officer or employee certifies under seal that the signer had the official capacity and that the signature is genuine., (c) Foreign Public Documents., A document purporting to be executed or attested in an official capacity by a person authorized by the laws of a foreign country to make the execution or attestation, provided that either an apostille is affixed to the document certifying its genuineness pursuant to international agreement to which the United States is a party or the document is accompanied by a final certification as to the genuineness of the signature and official position (1) of the executing or attesting person, or (2) of any foreign official whose certificate of genuineness of signature and official position relates to the execution or attestation or is in a chain of certificates of genuineness of signature and official position relating to the execution or attestation. A final certification may be made by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice consul, or consular agent of the United States, or a diplomatic or consular official of the foreign country assigned or accredited to the United States. If reasonable opportunity has been given to all parties to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of official documents, the court may, for good cause shown, order that they be treated as presumptively authentic without final certification or permit them to be evidenced by an attested summary with or without final certification., (d) Certified Copies of Public Records., A copy of an official record or report or entry therein, or of a document authorized by law to be recorded or filed and actually recorded or filed in a public office, including data compilations in any form, certified as correct by the custodian or other person authorized to make the certification, by certificate complying with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this rule or complying with any law or rule of court., (e) Official Publications., A book, pamphlet, or other publication purporting to be issued by public authority., (f) Newspapers and Periodicals., Printed material purporting to be a newspaper or periodical., (g) Trade Inscriptions and the Like., An inscription, sign, tag, or label purporting to have been affixed in the course of business and indicating ownership, control, or origin., (h) Acknowledged Documents., A document accompanied by a certificate of acknowledgment executed in the manner provided by law by a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments., (i) Commercial Paper and Related Documents., Commercial paper, a signature on it, and documents relating thereto related to the extent provided by applicable commercial law., (j) Presumption Under Statute., Any signature, document, or other matter declared by state or federal law to be presumptively or prima facie genuine or authentic., (k) Certificate of Lack of Record., A writing asserting the absence of an official record authenticated in the manner prescribed for public documents in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this rule. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; first paragraph amended, paragraphs (a), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i) captions and text amended, paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (j), (k) caption amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 903. Testimony of Subscribing Witness Unnecessary, A subscribing witness’ testimony is necessary to authenticate a writing only if required by the law of the jurisdiction that governs its validity. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020.
- Article X. Contents of Writings, Recordings, and Photographs, N.J.R.E. 1001. Definitions For purposes of this article the following definitions are applicable:, (a) Writings., "Writings," which include recordings, are defined in Rule 801(e)., (b) Photographs., "Photographs" include still photographs, X-ray films, videos, motion pictures and similar forms of reproduced likenesses., (c) Original., An "original" of a writing is the writing itself or any counterpart intended by the person or persons executing or issuing it to have the same effect. An "original" of a photograph includes the negative or any print therefrom. With respect to electronically created documents, any printout or other output readable by sight, shown to reflect the data accurately, is an "original.", (d) Duplicate., A "duplicate" is a counterpart, other than an original, produced by the same impression as the original, or from the same matrix, or by means of photography, including enlargements and reductions, or by mechanical or electronic re-recording, or by chemical reproduction, or by other equivalent technique which accurately reproduces the original. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (c) and (d) amended September 15, 2017 to be effective July 1, 2018; paragraph (b) amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 1002. Requirement of Original, To prove the content of a writing or photograph, the original writing or photograph is required except as otherwise provided in these rules or by statute. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates, A duplicate as defined by Rule 1001(d) is admissible to the same extent as an original unless a genuine question is raised about the original’s authenticity or the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate. , NOTE:, Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 1004. Admissibility of Other Evidence of Contents, The original is not required and other evidence of the contents of a writing or photograph is admissible if:, (a) Originals lost or destroyed., All originals are lost or have been destroyed, unless the proponent lost or destroyed them in bad faith; or, (b) Original not obtainable., No original can be obtained by any available judicial process or procedure or by other available means; or, (c) Original in possession of opponent., At a time when an original was under the control of the party against whom offered, that party was put on notice by the pleadings or otherwise that the contents would be a subject of proof at the hearing, and that party does not produce the original at the hearing; or, (d) Collateral matters., The writing or photograph is not closely related to a controlling issue and it would not be expedient to require its production. , NOTE:, Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993., N.J.R.E. 1005. Public Records, The proponent may use a copy to prove the contents of an official record, or of a writing that was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law, if these conditions are met: (a) the record or writing is otherwise admissible; (b) and the copy is certified as correct in accordance with Rule 902, or is testified to be correct by a witness who has compared it with the original. If no such copy can be obtained by reasonable diligence, then the proponent may use other evidence to prove the contents. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 1006. Summaries, The proponent may use a summary, chart, or calculation presented by a qualified witness to prove the content of voluminous writings or photographs that cannot conveniently be examined in court. The proponent shall make the originals or duplicates available for examination or copying, or both, by other parties at a reasonable time and place or mode. The court may order the proponent to produce them in court. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 1007. Testimony or Written Statement of Party, The proponent may prove the content of a writing or photograph by the testimony, deposition, or written statement of the party against whom the evidence is offered. The proponent need not account for the original. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020., N.J.R.E. 1008. Functions of Court and Jury, Ordinarily the court determines whether the proponent has fulfilled the factual conditions for admitting other evidence of the content of a writing or photograph under Rule 1004 or 1005. However, in a jury trial, the jury determines, in accordance with Rule 104, any factual issue about whether: (a) an asserted writing or photograph ever existed, (b) another writing or photograph produced at the trial or hearing is the original, or (c) the evidence correctly reflects the content of the original writing or photograph. , NOTE, : Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; amended September 16, 2019 to be effective July 1, 2020.
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(1) Appellate (15) Attorneys (21) Child Support (8) Civil (83) Criminal (186) Criminal Justice Reform (1) Domestic Violence (4) Drug Court (4) DWI (1) Expungements (1) Family (173) Family Court (1) General Equity (6) Judges (3) Jury (1) Juvenile (5) Landlord Tenant (1) Language Access (1) Municipal (63) Municipal Court (2) Personnel (87) Pretrial (1) Pretrial Release (1) Probation (41) Recovery Court (1) Reserved Decisions (1) Special Civil (5) Superior Court (1) Tax (6) Vicinage (90) Vicinage Management (4) Warrants (1) From From To To Directive #02-25 Directive: Directive #02-25 - Family – Revised Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) Manual (2025) Directive #02-25 - Family – Revised Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) Manual (2025) Section: Family Document Date: April 2, 2025 Directive #01-25 Directive: Directive #01-25 – Family – Entry of Default and Uncontested Divorce/Dissolution (FM) Judgments Without Personal Appearances (Divorce on the Papers) – Revised Instructions and Certification Form (CN 12620) (Supersedes Directive #12-22) Directive #01-25 – Family – Entry of Default and Uncontested Divorce/Dissolution (FM) Judgments Without Personal Appearances (Divorce on the Papers) – Revised Instructions and Certification Form (CN 12620) (Supersedes Directive #12-22) Section: Family Document Date: March 19, 2025 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #12-22 Directive: #12-22 Directive #14-24 Directive: Directive #14-24 - Civil - Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program - Implementation of L. 2024, c. 2 Directive #14-24 - Civil - Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program - Implementation of L. 2024, c. 2 Sections: Affordable Housing. Civil Document Date: Dec. 13, 2024 Directive #13-24 Directive: CJR - Supreme Court Action to Address Home Invasion Burglary and Residential Burglary: (1) Relaxation of Rule 3:3-1(f) Regarding Complaint-Warrants, and (2) Amendments to the Decision-Making Framework (DMF) CJR - Supreme Court Action to Address Home Invasion Burglary and Residential Burglary: (1) Relaxation of Rule 3:3-1(f) Regarding Complaint-Warrants, and (2) Amendments to the Decision-Making Framework (DMF) Sections: Criminal Municipal Court Document Date: Nov. 22, 2024 Directive #12-24 Directive: Directive 12-24 - Dissolution Judgment for Name Change and Judgment for Name Change Addendum - New Form CN 13146 Directive 12-24 - Dissolution Judgment for Name Change and Judgment for Name Change Addendum - New Form CN 13146 Section: Family Document Date: Nov. 22, 2024 Directive #11-24 Directive: Directive #11-24 - Family - Juvenile - Procedure to Request Complaint-Warrant to Take Youth into Custody Directive #11-24 - Family - Juvenile - Procedure to Request Complaint-Warrant to Take Youth into Custody Sections: Family Juvenile Warrants Document Date: Oct. 29, 2024 Directive #10-24 Directive: Directive #10-24 – Family – Children in Court – Revised Child Welfare Mediation Program Procedures Manual and Forms (Supersedes Directive #15-17) Directive #10-24 – Family – Children in Court – Revised Child Welfare Mediation Program Procedures Manual and Forms (Supersedes Directive #15-17) Section: Family Document Date: Sept. 25, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #15-17 Directive: #15-17 Directive #09-24 Directive: Directive #09-24 - Criminal Justice Reform - Pretrial Services Defendant Compliance Reviews; Implementation of Amendments to Rule 3:26-2(c) (effective 11/01/24) Directive #09-24 - Criminal Justice Reform - Pretrial Services Defendant Compliance Reviews; Implementation of Amendments to Rule 3:26-2(c) (effective 11/01/24) Section: Criminal Document Date: Sept. 13, 2024 Directive #08-24 Directive: Directive #08-24 - Revised Judiciary Transcriber Manual (2024) and Code of Conduct for Certified Transcribers (Supersedes Directive #8-20) Directive #08-24 - Revised Judiciary Transcriber Manual (2024) and Code of Conduct for Certified Transcribers (Supersedes Directive #8-20) Sections: Administration Vicinage Management Document Date: Aug. 20, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #08-20 Directive: #08-20 Directive #07-24 Directive: Guidelines for Judicial Officer Protection Orders Guidelines for Judicial Officer Protection Orders Sections: Administration Judges Vicinage Management Document Date: Aug. 2, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #14-23 Directive: #14-23 Directive #06-24 Directive: Administrative Directive #06-24, “Supreme Court Guidelines on Media Access and Electronic Devices in the New Jersey Courts (Revised 2024) (Supersedes Directive #11-20)” Administrative Directive #06-24, “Supreme Court Guidelines on Media Access and Electronic Devices in the New Jersey Courts (Revised 2024) (Supersedes Directive #11-20)” Sections: Administration Vicinage Management Document Date: July 22, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #11-20 Directive: #11-20 Directive #05-24 Directive: Updated Domestic Violence Brochures Updated Domestic Violence Brochures Sections: Domestic Violence Family Document Date: April 8, 2024 Directive #04-24 Directive: Administrative Directive #04-24 – Municipal – DWI – New Law Regarding Ignition Interlock Device (L.2023, c.191) – Supersedes Directive #25-19 Administrative Directive #04-24 – Municipal – DWI – New Law Regarding Ignition Interlock Device (L.2023, c.191) – Supersedes Directive #25-19 Sections: DWI Municipal Document Date: March 28, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #25-19 Directive: #25-19 Directive #03-24 Directive: Revised Probation Field Supervision and Safety Standards (Supersedes Directive #22-20) Revised Probation Field Supervision and Safety Standards (Supersedes Directive #22-20) Sections: Probation Vicinage Management Document Date: March 6, 2024 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #22-20 Directive: #22-20 Directive #02-24 Directive: Criminal - Procedures for Certificates to Suspend Certain Employment or Occupational Disabilities Related to Criminal Convictions Criminal - Procedures for Certificates to Suspend Certain Employment or Occupational Disabilities Related to Criminal Convictions Section: Criminal Document Date: March 4, 2024 Directive #01-24 Directive: Civil Commitments - Protocol for Applications Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.9a Civil Commitments - Protocol for Applications Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.9a Section: Civil Document Date: Feb. 6, 2024 Relationships: Supplemented By: Supplement to Directive #01-24 – Civil Commitments - Protocol for Applications Pursuant to NJSA 30:4-27.9a - Updated Attachment F (Order for Continued Hold of Patient) Supplement to Directive #01-24 – Civil Commitments - Protocol for Applications Pursuant to NJSA 30:4-27.9a - Updated Attachment F (Order for Continued Hold of Patient) Directive #24-23 Directive: Motor Vehicle Theft Offenses – (1) Elimination of Presumption of Pretrial Release; (2) Establishment of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle as Separate Statutory Offenses Motor Vehicle Theft Offenses – (1) Elimination of Presumption of Pretrial Release; (2) Establishment of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle as Separate Statutory Offenses Section: Criminal Document Date: Dec. 22, 2023 Directive #23-23 Directive: Family - Procedures for Implementation of Victim's Assistance and Survivor Act (VASPA); Rescission of Directive #07-03 Family - Procedures for Implementation of Victim's Assistance and Survivor Act (VASPA); Rescission of Directive #07-03 Section: Family Document Date: Dec. 13, 2023 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #07-03 Directive: #07-03 Directive #22-23 Directive: Criminal Justice Reform - Changes to the Preliminary Public Safety Assessment Run by Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Reform - Changes to the Preliminary Public Safety Assessment Run by Law Enforcement Sections: Criminal Municipal Document Date: Dec. 13, 2023 Directive #21-23 Directive: Updated New Jersey Judiciary Language Access Plan (Supersedes Directive #10-22) Updated New Jersey Judiciary Language Access Plan (Supersedes Directive #10-22) Sections: Language Access Vicinage Document Date: Nov. 14, 2023 Relationships: Supersedes: Directive: #10-22 Directive: #10-22 Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to page 3 3 Go to last page 33 Last page Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 20 of 646 items
- Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices, Name Address Contact Special Civil Part Directory Atlantic Atlantic County Civil Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Boulevard Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47770 Special Civil Part Directory Bergen Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Phone: 201-221-0700 ext. 25250 Special Civil Part Directory Burlington Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 Phone: 609-288-9500 ext. 38092 Special Civil Part Directory Camden Camden County Hall of Justice 101 South 5th Street Camden, New Jersey 08103 Phone: 856-650-9100 ext. 43250 Special Civil Part Directory Cape May Cape May County Courthouse 9 North Main Street Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey 08210 Phone: 609-402-0100 ext. 47910 Special Civil Part Directory Cumberland Cumberland County Courthouse 60 West Broad Street Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15390 Special Civil Part Directory Essex Essex County Hall of Records Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone: 973-776-9300 ext. 56894 Special Civil Part Directory Gloucester Gloucester Old Courthouse 19 North Broad Street Woodbury, New Jersey 08096 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15370 Special Civil Part Directory Hudson Hudson County Administration Bldg 595 Newark Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Phone: 201-748-4400 ext. 66680 Special Civil Part Directory Hunterdon PO Box 1069 Flemington, New Jersey 08822 Phone: 908-824-9750 ext. 13810 Special Civil Part Directory Mercer PO Box 8068 Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068 Phone: 609-571-4200 ext. 76019 Special Civil Part Directory Middlesex PO Box 1146 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0964 Phone: 732-645-4300 ext. 88381 Special Civil Part Directory Monmouth Monmouth County Courthouse 71 Monument Street Freehold, New Jersey 07728 Phone: 732-358-8700 ext. 87590 Special Civil Part Directory Morris PO Box 910 Morristown, New Jersey 07960-0910 Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75365 Special Civil Part Directory Ocean PO Box 2191 Toms River, New Jersey 08754 Phone: 732-504-0700 ext. 64360 Special Civil Part Directory Salem Salem County Courthouse 92 Market Street Salem, New Jersey 08079 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15945 Special Civil Part Directory Somerset PO Box 3000 Somerville, New Jersey 08876 Phone: 908-332-7700 ext. 13085 Special Civil Part Directory Sussex Sussex County Judicial Center 43-47 High Street Newton, New Jersey 07860 Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75454 Special Civil Part Directory Union Union County Courthouse 2 Broad Street Floor Third Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207 Phone: 908-787-1650 ext. 22160 Special Civil Part Directory Warren PO Box 900 Belvidere, New Jersey 07823 Phone: 908-750-8100 ext. 13910 Total results: 20
- Court Fees and Fee Waivers, See all court fees and learn how to apply for a fee waiver. What is a fee waiver? You may be able to file your case without paying the filing fee if you qualify. How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts Complete the Fee Waiver form and submit the required documents to the court to see if you meet the guidelines. You can apply for a fee waiver in any NJ state court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Superior Court and Tax Court., Court filing and copy fees might be waived for litigants who, Have income at or below 150 percent of the current poverty level (based on the number of people in the household; AND Have no more than $2,500 in liquid assets such as cash or bank accounts., When to file an application for a fee waiver, Under Filing Court Rule 1:5-6 , the court clerk cannot file your case unless the required fee is included. In order to keep your case moving forward as quickly as possible, a fee waiver request should be filed with the court at the same time that you file your court case., You can apply for a fee waiver even if you have a lawyer., You may still request a fee waiver if your attorney either works for Legal Services of New Jersey or an associated regional program; OR works for a public interest or legal services organization, law school clinic or pro bono program that has been certified for fee waiver status by the Supreme Court under Definitions and Certifications Regarding Pro Bono Practice Court Rule 1:21-11 ., Applying for a fee waiver in an appeal of a Superior Court case, To apply for a fee waiver in the Appellate Division of Superior Court, you must submit your application in the Superior Court in the county where your case was first filed. If your application is denied in Superior Court, you then have 20 days to apply for a fee waiver in the Appellate Division., Applying for a fee waiver in an appeal of an agency determination, Fee waivers in appeals of administrative agency decisions should be filed directly with the Appellate Division of Superior Court in Trenton., If you win more than $2,000 in your court case, you will be required to pay back the filing fee for your case., The public usually has the right to view fee waiver applications that have been filed with the court., You may only file an application for a fee waiver for yourself. You may not apply for a fee waiver for anyone else, even if you have a Power of Attorney., More Information, Rule 1:5-6. Filing Court Rule 1:5-6 Fee Waivers Based on Indigence (Directive 03-17) Directive 03-17 – Fee Waivers Based on Indigence
- Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices, Below is a list of addresses and phone numbers for every Family Division in New Jersey. You must send your Motion to Increase or Decrease Child Support or Alimony Payments to the county where you are filing your case. Use this list of addresses to find the appropriate Superior Court to file your case. Name Address Contact Family Division Office Atlantic City Family Division, Direct Filing Atlantic County Civil Courthouse 1201 Bacharach Boulevard Floor West Wing Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401 Phone: 609-402-0100 Family Division Office Bergen Family Division Non-Dissolution Bergen County Justice Center 10 Main Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 Phone: 201-221-0700 ext. 25170 Family Division Office Burlington Burlington County Finance Division Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Floor 1 Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 Phone: 609-288-9500 Family Division Office Camden Camden County Family Division Camden County Hall of Justice 101 South 5th Street Floor 2 Camden, New Jersey 08103 Phone: 856-650-9100 ext. 43480 Family Division Office Cape May Superior Court Chancery, Family Part Superior Court - Cape May 4 Moore Rd. Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210 Phone: 609-402-0100 Family Division Office Cumberland Cumberland County Family Division Cumberland County Courthouse 60 West Broad Street Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15620 Family Division Office Essex Family Division Dissolution Unit Robert N. Wilentz Justice Complex - Family Courthouse 212 Washington Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone: 973-776-9300 ext. 57040 Family Division Office Essex Family Division Non-Dissolution Unit Robert N. Wilentz Justice Complex - Family Courthouse 212 Washington Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone: 973-776-9300 ext. 55520 Family Division Office Gloucester Family Division Gloucester County Justice Complex 70 Hunter Street Woodbury, New Jersey 08096 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15490 Family Division Office Hudson Family Intake Team Hudson County Administration Bldg 595 Newark Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Phone: 201-748-4400 ext. 60860 Family Division Office Hunterdon Family Case Management Office Hunterdon County Justice Center 65 Park Avenue Flemington, New Jersey 08822 Phone: 908-824-9750 ext. 13830 Family Division Office Mercer Family Case Management Office PO Box 8068 Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068 Phone: 609-571-4200 Family Division Office Middlesex Family Part Intake Reception Team Middlesex County Family Courthouse 120 New Street New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 Phone: 732-645-4300 ext. 88530 Family Division Office Monmouth Family Part, Courthouse PO Box 1252 Freehold, New Jersey 07728 Phone: 732-358-8700 ext. 87908 Family Division Office Morris Morris County Family Division Morris County Courthouse Family Intake PO Box 910 Morristown, New Jersey 07960-0910 Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75145 Family Division Office Ocean Ocean County Family Division Ocean County Justice Complex 120 Hooper Avenue Toms River, New Jersey 08753 Phone: 732-504-0700 ext. 64050 Family Division Office Passaic Passaic County Superior Court Family Part Passaic County Admin Building 401 Grand Street Floor 8 Paterson, New Jersey 07505 Phone: 973 653 2910 ext. 24390 Family Division Office Salem Family Court Intake Courthouse Salem County Courthouse 92 Market Street Salem, New Jersey 08079 Phone: 856-878-5050 ext. 15881 Family Division Office Somerset Family Case Management Office PO Box 3000 Somerville, New Jersey 08876 Phone: 908-332-7700 ext. 13730 Family Division Office Sussex Sussex County Family Division Sussex County Judicial Center 43-47 High Street Newton, New Jersey 07860 Phone: 862-397-5700 ext. 75184 Family Division Office Union Dissolution Assignment Office Union Family Courthouse 2 Cherry Street Floor 3 Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207 Phone: 908-787-1650 ext. 21320 Family Division Office Warren Warren County Courthouse 413 Second Street PO Box 900 Belvidere, New Jersey 07823 Phone: 908-750-8100 ext. 13930 Total results: 22
- About the Supreme Court, Body, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner June 29, 2007 - current Chief Justice Stuart Rabner is the eighth chief justice to lead the New Jersey Supreme Court since the 1948 state constitution. Chief Justice Rabner was nominated to the Supreme Court by Governor Jon S. Corzine and sworn in on June 29, 2007. He was nominated for tenure by Governor Chris Christie and sworn in on June 20, 2014. Born on June 30, 1960, Chief Justice Rabner grew up in Passaic. He graduated summa cum laude from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in 1982 and cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1985. He served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark in 1986. After beginning his career as an assistant U.S. attorney, Chief Justice Rabner worked in a number of positions including first assistant U.S. attorney and chief of the terrorism unit. He was chief of the office's criminal division when he was named chief counsel to Governor Corzine in January 2006. He was named New Jersey attorney general in September 2006 and served in that position until he joined the Court. Chief Justice Rabner is a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Judicial Administration at New York University School of Law. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices from 2010 to 2012. Chief Justice Rabner and his wife, the former Deborah Wiener, have three children., Justice Anne M. Patterson, Justice Anne M. Patterson September 1, 2011 - current Justice Anne M. Patterson was nominated as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court by Gov, Chris Christie and was sworn in on Sept. 1, 2011. She was nominated for tenure by Gov. Phil Murphy and was sworn in on July 31, 2018. Justice Patterson was born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1959. She graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in government in 1980 and received her law degree from Cornell Law School in 1983. At the time of her appointment, Justice Patterson was a partner at Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti. Her practice focused on product liability, intellectual property and commercial litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Justice Patterson served as chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association product liability and toxic tort section, as an officer and trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey, and as a trustee of the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey. From 1991 to 2006, Justice Patterson served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character. Justice Patterson began her legal career as an associate at Riker Danzig. She left the firm in 1989 to serve as a deputy attorney general and special assistant to New Jersey Attorney General Peter N. Perretti, Jr., handling civil litigation and criminal appeals on behalf of the state. She rejoined Riker Danzig in 1992., Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis, Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis September 1, 2020 - current Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis was nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy on June 5, 2020 and was sworn in as an associate justice on Sept. 1, 2020. She is the first Black woman to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court. Born on Sept. 9, 1980 in New York City, Justice Pierre-Louis spent her early childhood in Brooklyn and moved to Irvington, NJ when she was eight years old. She received a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick and a law degree from Rutgers Law School. At the time of her appointment, Justice Pierre-Louis was a partner at Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads where she worked in the white collar and government investigations practice group. She focused her practice on complex commercial litigation, white collar crime, and government investigations. Prior to that, Justice Pierre-Louis was an Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she served as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Trenton and Camden branches and was the first woman of color to hold both positions. Justice Pierre-Louis also worked in the Newark office in the general crimes and organized crime and gang units. Justice Pierre-Louis began her legal career as a law clerk to New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice John E. Wallace Jr., whose seat she now occupies. Justice Pierre-Louis and her husband have two sons., Justice Rachel Wainer Apter, Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter October 21, 2022 - current Justice Rachel Wainer Apter was nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy and was sworn in as an associate justice on Oct. 21, 2022. Born on July 22, 1980, Justice Wainer Apter grew up in Rockaway. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received her law degree from Harvard Law School. After law school, she served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff, U.S. Circuit Judge Robert Katzmann, and U.S Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At the time of her appointment, Justice Wainer Apter was serving as director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. She previously served as counsel to the New Jersey Attorney General and assistant attorney general. Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Justice Wainer Apter worked as a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and in the Supreme Court and Appellate practice at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Justice Wainer Apter and her husband have three children., Justice Douglas M. Fasciale, Justice Douglas M. Fasciale October 21, 2022 - current Justice Douglas M. Fasciale was nominated by Gov Phil Murphy and was sworn in as an associate justice on Oct. 21, 2022. Justice Fasciale was born on Nov. 5, 1960, and was raised in East Brunswick. Justice Fasciale received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Seton Hall University in 1982. In 1986, he received his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. He immediately served his judicial clerkship with Judge John E. Keefe, who served in the Superior Court and in the Appellate Division, and then practiced law as a trial attorney for approximately 17 years. In 2000, he became a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court, a designation that was held by fewer than 3 percent of New Jersey attorneys. In 2004, Gov. James McGreevey appointed Justice Fasciale to the Superior Court for a 7-year term. In 2011, Gov. Chris Christie re-appointed him to the Superior Court, where he served as a tenured judge. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner temporarily assigned Justice Fasciale to the Supreme Court effective September 2022. At the trial level, Justice Fasciale served in the civil, criminal, and family parts of the Superior Court. Before elevation to the appellate court, Chief Justice Rabner designated him presiding judge of the civil and criminal parts. He also served as a recovery court judge. In May 2010, Chief Justice Rabner elevated Justice Fasciale to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court, where he served as a presiding judge before becoming a member of the Supreme Court. Justice Fasciale is an elected member of the American Law Institute. In 2023, Justice Fasciale obtained a Masters of Judicial Studies LL.M. degree from Duke University School of Law. As part of the three-year master’s program, he authored. A Case Study Analyzing How Trial Judge Experience Shapes Intermediate Appellate Review of Discretionary Determinations , 53 Seton Hall L. Rev. 1043 (2023)., Justice Michael Noriega, Associate Justice Michael Noriega July 6, 2023 - current Justice Michael Noriega was nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy and was sworn in an associate justice on July 6, 2023. Born on March 27, 1978, Justice Noriega grew up in Union City. He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in American studies in 1999 and received his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2002. At the time of his appointment, Justice Noriega was a partner at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold, and Mangan, where he specialized in immigration and criminal law. He also was an adjunct professor at Seton Hall School of Law and served as chair of the immigration law section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Before joining Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold, and Mangan, Justice Noriega operated his own law firm, Noriega & Associates, where he practiced immigration and criminal law. He began his legal career as an assistant public defender in Essex County., Justice John Jay Hoffman, Associate Justice John Jay Hoffman, Supreme Court, New Jersey October 2, 2024 - current Justice John Jay Hoffman was nominated as an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court by Gov, Phil Murphy and was sworn in on Oct. 2, 2024. Born in New Brunswick in 1965, Justice Hoffman was raised in Middlesex County. He graduated from Colgate University and Duke University School of Law and served as a law clerk to Judge Al Engel of the 6 th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. At the time of his appointment, Justice Hoffman was general counsel and senior vice president at Rutgers University, where he served as the state university’s chief legal officer. Prior to that, Justice Hoffman served as acting attorney general of New Jersey from June 2013 to March 2016. Justice Hoffman began his legal career as an associate at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. He joined the U.S. Department of Justice in 1996 as a trial attorney in the civil division before moving to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Trenton in 2005. Justice Hoffman then served as director of investigations at the New Jersey Comptroller's Office, starting in 2010. Justice Hoffman and his wife have a son and a daughter., Supreme Court Seating Diagram, New Jersey Supreme Court, Seating Visit the New Jersey Supreme Court Virtual Museum - Postcard Supreme Court Virtual Museum to discover more about the legacy of the court.
- The Practice of Law & Attorney Discipline, The New Jersey Supreme Court oversees all aspects of practicing law in the state. The court is responsible for ensuring attorneys follow ethical rules, serve the best interests of their clients, and comply with rules governing the practice of law. There are several programs in place to ensure compliance. The Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) serves as the investigative and prosecuting arm of the Supreme Court on issues related to attorney misconduct. The office helps discharge the court’s responsibility to supervise and discipline New Jersey attorneys. The Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) of the Supreme Court Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) of the Supreme Court reviews recommendations for discipline. It then makes its own findings in each case. The New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection , under Rule 1:28 Rule 1:28 , reimburses clients who suffered loss resulting from the misconduct of a member of the bar. The Supreme Court oversees admission to the bar. Visit the Board of Bar Examiners Board of Bar Examiners for rules and resources on admission to the bar. Attorneys must also comply with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements. The Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education approves courses and tracks completion of CLE credits. In addition, most New Jersey attorneys are required to provide Pro Bono pro bono work . The Board on Attorney Certification Board on Attorney Certification helps consumers identify attorneys with recognized expertise in certain areas of the law. Access forms for Supreme Court proceedings: CN Title 10538 A Guide to Filing for Litigants without Lawyers 11641 Supreme Court Emergent Matter Intake 11644 Supreme Court Guidelines for Emergent Matters 12243 A Visitor's Guide to the Supreme Court - brochure 12266 Supreme Court Guidelines on Electronic Devices in the Courtroom 12573 New Jersey Supreme Court Virtual Museum - Postcard 12618 Order Restricting Use of Electronic Devices in the Courtroom 11712 Designation of Clerk as Agent for Service of Process 10950 Designation of Clerk for Service of Process - Multi-Jurisdictional Practice
- Supreme Court Correspondence, At times, the New Jersey Supreme Court issues correspondence on administrative matters unrelated to litigation. Recent Supreme Court correspondence includes: Chief Justice Stuart Rabner’s State of the Judiciary Address to the New Jersey State Bar Association Chief Justice Stuart Rabner’s State of the Judiciary Address to the New Jersey State Bar Association . May 19, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA3aHUUXZdQ Watch the video . Special Committee on the Duration of Disbarment Special Committee on the Duration of Disbarment for Knowing Misappropriation: Released on the June 23, 2022. Statement of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner on Supreme Court Vacancy Statement of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner on Supreme Court Vacancy. Released on the Feb. 16, 2022. Statement on Legislation Regarding Administrative Director Statement on Legislation Regarding Administrative Director . Released on the Dec.22, 2022. Statement of Chief Justice Rabner on Legislative Apportionment Commission Statement of Chief Justice Rabner on Legislative Apportionment Commission . Released on the October 7, 2021, this letter from the Chief Justices explains the decision-making process for the appointment of the 11th member of the Legislative Apportionment Commission., Retired Appellate Judge Philip S. Carchman was selected to serve. , Statement of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner on Supreme Court Vacancy Statement of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner on Supreme Court Vacancy . Released on July 28, 2021, this letter from the Chief Justice emphasizes the importance of a new Supreme Court Justice selection. The retirement of Justice Jaynee LaVecchia has created a vacancy on the bench.
- Expungement of Certain Marijuana or Hashish Cases, The Marijuana Decriminalization Law, which took effect July 1, 2021, required the expungement of certain marijuana and hashish cases. As a result, the Notice and Order – Automated Processes for Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases in Accordance with the Marijuana Decriminalization Law Supreme Court has ordered that thousands of cases be expunged., An expungement means this case is no longer part of your record., You do not have to report this case on a job application, housing application, or college application. The case has been removed from the public record and cannot be used to keep you from school, housing, or most jobs., The courts have expunged the cases of anyone convicted or adjudicated delinquent if your case has only one of these three offenses:, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(b)(12) - Distribution of marijuana less than 1 ounce or hashish less than 5 grams N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(3) - Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, or more than 5 grams of hashish N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(4) - Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, or 5 grams or less of hashish, The courts have expunged other marijuana and hashish cases as well. If the case included only one of the above offenses AND any of the below offenses, it was expunged:, N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(b)- Use or Being Under Influence of Controlled, Dangerous Substance N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(c)- Failure to Make Lawful Disposition of Controlled, Dangerous Substance, The courts also expunged cases that involved attempts to commit and conspiracy to commit any offense listed above., Attempts and conspiracies to commit these offenses also were expunged according to the Notice and Order – Automated Processes for Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases in Accordance with the Marijuana Decriminalization Law July 1, 2021 Supreme Court Order ., The legislation does not require that every case containing a marijuana charge be expunged. If you have questions about your specific case, consider contacting an attorney or Legal Services of New Jersey Legal Services of New Jersey ., How to Confirm If Your Case Was Expunged and Receive a Certification, You can go to the court where your case was heard to confirm that your record was cleared and receive a certification. Find more details in Notice (“Processes to Obtain a Certification of Expungement for Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases in Accordance with the Marijuana Decriminalization Law”) and Directive #24-21 (“Criminal/Family/Municipal - Expungements - Requests for Copies of Expunged or Sealed Records; Certification of Automatic Expungement Directive #24-21 ., Confirmation must be requested in person. You will need to bring identification. Call the court in advance to find out where and when to go. Find Municipal Courts Directory municipal court contact information . Find Criminal Case Management Offices - Expungements criminal court contact information. Find Family Division Offices - Expungements Directory family court contact information. You can call your Ombudsman Directory local ombudsman for guidance on reaching the right office. You can also get confirmation and a certification by going to the , Superior Court Clerk's Office, in Trenton. Call 609-421-6100 for more information., How to file a Motion with the Court to Review Your Case, If you think that your case should have been considered for expungement under the new law, but it was not, you can Motion - Requesting Judicial Review of Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases Pursuant to The Marijuana Decriminalization Law, L. 2021, c. file a motion for judicial review . Please read the Directive #25-21 - Criminal/Family/Municipal - Procedures for Requests for Judicial Review of Cases Captured or Not Captured by the Automated Processes for Certain Marijuana or Hashish Cases directive to get instructions on where to file. Complete the Motion - Requesting Judicial Review of Certain Marijuana and Hashish Cases Motion for Judicial Review form . You can Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) submit the form electronically or bring it to the court where your case was heard. , Frequently Asked Questions About the Marijuana Decriminalization Law and Expungements, What if my marijuana or hashish case is still pending? If your eligible marijuana or hashish case includes only the charges listed above and is pending: The case will be dismissed and expunged (removed from your criminal record). Any active arrest warrant related to that case will be cancelled. Any violations of probation or violations of pretrial monitoring will be cancelled. Any court-ordered drivers’ license suspensions or revocations for failure to appear in court will be cancelled. Note that you must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission to have the license restored. What if my eligible case was decided, but the sentence or juvenile disposition has not happened yet? There will be no sentencing or juvenile disposition and the case will be dismissed. The case will also be expunged (removed from your criminal record). Any active arrest warrant related to a failure to appear in that case will be cancelled. Any violations of probation or violations of pretrial monitoring will be cancelled. Any court-ordered drivers’ license suspensions or revocations for failure to appear in court related to that case will be cancelled. Note that you must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission to have the license restored. What if I don’t remember where my marijuana or hashish case was heard? Look at the paperwork from your marijuana or hashish case. If you cannot find any papers, you can still find where the case was heard. If your case was heard in Superior Court, start at the Superior Court courthouse in the county where you were arrested or charged. If you were an adult, go to the criminal division. If you were charged as a juvenile, go to the family division. If your case was heard in municipal court, start at the municipal court in the town where you were arrested or charged. If you do not remember which court handled your case, you can do one of these things: Go to your Local Municipal Courts local municipal court . Go to the Vicinages, Superior Court courthouse, in your county. Go to the Superior Court Clerk's Office, Superior Court Clerk's Office, in Trenton. In all instances, call the court for instructions before you go. You will need to bring photo identification. Expungement information will be released to the defendant or the defendant’s attorney only. What if I am already serving a sentence only on one of the eligible offenses listed above? Anyone incarcerated or in detention because of the offenses listed above was released. Any term of probation, parole, or other community supervision ended. Any unpaid court-ordered payments, including civil judgments for non-payment, were cancelled. The case was dismissed and expunged. Any active arrest warrant related to a failure to appear in that case was cancelled. Any violations of probation or violations of pretrial monitoring was cancelled. Any court-ordered drivers’ license suspensions or revocations for failure to appear in court that are related to this case was be cancelled. Note that you must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission to have the license restored. What is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement? In dismissed cases, the charges are dropped, but there still is a public record of the case. In expunged cases, the entire case is removed from the public record. It cannot be found in any public database maintained by the Judiciary and it cannot be disclosed by court staff. What if I completed a conditional discharge program or sentence on only one of the eligible offenses listed above? Any remaining sentence, juvenile disposition, ongoing supervision, associated violation of probation, or unpaid court-ordered costs, including civil judgments for non-payment, will be cancelled. The case will be expunged. Any active arrest warrant related to a failure to appear in that case will be cancelled. Any court-ordered drivers’ license suspensions or revocations for failure to appear in court that are related to this case will be cancelled. Note that you must contact the Motor Vehicle Commission to have the license restored. Why are these marijuana and hashish records being cleared? The goal of the law is to clear the record of anyone who was charged or convicted of certain marijuana or hashish offenses before recreational use of marijuana and hashish was legalized. People usually must include information about their criminal or delinquency record when they seek a job, housing, or school admission. This information can hurt their chances of being hired, housed, or educated. Should I get a lawyer? Do I need a lawyer
- Local juvenile family crisis intervention unit (FCIU), FCIU Public Directory, County, Phone, Website, Email, Physical Address, Atlantic 609-645-5861 www.aclink.org Atlantic County Family Crisis 101 S. Shore Road Shoreview Building Northfield, NJ 08225-2359 Bergen 201-336-7360 www.co.bergen.nj.us/familyguidance fgintake@co.bergen.nj.us Bergen County’s Department of Human Services Division of Family Guidance One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601 Burlington 609-267-1377 www.legacytreatment.org/services/crisis-intervention/ Suite 301 795 Woodlane Rd, Mt Holly Nj 08060 Camden 856-408-3047 www.centerffs.org familylink@centerffs.org Center For Family Services Family Link Program (FCIU) 560 Benson Street, Camden NJ 08103 Cape May 877-652-7624 https://www.atlanticare.org/services/behavioral-health/ 16 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora, NJ Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem 1-877-652-7624 www.performcarenj.org Acenda Integrated Health(provides in-home outreach) Essex www.essexcountynj.org Robert Wilentz Building 212 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102 Hudson 201-798-9900 201-798-9900 https://www.ccannj.org/children-and-family/ Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark Family Resource Center 249 Virginia Ave Jersey City, NJ 07304 Hunterdon 908-237-5525 908-237-5525 www.hunterdonhealthcare.org Hunterdon Medical Center 2100 Wescott Drive Flemington, NJ 08865 Mercer 609-584-0790 609-584-0790 Mercer MRSS/FCIU 55 N. Clinton Avenue Trenton, NJ 08609 Middlesex 732-235-4404 732-235-4404 ubhc.rutgers.edu/clinical/community/child rens-mobile-response-and-stabilization- services.xml Kf353@ubhc.rutgers.edu Middlesex CMRSS/FCIU Combined Unit Monmouth 732-542-2444 732-542-2444 www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org mha@mentalhealthmonmouth.org Mental Health Association of Monmouth County 106 Apple Street, Suite 110 Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Morris 973-586-5243 973-586-5243 www.centerffs.org dahiana.grisales@centerffs.org Morris County FCIU administered by FIS a division of Center for Family Services 20 Vanderhoof Avenue Rockaway, NJ 07866 Ocean 732-240-3638 732-240-3638 www.oceansharborhouse.org FCIU Ocean County 2445 Windsor Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753 Passaic Main office: 973-324-7891 973-324-7891 Request Services: 877-652-7624 877-652-7624 www.centerffs.org donna.glinkin@centerffs.org CMRSS - FCIU of Passaic County Family Intervention Services, a Division of Center for Family Services 655 Broadway Paterson, NJ 07514 Somerset 908-704-6330 908-704-6330 www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/youthservices/family-crisis- intervention-unit familycrisis@co.somerset.nj.us 27 Warren Street Somerville, NJ 08876 P.O. Box 3000 Somerville, NJ 08876 Sussex 973-586-5243 973-586-5243 www.centerffs.org CMRSS/Sussex FCIU administered by FIS a division of Center for Family Services 20 Vanderhoof Avenue Rockaway, NJ 07866 Union 908-558-2520 908-558-2520 www.ucnj.org/youth Family Crisis Intervention Unit County of Union-Division of Youth Services 1143-1145 E. Jersey St., 4th Floor Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Warren 908-454-5141 908-454-5141 www.fgcwc.org tmoss@fgcwc.org Family Guidance Center 370 Memorial Parkway Phillipsburg, NJ 08865