TRENTON, NJ – With bail reform, early prison release, controls against cops enforcing laws, and a system that reports all police officer infractions in place, Governor Phil Murphy is touting New Jersey as one of the most progressive states when it comes to how it addresses crime.
A new bill lessens the burdens for criminal suspects by removing fees for public defenders.
Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill, A5587/S3771, that eliminates fees, liens, and warrants associated with public defender services in New Jersey. This move is considered a significant step for New Jersey’s progressive criminal justice system.
The new law not only eliminates public defender fees going forward but also applies retroactively to all unpaid outstanding costs previously assessed or imposed on a defendant, as well as any unsatisfied civil judgments, liens on property, and warrants issued based on unpaid balances for services rendered by the Office of the Public Defender.
The elimination of public defender fees aims to ensure that the right to an attorney is accessible to everyone navigating the criminal justice system. It addresses the burden placed on residents who had to go into debt to cover legal fees, disproportionately affecting people of color. Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of removing these fees, allowing individuals to defend themselves against charges without financial worries.
In the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Governor Murphy recommended eliminating public defender fees for indigent clients, regardless of the verdict. Previously, public defender clients were assessed fees starting at $150 and increasing based on various factors. The signed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 allocates $4 million to implement this bill.
Additionally, the budget includes funding for the Parole Revocation Defense Unit and increased rates for attorneys assisting the Office of the Public Defender. These measures aim to ensure that individuals with limited means have access to effective legal defense.
The initiative to eliminate public defender fees was led by the Wealth Disparity Task Force. The task force’s listening sessions highlighted the challenges faced by Black and Hispanic or Latino New Jerseyans regarding reentry and wealth building.
The signing of this bill is seen as a significant victory, removing financial barriers that previously hindered access to legal services for defendants. It is considered a step toward a fairer criminal justice system in New Jersey, ensuring that the constitutional right to an attorney is not limited by financial constraints.