The Kiwanis Club of Greater Woodbury
invites the public to a presentation by
Hon. Benjamin C. Telsey, A.J.S.C.,
about
New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform
during the noon-time lunch meeting on
November 9, 2017.
Judge Telsey will explain the goals of Criminal Justice Reform and how public safety concerns have been built into every aspect of the new procedures.
"All parties have collaborated to ensure that scheduling is done fairly and within the prescribed time frames. From January until August of 2017, this outstanding cooperation has enabled the timely scheduling of 869 defendants for first appearances within 48 hours and 389 defendants for detention hearings within three business days," said Judge Telsey.
To achieve these results, Gloucester County Law Enforcement Agencies have adjusted their protocols and procedures. Likewise, the jails have facilitated the transportation needs of defendants to appear in court. Additionally, the Sheriffs and the jails have accommodated the electronic monitoring requirements to track the movements of certain defendants. Furthermore, with respect to issues over Public Defender representation of certain defendants, the private criminal defense bar covered appearances pro bono, and many towns made their municipal Public Defenders available too.
"New Jersey media and politicians as well as commentators and pundits have devoted a significant amount of attention to Criminal Justice Reform. This presentation offers an opportunity for the public to find out a judge's perspective on the significance of public safety in the courtroom," said Michael Smolensky, President of the Greater Woodbury Kiwanis.
The meeting starts at 12 pm on November 9, at Charlie Brown's, 111 N Broad Street. An optional lunch is available for $13.00, including the famous Unlimited Farmer's Market Salad Bar™
