Earlier this week, Atlantic County Prosecutors spoke at a meeting to explain 
the Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act that was passed in New Jersey. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2017 and has many wondering if it will do even a portion of what it promised: save money and lower jail populations. Some have even called for the state to intervene and prevent the law from taking effect calling to question whether the reform is necessary and citing outrageous costs associated with implementing the changes. These costs, according to many, were not revealed prior to implantation. New Jersey taxpayers will be the ones that have to make up the difference. Atlantic County alone has spent nearly $3 million to implement the necessary changes under the law according to Executive Dennis Levinson.
The problem is two-fold: the costs associated with implementing the kind of change demanded in the Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act is extraordinary and perhaps unnecessary. Atlantic County states that they have already reduced jail population without having to go to such extreme measures. The state is looking at costs of nearly $50 million to implement the new law but has not given any money out to counties to help offset the cost. Thus, the bill remains unfunded but is now being required to take effect. The cost will simply be passed on to the taxpayer which will be the opposite of what was promised to begin with. New Jersey residents will have to simply wait and see what the total costs will be to implement the change. Unfortunately, the promised “cost-savings” seems to be the furthest thing from the truth.