NACDL will draft a pretrial release manual, tailored to the specific legal framework, defense bar needs and challenges of New Jersey. The manual will include a discussion of fundamental bail issues and case law, practice guidelines and checklists for effective bail advocacy, a catalog of New Jersey's laws and procedures, sample pleadings, applicable risk-assessment tools, and available resources within the jurisdiction. Throughout the manual, every effort will be made to underscore the importance of pretrial release and the vital role of the defense lawyer in advocating for the client’s liberty pending trial. The manual will be provided to on-site training attendees and made available online through NACDL’s website.
Contracted with Alex Shalom and the New Jersey Civil Liberties Union to author the New Jersey manual, with contribution from NACDL staff.
Alex Shalom submitted a first draft of the bail manual to NACDL.
Diane Price and Colette Tvedt provided edits to the first draft of the manual and returned it to Alex Shalom. Diane, Colette, and Alex had a conference call to discuss the edits and additional work that is required.
Alex Shalom submitted a second draft of the bail manual to NACDL.
Text approved by BJA