Press Releases
Girgenti Reformative Service For Drug Offenders Bill Becomes Law
January 14, 2008
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Girgenti to allow drug offenders to get partial credit for monetary penalties – if they complete a rehabilitative program that will include therapeutic treatment, job training and volunteer work in the community – was signed into law by the Governor this week.
“If drug offenders are committed to turning their lives around, they deserve a break from the fines which could stall their recovery,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Passaic and Bergen, and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee. “But this would not be a giveaway – they would have to complete the programs.”
Under the bill, S-2930, offenders could appeal to a sentencing court to have a “reformative services” program serve as an alternative to half the fines they receive for drug offenses. The program, which would have to be completed prior to serving as credit, will include a variety of work, counseling and volunteer services specifically designed for individual offenders.
Fines for various drug offenses routinely range from $3,000 per count for serious crimes down to $500 for petty disorderly counts. Reform advocates say pressures to meet the financial obligations associated with the penalties often lead offenders to further criminality and abuses and delay their recovery.
Funds from the drug penalties against offenders traditionally go to the “Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund” which is used to provide prevention and treatment programs for drug and alcohol abuse.