If you or a loved one has been arrested in New Jersey, one of the most urgent questions is whether you’ll be released before trial—or held in jail. Since 2017, New Jersey has significantly changed how pretrial detention works. These reforms have reduced the reliance on cash bail, but they’ve also made the legal process more complex and dependent on risk assessments and judicial discretion.
Alexandra Rigden at Rigden Lieberman Mignogna understands how confusing and stressful this process can be. Our experienced criminal defense attorney is here to guide you through every step of the pretrial process and fight for your release.
New Jersey’s Pretrial System: No More Cash Bail for Most Offenses
New Jersey is one of the few states that has essentially eliminated cash bail. Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act (CJR), most defendants are no longer held because they can’t afford bail. Instead, judges decide on pretrial release using a Public Safety Assessment (PSA), a tool that evaluates your risk of failing to appear in court or committing a new crime while on release.
This means your freedom before trial isn’t about money anymore—it’s about how the court perceives your risk. And that’s where having a knowledgeable defense attorney makes a difference.
What the PSA Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
While the PSA is supposed to be objective, it doesn’t account for your full story—your job, your family responsibilities, or your community ties. That’s where we come in. Ms. Rigden presents the human side of your case to the judge, working to show that you’re not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
She has successfully argued for clients to be released on their own recognizance or under minimal supervision, even in complex cases. Every case is different, and she tailors your strategy to your specific circumstances.
Facing Pretrial Detention? Don’t Wait—Call Us Immediately
The first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest are critical. Whether you’re facing serious charges or a lower-level offense, your best chance at securing pretrial release is having a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning. At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, PA we:
- Advocate for your release
- Challenge any recommendation for detention
- Prepare strong arguments based on your background, job, and community ties
- Work with the court to reduce or eliminate conditions of release over time
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, we believe everyone deserves a strong defense—especially before trial, when your liberty is at stake but you haven’t been convicted of anything.
If you or someone you care about is facing pretrial detention in New Jersey, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can help you regain your freedom and protect your rights.
Image Credit
Photo by Matthew Ansley on Unsplash
