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New Jersey News
Bergen County
Now I’m not a big fan of NJ Governor Christie but it seems everyone can do the right thing once in a while. He has signed into law a bill that makes it more difficult for repeat DV abusers to get out of jail. YAY Christie!!!
TRENTON — Legislation that imposes more stringent bail restrictions on those charged with violating domestic violence–related restraining orders has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
Proponents say the measure provides more protection for victims by making it harder for suspects to post bail and makes offenders more accountable for their actions.
The bill bars those accused of violating such orders from having the option to post 10 percent of their bail to gain their release.
Instead, they now will have to post the full amount or have a bail bond secured by real property equal to the bail amount plus $20,000.
Previously, suspects were able to gain freedom by paying as little as $50, not giving them much incentive to appear in court.
There also will now be a presumption that a defendant can only post full cash bail if they are accused of causing serious injury to a victim while a restraining order is in place.
That presumption also will apply when a defendant has previously violated a restraining order from that victim or has a previous conviction for domestic violence, removing the option of posting any type of bond in such cases.
Proponents of the bill cite statistics that show domestic violence is a growing global problem.
They want to make residents more aware of the issue and help ensure that victims know help is available.
An estimated 1.3 million women in the U.S. are victims of physical assault by a partner each year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
And it is estimated that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
The governor signed the measure Thursday, about six weeks after the state Senate approved it 38-0.
The Assembly had overwhelmingly approved the bill in October 2010.
“This is a commonsense protection,” Christie said of the bill.
“Those who demonstrate a propensity to revictimize their victims will find their options for regaining their freedom limited, as well as their opportunity to reoffend. We must always put victims of domestic violence first,” the governor said.
