Pretrial Release Lawyer in Bergen County, New Jersey
If you are facing criminal charges in Bergen County, securing pretrial release is your first critical step. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017; release now depends on a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score argued at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. A skilled pretrial release lawyer Bergen County NJ from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Pretrial Release Law
New Jersey’s pretrial release system is governed by the Criminal Justice Reform Act (CJRA) of 2017, which eliminated monetary bail. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:162-15 et seq., the court must order a defendant’s release on the least restrictive non-monetary conditions necessary to reasonably assure their appearance in court and the safety of the community. The decision is based on a risk assessment, not financial ability.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the Criminal Justice Reform Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:162-15) on the official state website. Court procedures and forms are available through the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
The Pretrial Release Process in Bergen County
After arrest in Bergen County, you will be taken to the Hackensack Police Department or county jail for processing. A pretrial services officer will compile a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) report evaluating your flight risk and danger to the community. Your first court appearance is a detention hearing at the Superior Court in Hackensack, where a judge will decide on release or detention based on the PSA and arguments from your attorney and the prosecutor.
- Arrest and booking at a Bergen County law enforcement facility.
- Interview with a Pretrial Services officer for the PSA evaluation.
- Detention hearing scheduled within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends/holidays).
- Your attorney reviews the PSA, gathers mitigating evidence, and prepares arguments.
- Hearing before a Superior Court judge at 10 Main Street, Hackensack.
- Judge orders release with conditions (e.g., monitoring, curfew) or orders detention.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Bergen County, a judge can order release on your own recognizance, release with pretrial conditions, or order you detained pending trial.
| Release Option | Common Conditions | Court Oversight |
|---|---|---|
| Release on Own Recognizance (ROR) | Promise to appear for all court dates. | Pretrial Services may check in. |
| Release with Conditions | Travel restrictions, curfew, no contact orders, substance abuse monitoring. | Active supervision by Pretrial Services. |
| Home Detention | Electronic monitoring (EM), allowed to leave only for approved purposes. | 24/7 electronic monitoring. |
| Detention | Held in Bergen County Jail pending trial. | No release; case proceeds from custody. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Pretrial Release
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results. We understand the urgency of a detention hearing and the specific factors Bergen County judges weigh in the PSA. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we fight aggressively from the very first moment to secure your freedom and protect your rights.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local case counts are not published, our firm-wide practice has secured favorable outcomes in thousands of criminal matters. In the context of pretrial release, a favorable outcome means a client is released on the least restrictive conditions possible, allowing them to maintain employment, family ties, and assist in their defense. We prepare meticulously for detention hearings, presenting compelling evidence of community ties, employment, and compliance history to argue for release.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Pretrial Release Law Firm
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What happens at a detention hearing in Bergen County?
It depends. The judge will review the PSA report and hear arguments from the prosecutor and your pretrial release attorney. The judge then decides whether to release you (with or without conditions) or detain you until trial. The hearing must occur within 48 hours of your arrest.
Can I be released if charged with a serious crime?
Yes, but it is more challenging. For first or second-degree crimes, the law presumes detention. Your attorney must rebut this presumption by proving with clear and convincing evidence that no conditions of release would be sufficient. This requires a strong, evidence-based argument.
What is a Public Safety Assessment (PSA)?
The PSA is a computerized tool that uses nine factors (like age, current charge, and prior record) to generate two numerical scores: one for failure to appear and one for new criminal activity. These scores guide, but do not dictate, the judge’s release decision. Your attorney can challenge the inputs or interpretation.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are seeking other legal assistance, our firm provides full representation. You may need a criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County for the full case, or a DUI lawyer for traffic-related charges. For broader state-level resources, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current guidance on pretrial release in New Jersey, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.