NJ Fugitive from Justice Surrender Initiative is a Success
The topic of extradition is something to which I have published quite a few articles. This subject matter has, however, undergone a recent twist by virtue of the Fugitive Safe Surrender Initiative. This program allows an individual with an outstanding felony warrant to surrender himself without threat of additional penalty, for example, bail jumping. Most individuals who participate in the initiative will not be held and shall be released the same day according to NJ officials. An individual who takes advantage of the program can avoid extradition on an outstanding New Jersey warrant altogether by surrendering to law enforcement in accordance with this initiative.
The classic approach which we have taken in fugitive cases is to arrange a surrender whenever we are dealing with a defendant who wishes to voluntarily address outstanding charges. While surrender has often resulted in more favorable treatment than what would be the case if the client were picked up on the related warrant, situations like these typically are no cakewalk. The scenario is significantly different, however, by virtue of the Safe Surrender initiative. Since the stated purpose of the program is to encourage voluntary surrender, courts, prosecutors, and probation, are less apt to hammer fugitives and attorneys that take advantage of the program. Indeed, if treatment were otherwise, there would be a chilling effect on the goal of the initiative, namely, to foster surrender of New Jersey fugitives from justice.
Individuals who are the subject of a warrant in NJ for a non-violent felony offense, may want to consult an attorney immediately to explore a surrender. This may be an excellent opportunity to finally resolve criminal charges, a violation of probation, or parole violation, that has been outstanding for many years or even decades.
