New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

It was announced in an nj.com report that a four-day “Fugitive Safe Surrender” program expects to welcome approximately 5,000 individuals with open criminal warrants (perhaps more even) at Bethany Baptist Church from November 4 through November 7, 2009. According to the article, the program is designed to provide those with warrants for non-violent crimes the chance to resolve their legal problems by turning themselves in once and for all. The State Attorney General stated that the public safety initiative “is not an amnesty program” but instead is “a second chance program.” Approximately $100,000 was budgeted for the Newark program, which was paid for through federal stimulus funds.

Authorities from a dozen agencies conducted their press release announcing the “Fugitive Safe Surrender” initiative, claiming that those who surrender will receive “favorable consideration” from the courts. Some may question the validity of such a claim, especially considering that each criminal case, even if it relates to a non-violent offense, varies greatly from case to case. In fact, a local leader of a group that assists ex-offenders stated that many people with open warrants want clear-cut guarantees that they will not be arrested if they turn themselves in. However, while officials have not made these assurances, they have mentioned that less than 3% of people who surrender are arrested.

Even though it is speculated that a small percentage of the fugitives who surrender will actually be arrested, it will be interesting to see how matters play out. Nevertheless, any effort to help curb crime and make communities safer is something that deserves positive recognition. As skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys, we understand that running from the law is never a proactive decision for a person being pursued for having committed a crime. Every criminal offense is different and each case has unique circumstances that can influence the outcome. Factors that may play a determining role in an individual’s case include an existing criminal record, other pending offenses, and much more.