NERA is the No Early Release Act, which prosecutors can apply to certain violent crimes prosecutions.
Under NERA, a defendant who is convicted of a violent crime, including a number of sex crimes, must serve 85% of the sentence they are given before they are eligible for parole.
If the crime you are charged with carries a 10 year sentence and you’re convicted, under NERA, you’ll serve eight and one-half years in state prison before you’re allowed to even speak to a parole board, much less get parole.
There are a number of defense strategies that can be applied to reduce your exposure to NERA, but your first priority has to be finding a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney.
Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with one of New Jersey’s most accomplished defense lawyers.