Essex County Has New Way Of Handling Domestic Violence Cases

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The way that the Essex County court system treats domestic violence cases is about to change. That’s the word from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO), which announced Friday that a pilot program has begun in the county that will separate domestic violence cases from other criminal proceedings.

Prosecutors said that one of the main goals of the new program is to ultimately have a single judge - who is “highly skilled in domestic violence issues” - determine when a defendant should be detained. Superior Court Judge Ramona Santiago will be hearing cases under the new program.

According to a statement from the ECPO:

“As part of Criminal Justice Reform, more commonly referred to as bail reform, a team which includes the state Public Defender Joseph E. Krakora and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson came to Essex County last week to review pretrial services. That led to a series of discussions and ultimately an agreement that resulted in this initiative separating domestic violence cases from other criminal cases.”

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino said that it’s important to have a legal system that understands the nature of domestic violence, is responsive to victims and fair in administering justice.

“I look forward to working with the Public Defender’s Office and the courts in this endeavor,” Laurino said.

• See related article: Montclair Man Charged With Attempted Murder After ‘Domestic Violence’ Stabbing
• See related article: Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Need to Hear THIS
• See related article: Murder-Suicide Victim Had Restraining Order Against Shooter, Authorities Say
• See related article: Newark Woman Stabbed In Domestic Violence Attack, Police Say

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