New Jersey legal term
Detention in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Detention” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Detention” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Detention" means the temporary care of juveniles in physically restricting facilities pending court disposition. d. (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Contempt
- Hindering apprehension or prosecution
- Implements for escape; other contraband
- Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition
- Crime of official deprivation of civil rights
- Escape
- Hindering apprehension or prosecution for terrorism
- Prohibited areas, carrying, firearms, destructive device
- Throwing bodily fluid at certain law enforcement officers deemed aggravated assault; grading, sentences
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.