What is the ISP Program in NJ and can I get it?
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ISP Program
The ISP program is for certain serious felony cases where the defendants are facing prison time. They must also be non-violent offenders in order to be eligible to apply for ISP. If you or a loved one may need to apply for the ISP program in Warren or Sussex County, contact the Tormey Law Firm now for immediate assistance. The initial consultation is always provided free of charge.
The “ISP” Program in New Jersey
The Intensive Supervision Program (“ISP”) is a program that provides certain defendants who have been convicted of crimes in New Jersey and sentenced to prison an opportunity to work their way back into the community prior to being paroled. Generally, when a defendant is sentenced to New Jersey State Prison, only a portion of the time will need to be served prior to a parole date; however, ISP permits an even earlier release date under highly supervised and monitored circumstances. Common forms of supervision include personal and telephonic check-ins between the offenders and officers with the Department of Corrections. In other cases, the offenders may be required to wear electronic monitoring devices and abide by curfews. ISP plans also include provisions regarding community service, employment and counseling for drug, alcohol and gambling problems. But in any event, ISP remains an option in certain cases for an early release from New Jersey State Prison after a conviction has been entered and after part of a prison sentenced has been served.
ISP may not be suited for every defendant because, as the name suggests, the parameters of supervision and conditions of release are “intense.” In other words, success is not guaranteed and ISP may not be suited for every person who is serving a prison sentence. Moreover, not everyone is eligible for early release under ISP. That is, convictions of the following indictable crimes automatically disqualify a defendant from eligibility of ISP: first-degree crimes, homicide, robbery, sex crimes, charges involving a substantial likelihood of organized criminal activity, crimes that require a period of parole ineligibility or mandatory minimum sentence, and the unlawful possession of a handgun, machine gun, or assault weapon. As long as there is not an automatic disqualification, a defendant who is serving a custodial sentence in State Prison can apply for ISP and a panel of judges will determine by a majority vote whether or not an inmate should be admitted into the program.
Need a Lawyer to Help Apply for ISP Program? Contact Us Now
If you considering applying for ISP, you must have a plan that will assure the screening board and panel of judges that if you return to the community, you will not jeopardize the public’s safety and that the return will result in a positive social adjustment. The screening board consists of a three-member panel that screens applicants for initial eligibility and then recommends or denies enrollment into ISP. Then, a panel of judges will consider your application and if the judges will either deny your application or forward your application for an interview with an ISP officer who will contact you to ask about your plans for living, treatment, and employment if you are released from prison. If you are accepted to ISP, then you will be released from prison. If you or a loved one is serving a prison term as the result of a conviction in the Sussex or Warren County Superior Court, Criminal Division, contact The Tormey Law Firm to learn about whether or not ISP is available to secure an early release from prison.
