Mandates pre-trial detention of a principal who stands charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Gray

Mandates pre-trial detention for the principal charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, increasing detention and impact on defendants and courts.

REFERRED TO CODES

Summary: Assembly Bill A 4151

Overview

Bill Number: A 4151

Title: Mandates pre-trial detention of a principal who stands charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell

Sponsor: Scott Gray (primary)

Status: Referred to Codes (January 31, 2025)

Introduced: January 31, 2025

Related: A 8255 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent

The bill, as indicated by its title, proposes to require pre-trial detention for the “principal” in cases where there is a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. In practical terms, it suggests that certain defendants would be held in detention pending trial rather than being released on bail or on other conditions while their case proceeds.

Key provisions (as indicated by the title)

The text available here does not include the full statutory language. Based on the title, the bill would:

Mandate pre-trial detention for the principal charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
Likely establish the conditions under which detention is required, and potentially specify where detention would occur (e.g., jail facilities) and for how long before trial.

Details such as exceptions, defense rights, court procedures, review mechanisms, and compliance with constitutional standards are not provided in the available information.

Who would be affected

Primarily: Individuals charged as the principal in crimes involving possession of controlled substances with intent to sell.

Other impacted groups: Courts (detention and scheduling decisions), prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement agencies responsible for court appearances and detention logistics. Potential implications for defendants’ families and for the overall pre-trial population.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Current stage: Referred to the Codes Committee, indicating the bill is in the committee review phase.

Next steps: If advanced by the Codes Committee, the bill would move to further floor consideration in the Assembly, and potentially to the Senate for consideration. As with all bills, amendments may be added during committee or floor action.

Legislative actions noted: The bill has a duplicate entry for “REFERRED TO CODES” on January 31, 2025.

Potential impacts and considerations

Policy impact: If enacted, the bill could increase pre-trial detention rates for certain drug-possession-with-intent-to-sell cases, affecting court caseloads and detention facility populations.

Legal considerations: Mandatory pre-trial detention raises constitutional considerations (due process, right to bail, and potential Eighth Amendment concerns). The bill’s full text would clarify any exceptions or safeguards.

Fiscal impact: Increased detention could raise state and local costs related to incarceration and court operations.

Relation to prior work: The related prior-session bill A 8255 suggests ongoing legislative interest in tightening pre-trial detention standards for similar offenses.

Notes

This summary reflects information available from the bill’s title, sponsor, status, and related actions. The full text would be needed to detail precise provisions, safeguards, and exceptions.