New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Sex offenders civilly committed in New Jersey have a high standard to meet on appeal. It is well settled that the scope of appellate review of such matters is extremely narrow. In re Commitment of V.A., 357 N.J. Super. 55, 63 (App. Div.), cert. denied, 177 N.J. 490 (2003). The reviewing court on appeal must give 'utmost deference' to the reviewing judge's determination of the appropriate balancing of societal interest and individual liberty." In re Commitment of J.M.B., 395 N.J. Super. 69, 90 (App. Div) (quoting In re Commitment of J.P., 339 N.J. Super. 443, 459 (App. Div. 2001)), cert. granted, 193 N.J. 222 (2007). The reviewing judge's determination in that regard is "subject to modification only where the record reveals 'a clear abuse of discretion.'" In re Commitment of M.L.V., 388 N.J. Super. 454, 465 (App. Div. 2006) (quoting J.P., supra, 339 N.J. Super. at 459), cert. denied, 190 N.J. 255 (2007).