N.J. Stat. § 52:4B-60.2a

Current through L. 2024, c. 80.
Section 52:4B-60.2a - [Effective 1/1/2025] Sexual assault victim, right to be informed, certain details
a. A victim of a sexual assault offense shall have the right to be informed:
(1) of whether a DNA profile of an assailant was obtained from the processing of forensic medical evidence in a sexual assault case;
(2) of whether a DNA profile of an assailant has been entered into any data bank designed or intended to be used for the retention or comparison of case evidence;
(3) of whether there is a match between the DNA profile of an assailant obtained in the sexual assault case and any DNA profile contained in any data bank designed or intended to be used for the retention or comparison of case evidence. This paragraph shall not apply if disclosure would impede or compromise an ongoing investigation; and
(4) when sexual assault evidence is submitted to a forensic laboratory, when the evidence is compared against any data bank, and of the results of the comparison. This paragraph shall not apply if disclosure would impede or compromise an ongoing investigation.
b. Upon the request of a victim of a sexual assault offense, the law enforcement agency with the primary responsibility for investigating that sexual assault case shall inform the victim of the status of the processing of all evidence collected in that case. The law enforcement agency may require that the victim's request made pursuant to this subsection be in writing.

The law enforcement agency may respond to a victim's request under this section with a written communication or by electronic mail, if an electronic mail address is available. A law enforcement agency is not required by this subsection to communicate with the victim regarding the status of the processing of crime scene evidence unless the victim has made a specific request to do so.

A sexual assault victim may designate another person of the victim's choosing to receive information requested by the sexual assault victim or any notice required under this act.

c. The law enforcement agency with the primary responsibility for investigating a sexual assault case shall provide information to a victim pursuant to this section in a timely manner and, upon request of the victim, advise the victim of any significant changes in the information of which the law enforcement agency is aware. To receive notice under this section, the victim shall inform the law enforcement agency of the name, address, telephone number, and electronic mail address of the person to whom the information should be provided, and of any changes to the information. A person accused or convicted of a crime against the victim shall not have standing to object to any failure to comply with this section. The failure to inform a sexual assault victim with notice or information pursuant to this section shall not be the basis for setting aside the conviction or sentence.

N.J.S. § 52:4B-60.2a

Added by L. 2024 , c. 59, s. 2, eff. 1/1/2025.