Rule 5:21-7.Adjudicatory Hearing
Last amended December 31, 1983 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 5:21-7
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.
Note: Source--new. Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983.
Plain-English Summary
Detention starts a clock. If a juvenile has been detained, the adjudicatory hearing must be held within 30 days after the date of initial detention.
Missing that deadline does not end the case, but it does hand the juvenile a remedy. On the juvenile's motion, the court must within 72 hours fix a date certain for the adjudicatory hearing — unless an extension is granted for good cause shown.
Postponements are not arranged quietly. Written notice of any application for a postponement must be furnished to the juvenile's counsel, who has a right to be heard on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must a detained juvenile be tried?
The adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 30 days after the date of initial detention.
What if the 30 days pass?
On motion by the juvenile, the court shall within 72 hours fix a date certain for the adjudicatory hearing, unless an extension is granted for good cause shown.
Can a hearing be postponed without telling us?
No. Written notice of any application for a postponement must be furnished to the juvenile's counsel, who has a right to be heard on the application.