Acting Morris County Prosecutor Announces Fugitive Safe Surrender Program
Published on October 31, 2013
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that his office will be participating in the upcoming Fugitive Safe Surrender New Jersey (FSSNJ) program to be held Wednesday, November 6 through Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, 661 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, New Jersey.
Pursuant to the program, fugitives hiding from the law in New Jersey will have the opportunity to surrender safely at the Jersey City church, take responsibility for their offenses, and seek favorable consideration from the court, through Fugitive Safe Surrender-North Jersey.
Fugitive Safe Surrender is not an amnesty program. However, those who participate can seek favorable consideration from the court. This typically results in significantly reduced fines and/or probation requirements instead of incarceration. The vast majority of participants typically, more than 99 percent of those who surrender will be able to return home the same day.
Based on Fugitive Safe Surrender's past success in New Jersey, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 wanted persons are expected to peacefully turn themselves in during the four-day window of opportunity. A total of 13,276 individuals surrendered during New Jersey's four previous Fugitive Safe Surrender events in Camden, Newark, Somerset/New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
If you are wanted for a non-violent offense, we invite you to join the 13,000 individuals from across New Jersey who have already placed themselves on the right side of the law, thanks to Fugitive Safe Surrender, Acting Attorney General Hoffman said. Though not an amnesty program, this represents the best opportunity and the best deal you will ever find.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp stated: Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) is an excellent program benefiting non-violent offenders, law enforcement, and the public. Morris County alone has nearly 500 outstanding fugitive warrants for third and fourth degree offenses, most of which are non-violent offenders. By voluntarily surrendering in this program, we preserve precious resources in not having to pursue, locate, and arrest these folks. The fugitives know that they will also be unharmed and can likely receive favorable consideration for voluntarily turning themselves in.
Fugitive Safe Surrender-North Jersey is open only to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Other individuals are not eligible to participate.
Individuals may refer to the link below regarding frequently asked questions concerning the program. There is also a link for a fact sheet concerning the program.
Questions can be directed to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit at (973) 285-6300 or the Fugitive Safe Surrender-North Jersey Hotline at 855-FSS-NJ12 (855-377-6512) or fssnj@lps.state.nj.us. The program can also be followed the program on Facebook at facebook.com/fssnj and Twitter at twitter.com/fssnj.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.