What is a mandatory minimum sentence, and how many Department of Corrections inmates are serving mandatory minimum terms?
In New Jersey, since 1979, the courts have utilized mandatory minimum sentences. This means that an offender must serve the entire mandatory portion of his or her sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Mandatory minimum sentences cannot be reduced by earned credits (commutation, minimum security or work). As of January 2010, 71 percent of all adult offenders have mandatory minimum terms. The median mandatory minimum sentence is five years. Twenty-two percent of those with mandatory minimum terms have mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years or more.
