Waiver of First Appearance for Indictable Offenses on a Complaint-Summons
New Jersey court form CN 11688 is a lawyer-facing form used when counsel asks the court to excuse a client’s first appearance in an indictable complaint-summons case. It is not a shortcut around the case. It is a certification that the attorney has already covered key rights, court dates, and program options with the client.
When the form is used
The waiver applies to indictable offenses on a complaint-summons, not every municipal ticket or every criminal case. The client must not be incarcerated, and the first appearance is waived only if the court is satisfied that the required information has been handled.
What counsel is certifying
The attorney confirms the client received the complaint, had it explained, and understands the substance of the charge.
The client is advised about the right to remain silent, probable cause, indictment, and jury-trial rights.
The form specifically references PTI, Recovery Court, and Veterans Diversion, so those issues should be screened early.
The client may still need Criminal Division intake and must know the pre-indictment disposition conference date.
What the waiver does not do
- It does not dismiss the charge.
- It does not waive future court dates.
- It does not mean the client can ignore intake or court notices.
- It does not replace a strategy discussion about PTI, Recovery Court, plea posture, discovery, or indictment exposure.
Why it matters strategically
A first appearance can feel procedural, but the waiver checklist shows what should already be on the defense radar. If Recovery Court might matter, it should be discussed early. If PTI might matter, the client should understand how to apply. If the case is heading toward a pre-indictment disposition conference, the defense should not wait until the last minute to evaluate discovery, program eligibility, and negotiation posture.
Source: NJ Courts CN 11688 Waiver of First Appearance.