STATE IN INTEREST OF Z.S.

Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

Joseph J. Russo , Deputy Public Defender, argued the cause for appellant Z.S. ( Joseph E. Krakora , Public Defender, attorney; Joseph J. Russo , of counsel and on the briefs; Gabrielle Brandt Hall , Assistant Deputy Public Defender, on the briefs).

David M. Galemba , Assistant Prosecutor, argued the cause for respondent State of New Jersey ( John T. Lenahan , Salem County Prosecutor, attorney; David M. Galemba , of counsel and on the briefs).

Daniel Finkelstein , Deputy Attorney General, argued the cause for amicus curiae Attorney General ( Gurbir S. Grewal , Attorney General, attorney; Daniel Finkelstein , on the briefs).

Alexander Shalom argued the cause for amicus curiae American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey; ( Alexander Shalom and Jeanne LoCicero , on the brief).

Elana Wilf argued the cause for amicus curiae Rutgers Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic and the National Juvenile Defender Center (Rutgers Criminal Youth Justice and the National Juvenile Defender Center, attorneys; Elana Wilf , of counsel and on the brief; Laura Cohen , on the brief; Sherika J. Shnider (National Juvenile Defender Center), on the brief; Adina Heistein and Hannah Dodson , admitted pursuant to Rule 1:21-3(b), on the brief).

Before Judges Sabatino, Natali and Susswein.