Opinion ID: 1536009
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Interlocutory Motion to Reconsider

Text: Rule 1:7-4 provides that [u]pon motion made not later than 10 days after service of the final order or judgment ..., the court may grant a rehearing.... [3] However, Pressler, Current N.J. Court Rules, comment 3 on Rule 1:7-4[1] (1995) states: It is also important to note that the 10day provision of both this rule and R. 4:49-2 apply only to final orders and judgments. Reconsideration of interlocutory orders, up to the time of final judgment is entered, is a matter within the sound discretion of the trial court to be exercised in the interests of justice. (emphasis added). [4] Defendant relies on dicta in State v. Fitzsimmons, 286 N.J.Super. 141, 147, 668 A. 2d 453 (App.Div.1995), rev'd o.g., 143 N.J. 482, 672 A. 2d 1165 (1996) to argue that reconsideration motions are inapplicable to criminal matters. In that case, the Appellate Division stated that [t]here is no corollary rule [governing motions for reconsideration] applicable to practice in the criminal courts. Ibid. We disagree. This Court has never questioned the appropriateness of interlocutory motions to reconsider in criminal matters. A motion to reconsider an interlocutory order, such as a change of venue, may be filed in the court's discretion up to the time the final judgment is entered.