Bill > A4837

Introduced Session

This bill increases the time of incarceration an individual may receive when committing motor vehicle crimes. This bill enhances criminal penalties for repeat offenders of the motor vehicle crimes of theft of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle by subjecting these offenders to extended terms of imprisonment. An extended term, upon motion by the prosecutor, increases the term of imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle or receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle to five to 10 years, equivalent to a second-degree crime. The court is required to establish the ground for an extended term by a preponderance of the evidence. The bill also amends N.J.S.A.2A:4A-43 to include receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle as a crime that requires a juvenile to receive 60 days community service. The bill requires a minimum 60 day period of incarceration for a juvenile who commits the second degree crime of eluding, theft of motor vehicle, or receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle and who has previously been adjudicated delinquent for an act of motor vehicle theft or receiving stolen property that is a motor vehicle. Finally, the bill makes it a first degree crime for a leader of an auto theft trafficking network to conspire with others including a person 17 years of age or younger to engage for profit in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute , bring into or transport in this State automobiles as stolen property. In addition to imprisonment and a fine, the court may impose a fine not to exceed $500,000 or five times the retail value of the automobiles seized at the time of arrest, whichever is greater. The mistaken belief that the person was over 17 years of age is not a defense to the crime. A first-degree crime is punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a $200,000 fine, or both. It is the intent of the sponsor to contend with the growing issue of car theft in the State and reduce the connected rise in violent crime.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

John McKeon (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 11/14/2022)

Official Document