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Bill > S4054
NJ S4054
NJ S4054Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.
summary
Introduced
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill upgrades the degree of crime of auto theft when it is committed in connection with a home invasion or residential burglary. Under current law, auto theft is a crime of the third degree, but is upgraded to a crime of the second degree if multiple vehicles are involved or if the value of the vehicle is $75,000 or more. Under the bill, auto theft would also be a crime of the second degree if it is committed in connection with a residential burglary. Auto theft would become a crime of the first degree if it is committed in connection with a home invasion burglary, which is typically a residential burglary involving bodily injury or the use of a weapon. Additionally, for sentencing purposes, a conviction for auto theft would not merge with a conviction for home invasion or residential burglary. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill enhances the criminal penalties for motor vehicle theft by creating more severe classifications of the crime when it is connected to home invasion or residential burglary. Currently, auto theft is typically a third-degree crime, but the bill upgrades it to a second-degree crime if the theft occurs during a residential burglary, and elevates it to a first-degree crime if committed during a home invasion (which typically involves bodily injury or weapon use). The bill specifically states that the theft can be an attempt or a completed act, and introduces a legal definition that considers an act "in the course of committing" an offense to include the attempt or immediate flight after the attempt. Importantly, the bill mandates that a motor vehicle theft conviction cannot be merged with a home invasion or residential burglary conviction, meaning a person could be separately punished for both offenses. The severity of the crime determines the potential punishment, with first-degree crimes carrying 10-20 years imprisonment and up to a $200,000 fine, second-degree crimes carrying 5-10 years imprisonment and up to a $150,000 fine, and third-degree crimes carrying 3-5 years imprisonment and up to a $15,000 fine.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/30/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4054 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4054_I1.HTM |
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