Bill
Bill > A5316
NJ A5316
NJ A5316Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.
summary
Introduced
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
In Committee
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
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 upgrades the criminal penalties for auto theft by introducing new circumstances that elevate the degree of the crime. Currently, auto theft is typically a third-degree crime, but the bill creates additional scenarios where it becomes a second or first-degree crime. Specifically, theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle will now be a second-degree crime if it occurs during a residential burglary, and a first-degree crime if it occurs during a home invasion burglary (which typically involves bodily injury or weapon use). The bill also explicitly states that a conviction for auto theft will not merge with a conviction for home invasion or residential burglary, meaning a person could be sentenced for both crimes separately. In terms of practical consequences, this means potential increased prison sentences: a third-degree crime carries 3-5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines, a second-degree crime carries 5-10 years and up to $150,000 in fines, and a first-degree crime carries 10-20 years and up to $200,000 in fines. The bill aims to create stronger legal deterrents and consequences for auto theft, particularly when it is connected to other serious property crimes.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Vicky Flynn (R)*,
Michele Matsikoudis (R)*,
Jay Webber (R)*,
Dawn Fantasia (R),
Michael Inganamort (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 02/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5316 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5316_I1.HTM |
Loading...