New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3806

Introduced
2/22/24  

Caption

Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention and increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses; authorizes home detention for minors adjudicated delinquent for motor vehicle theft offenses; establishes Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $7 million.

Impact

One of the notable aspects of A3806 is its focus on juvenile offenders. The bill allows for home detention orders for minors who are adjudicated delinquent for vehicle theft. This approach is designed to prevent juveniles from entering the criminal justice system in a manner that could lead to further offenses, focusing instead on rehabilitation through monitoring and supportive services. The Department of Juvenile Justice is expected to administer a two-year pilot program funded by $7 million aimed at reducing auto theft and providing necessary support services to at-risk youths.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3806 proposes significant changes to the handling of motor vehicle theft offenses in New Jersey. The legislation establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with vehicle theft, thereby potentially restricting their release before trial unless they can prove otherwise. Additionally, the bill increases the penalties for such offenses, reclassifying all motor vehicle theft crimes as second-degree felonies, which carry more severe sentencing compared to previous provisions. This aims to deter individuals from committing these crimes in the first place and increase the consequences for those who do.

Contention

While the bill largely has supportive views centered on public safety and preventive measures, there are areas of contention. Critics express concern over the broad application of pretrial detention, arguing it could infringe on individual rights and lead to unjust outcomes for those accused but not yet convicted. Furthermore, stakeholders question the effectiveness of increased penalties and whether such measures will genuinely reduce motor vehicle theft or simply exacerbate existing issues within the juvenile justice system by funneling more youth into detention systems without adequate preventative programs in place.

Companion Bills

NJ S2819

Same As Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention and increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses; authorizes home detention for minors adjudicated delinquent for motor vehicle theft offenses; establishes Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $7 million.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2819

Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention and increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses; authorizes home detention for minors adjudicated delinquent for motor vehicle theft offenses; establishes Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $7 million.

NJ A1569

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ A4884

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ S1696

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ S3454

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ A5006

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for persons who commit carjacking, theft of motor vehicle, or burglary.

NJ A3502

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for persons who commit carjacking, theft of motor vehicle, or burglary.

NJ S3385

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for persons who commit carjacking, theft of motor vehicle, or burglary.

NJ S3014

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for persons who commit carjacking, theft of motor vehicle, or burglary.

NJ A3097

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for certain vehicular offenses.

Similar Bills

NJ S2819

Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention and increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses; authorizes home detention for minors adjudicated delinquent for motor vehicle theft offenses; establishes Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $7 million.

NJ A4884

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ A1569

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ S1696

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ S3454

Increases penalties for certain motor vehicle theft and carjacking offenses; establishes presumption of pretrial detention in enumerated circumstances.

NJ A3097

Establishes presumption of pretrial detention for certain vehicular offenses.

NJ S2295

Concerns pretrail and post-trial considerations for certain crimes involving operation of vehicles, including rebuttable presumption for pretrial detention, pretial recommendation of no release from detention, suspension or revocation of license, and vehicle forfeiture.

NJ S3347

Extends list of crimes for which rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention applies; requires pretrial detention of defendant who violates conditions of pretrial release.