Establishes "MarcAnthony's Law;" criminalizes use of defaced or stolen firearm to injure a police officer; enhances penalties for defacing a firearm.
One of the significant impacts of this bill is the explicit enhancement of penalties associated with firearm offenses. The bill elevates the crime of defacing a firearm from a third-degree to a second-degree offense, which may result in prison sentences ranging from five to ten years, alongside potential fines up to $150,000. Similarly, possessing or acquiring a defaced firearm is elevated to a third-degree crime, carrying penalties of three to five years of imprisonment, and fines up to $15,000. This amendment targets the misuse of firearms and aims to deter offenders from using stolen or altered weapons against law enforcement.
Assembly Bill A3078, known as "MarcAnthony's Law," was introduced in New Jersey and aims to address the serious issue of firearm-related violence against law enforcement officers. The bill criminalizes the use of defaced or stolen firearms for causing bodily harm to police officers, categorizing such acts as serious felonies. Specifically, using a defaced or stolen firearm to inflict serious bodily injury is classified as a crime of the first degree, while causing bodily injury falls under a second-degree crime. This legislation is inspired by the tragic events surrounding the death of Jersey City Detective Marc Anthony DiNardo.
While proponents of A3078 emphasize the need for stricter penalties to safeguard police officers, potential points of contention arise regarding the broader implications of firearm regulation in New Jersey. Concerns may stem from the belief that increased penalties could disproportionately affect certain communities or fail to tackle the root causes of gun violence. The definition of what constitutes a 'defaced' firearm, as well as the practical implications of implementing this law effectively, could be debated among lawmakers and the public alike. This bill represents an intersection of law enforcement protection and broader discussions about gun violence and legislation in the state.