New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1255

Introduced
2/3/22  

Caption

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in significant legal implications, particularly concerning sentencing. Specifically, individuals convicted under this provision would face a minimum punishment of five to ten years in prison, with potential fines reaching up to $150,000. Additionally, individuals sentenced for such crimes would be subject to the No Early Release Act, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This represents a shift in New Jersey's handling of threats against those in positions of authority, aimed at deterring such actions through stringent penalties.

Summary

S1255 is a legislative bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate that seeks to classify threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and their family members as a second degree crime. The bill amends N.J.S.2C:12-3, which deals with terroristic threats, by enhancing the severity of crimes involving threats made with the intent to instill fear of death or serious harm. The intent is to bolster protections for those in law enforcement and their families by acknowledging the heightened dangers they face due to their roles in society.

Contention

The discussion surrounding S1255 may evoke a range of reactions among legislators and community members. Supporters argue that it is necessary to protect public officials and ensure that threats against them are taken seriously. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the implications for free speech and the potential for the law to be applied inconsistently or broadly. As with many laws addressing violence, there may be trepidation regarding how the law could intersect with issues of civil liberties and personal expression.

Companion Bills

NJ A4571

Same As Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

Previously Filed As

NJ S566

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ A4571

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ A1547

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ S4319

Makes human trafficking-related crimes subject to No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ A5456

Makes human trafficking-related crimes subject to No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ A3470

Establishes second degree crime for threatening to kill law enforcement officers.

NJ S705

Creates first degree crime of home invasion, makes crime subject to No Early Release Act, and upgrades burglary of residence to second degree crime under certain circumstances.

NJ S2929

Creates first degree crime of home invasion, makes crime subject to No Early Release Act, and upgrades burglary of residence to second degree crime under certain circumstances.

NJ A2218

Creates first degree crime of home invasion, makes crime subject to No Early Release Act, and upgrades burglary of residence to second degree crime under certain circumstances.

NJ A4810

Creates first degree crime of home invasion, makes crime subject to No Early Release Act, and upgrades burglary of residence to second degree crime under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

NJ A4571

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ A1547

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ S566

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members as a second degree crime, subject to the No Early Release Act sentencing.

NJ S3204

Creates second degree crime of home invasion burglary as No Early Release Act offense; creates third degree crime of residential burglary; permits waiver of juvenile with firearm during burglary of residence.

NJ A4299

Establishes crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary.

NJ S3963

Establishes separate criminal offense for threats against certain persons involved in criminal proceedings; requires pretrial detention.

NJ A4567

Concerns parole for juvenile defendants.

NJ S3006

Establishes crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary.