New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2895

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

Impact

The enactment of A2895 is intended to strengthen the law concerning gang-related offenses, particularly highlighting the recruitment of minors, which is viewed as a serious threat to public safety and community welfare. By categorizing such offenses with harsher penalties and mandatory prison terms without the possibility of parole, the bill aims to deter gang recruitment and protect vulnerable youth from being drawn into gang violence. The proposed changes to the Criminal Code will tighten the legal repercussions for both gang leaders and associates who engage in the solicitation of minors.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2895 introduces significant changes to the legal framework addressing criminal street gangs in New Jersey. The bill aims to upgrade penalties for the recruitment and involvement of minors in street gangs. Key provisions include imposing mandatory minimum sentences for individuals who recruit minors into gang activity, with sentences ranging from seven to ten years of imprisonment, depending on the age of the minor. Furthermore, if significant bodily injury is inflicted during the recruitment process, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years is also applicable.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention surrounding the bill's implications on civil liberties and community impacts. Critics may argue that such strict penalties could disproportionately affect young individuals and their families, potentially uprooting community ties and causing long-term detriments without addressing the root issues of gang involvement. Furthermore, the potential for litigation concerning the definitions of 'criminal street gang' and the criteria for establishing accomplice liability adds to the complexity of the discussions as legal experts evaluate the bill's provisions.

Companion Bills

NJ S1369

Same As Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ A1052

Carry Over Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ S3618

Carry Over Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1052

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ S1369

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ S3618

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ A4464

Removes mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug crimes.

NJ S3722

Implements recommendations of New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission to remove mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug crimes.

NJ A838

Concerns accomplice liability of law enforcement officers who fail to de-escalate and intervene when another officer commits offense.

NJ A987

Concerns accomplice liability of law enforcement officers who fail to de-escalate and intervene when another officer commits offense.

NJ S370

Concerns accomplice liability of law enforcement officers who fail to de-escalate and intervene when another officer commits offense.

NJ SB44

Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act; mandatory minimum penalties for violations; provide

NJ A3074

Criminalizes participation in criminal street gang.

Similar Bills

NJ S3618

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ S1369

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

NJ A1052

Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters.

MN HF4277

Mandatory minimum sentences for offenses involving possession or use of firearm or other dangerous weapon eliminated, victim crime reporting requirements modified, Task Force on Mandatory Minimum Sentences created, grants related to alleviating gun violence established, and money appropriated.

MN SF4324

Public safety provisions modification, grants authorization for emergency needs of gun victims, focused deterrence models to reduce group-related homicide and gun violence grant authorization, Violent Crime Coordinating Council additional position added and appropriations

AZ SB1599

Artificial intelligence use; aggravating circumstance

CA SB459

Crimes: rape: great bodily injury.

CA SB300

Crimes: murder: punishment.