New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2819

Introduced
2/27/24  

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

The bill modifies the legal framework related to motor vehicle theft, reclassifying theft offenses and increasing the severity of associated penalties. For instance, theft of a motor vehicle or receiving a stolen vehicle is now classified as a second-degree crime, leading to harsher consequences, including longer imprisonment terms and steeper fines than previously established. The implications of this reclassification could lead to increased incarceration rates for offenders and a more structured approach to handling juvenile cases in particular.

Summary

Senate Bill S2819 focuses on enhancing the penalties for motor vehicle theft and introducing mechanisms aimed at juvenile offenders. It establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for individuals charged with motor vehicle theft, thereby shifting the burden of proof to the defendant to demonstrate why they should not be detained before trial. This alignment with existing criminal justice reform laws signals a significant tightening of pretrial procedures for offenders of this specific crime.

Contention

While the bill is intended to curtail auto theft and address issues related to juvenile delinquency, it raises concerns regarding the potential overreach of detention policies, especially for minors. Critics argue that the increase in detention rates might exacerbate the problems of incarceration within juvenile systems without effectively addressing the root causes of theft. Additionally, the bill allocates $7 million for a pilot program aimed at reducing juvenile auto thefts, bringing up discussions about the efficacy of funding versus implementing effective preventive measures in community settings.

Companion Bills

NJ A3806

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 A3806

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 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 A3502

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

NJ A5006

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 A3806

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 S3454

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 A1569

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.