Prohibits false or secret compartments in motor vehicles under certain circumstances.
Impact
The legislation would significantly amend the New Jersey Criminal Code by prohibiting false compartments, thereby enhancing law enforcement's ability to combat drug trafficking and illegal weapons transportation. It stipulates that any vehicle containing a false compartment is subject to forfeiture, providing law enforcement a mechanism for seizing not only the vehicles but also any items within these compartments. This could impact various cases related to drug offenses and gun smuggling, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to concealment methods used in criminal activities.
Summary
Senate Bill S770 proposes to criminalize the possession, design, or assembly of false or secret compartments in motor vehicles when such compartments are intended to conceal, smuggle, or transport persons, controlled dangerous substances, firearms, weapons, or other contraband. The bill categorizes the crime into two degrees: a third-degree crime for knowingly owning or operating a vehicle with such a compartment, and a second-degree crime for designing or constructing such compartments. The penalties include substantial prison time and fines, particularly for second-degree crimes, which carry sentences of five to ten years and fines up to $150,000.
Contention
This bill may face criticisms regarding potential overreach into personal freedoms and property rights. Opponents might argue that the bill could lead to unjust legal outcomes where individuals could face severe penalties without having engaged in direct wrongdoing. The requirement that the sentence for this crime does not merge with other criminal offenses could also draw concern for the prospect of excessively long terms of imprisonment for individuals who may not realize they are inadvertently violating this law. The measure seeks to deter criminal activity but may raise ethical questions about the balance between public safety and personal rights.
Motor vehicles, false or secret compartments prohibited under certain conditions including to conceal a person, drugs, or contraband, installation prohibited, criminal penalties, forfeiture of vehicle
Increases penalties for leader of auto theft trafficking network in certain circumstances; increases penalties for repeat conviction of certain motor vehicle related crimes.
Increases penalties for repeat convictions of certain motor vehicle related crimes; increases penalties for leader of auto theft trafficking network in certain circumstances.
Establishes crimes of theft of motor vehicle and receiving stolen motor vehicle as separate statutory provisions; provides extended sentences for certain persistent offenders.
Motor vehicles, false or secret compartments prohibited under certain conditions including to conceal a person, drugs, or contraband, installation prohibited, criminal penalties, forfeiture of vehicle