New jersey enacts new law against home invasions

Morristown, NJ – Morris County law enforcement is taking action against home invasions with the implementation of a new law. This decision follows a spike in residential burglaries where criminals have escalated from stealing cars to invading homes, often while residents are present.

Governor Phil Murphy signed a bi-partisan bill, S-3006, on Friday, alongside Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Sheriff James Gannon. The legislation introduces two new classifications for burglary offenses: home invasion burglary and residential burglary. These classifications come with severe penalties under the No Early Release Act, where offenders must serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Home invasion burglary, now a first-degree crime, involves entering a residence with the intent to commit an offense while causing bodily harm or carrying a weapon. Residential burglary, classified as a second-degree crime, encompasses unlawful entry with the intent to commit an offense. Juveniles involved in these crimes might be tried as adults if possessing firearms during offenses.

Prosecutor Carroll emphasized that the new law deters juvenile involvement in criminal activities and enables law enforcement to detain suspects until trial. Sheriff Gannon highlighted the severe impact burglaries

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