Stricter

Governor Murphy Enacts Stricter Penalties for Burglaries

**Gloucester Township, NJ** – Governor Murphy has signed new legislation increasing penalties for residential burglaries and home invasions in New Jersey. The law, which went into effect immediately, introduces two new offenses: second-degree residential burglary and first-degree home invasion burglary.

The enhanced penalties for home invasion burglary apply when a deadly weapon is used or bodily injury is threatened during a break-in. Convicted individuals could face 10 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $200,000, or both.

Residential burglary involves entering a home to commit an offense, punishable by five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Both offenses fall under the No Early Release Act, requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin, at a Newark press conference, highlighted the law’s potential in holding accountable those who use juveniles in burglaries.