Currently, burglary in New Jersey is a third-degree crime that does not carry a prison sentence for a first-time offender.
A bill that sought to upgrade the charge for the unlawful break-in of a home from a third-degree offense to a second-degree crime — resulting in a five- to 10-year prison term if convicted — was written by Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris and Somerset).
Additionally, the bill proposed upgrading the crime to a first-degree offense if the accused is armed or is carrying a deadly weapon. Bucco’s bill passed 69-8 in the Assembly, but stalled in the Senate.
Please support a bill making home invasion a first-degree crime and upgrading burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime.
Please send an email to all your elected officials. Our future depends on what we do today.
Scott B . Zederbaum
Edison