NJ A1568

Upgrades motor vehicle theft from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime, increasing maximum imprisonment from 3-5 years to 5-10 years and maximum fines from $15,000 to $150,000

Authorizes courts to sentence minors under 18 convicted of motor vehicle theft to home detention programs, with limited exceptions for court appearances, probation appointments, attorney meetings, and other pre-approved reasons

Requires courts to schedule a hearing within 48 hours of arrest for minors charged with motor vehicle theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (joyriding), or carjacking

Maintains existing penalty structure for first ($500), second ($750), and third or subsequent ($1,000) motor vehicle theft offenses, plus discretionary license suspension periods