NJ A2215

Upgrades unlawful taking, operating, or exercising control over a motor vehicle without owner consent from a fourth degree crime to a third degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000

Elevates the same offense from a third degree to a second degree crime when the motor vehicle is operated in a manner that creates risk of injury to any person or risk of property damage, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $150,000

Maintains the existing fourth degree crime classification for knowingly entering and riding in a motor vehicle that was taken without owner consent

Preserves the affirmative defense that the actor reasonably believed the owner would have consented to the operation if they had known about it