NJ S2396

Upgrades residential burglary (entering or remaining in a dwelling) from a third-degree to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000.

Creates a new first-degree burglary offense when residential burglary is committed while armed with or displaying explosives or a deadly weapon.

Applies the No Early Release Act (NERA) to first-degree residential burglary and existing second-degree burglary involving bodily injury or weapons, requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Current law treats most burglaries as third-degree crimes (3-5 years, up to $15,000 fine), with second-degree applying only when the offender inflicts injury or is armed.