NJ A2873

Upgrades assault on a law enforcement officer from a third-degree to a second-degree crime when the victim suffers bodily injury.

Second-degree crime penalties include 5-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000, compared to current third-degree penalties of 3-5 years and fines up to $15,000.

Assault on law enforcement without bodily injury would become a third-degree crime (3-5 years, up to $15,000 fine) instead of the current fourth-degree classification.

Applies specifically to officers acting in performance of duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of authority, or because of their status as law enforcement.

Other categories of assault victims (firefighters, EMTs, school employees, judges, etc.) retain current penalty structures under the existing law.