NJ A343

Amends N.J.S.A. 2C:20-17 to impose an 18-month mandatory minimum prison sentence with no parole eligibility for second or subsequent offenses of using a juvenile in automobile theft

Applies to adults (18+) who knowingly use, solicit, direct, hire, or employ persons 17 or younger to commit automobile theft

The underlying offense remains a second-degree crime punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and/or $150,000 fine

Conviction does not merge with the underlying automobile theft conviction, allowing separate punishment for both offenses

Mistaken belief about the juvenile's age is not a valid defense, even if the belief was reasonable