NJ A362

Creates a new first-degree crime when a person commits motor vehicle theft or carjacking and then commits additional crimes closely related to or interdependent of that theft/carjacking within a short period of time.

First-degree crimes in New Jersey carry penalties of 10-20 years imprisonment, fines up to $200,000, or both.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with committing subsequent crimes following motor vehicle theft or carjacking, adding this offense to the existing presumption categories that currently include only murder and crimes carrying life imprisonment.

Defendants can rebut the pretrial detention presumption by presenting a preponderance of evidence in their favor at a detention hearing.

Maintains existing penalties for basic motor vehicle theft: $500 fine for first offense, $750 for second offense, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses, with discretionary license suspension of 1-10 years depending on offense history.