NJ A3815

Residential burglary (entering or remaining in a dwelling) would become a second-degree crime, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000, regardless of whether anyone is present.

Armed residential burglary (committed while armed with or displaying explosives or deadly weapons) would become a first-degree crime, carrying even more severe penalties.

First-degree armed residential burglary would be subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Second-degree residential burglary (unarmed) would not be subject to NERA mandatory minimum provisions.

Currently, burglary is only a second-degree crime when the offender is armed or inflicts/threatens bodily injury; all other burglary is third-degree (3-5 years, fines up to $15,000).