NJ A397

Creates a new first-degree crime of "home invasion" for unlawfully entering an occupied residence with intent to commit robbery or serious crimes while using force, threatening bodily injury, or being armed with a deadly weapon or explosive.

Home invasion carries a mandatory prison sentence of 10 to 30 years upon conviction.

Upgrades residential burglary to a second-degree crime (5-10 years imprisonment, up to $150,000 fine) when the burglar enters while any person other than an accomplice is present in the dwelling.

Eliminates knowledge as a defense for upgraded burglary charges—defendants cannot claim they were unaware someone was home when they entered.

Requires juveniles charged with carjacking or home invasion to be tried in the county where the alleged offense occurred, rather than their county of residence.