Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) has joined as a primary sponsor of A-4399, critical legislation that targets the rising issue of home invasion and residential burglary across the state. The bill, which establishes severe penalties for these crimes, aims to tackle an alarming trend affecting residents in the 30th District and beyond.
“In my district and throughout New Jersey, we are seeing a disturbing rise in home invasions and burglaries, often involving juveniles hired by adults to carry out these crimes,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “These juveniles, when caught, are back on the streets within a day, facing little to no consequences, which only emboldens these criminal operations.”
Under this legislation, a home invasion burglary, classified as a first-degree crime, applies to any individual who enters a residential dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and, in the process, inflicts bodily injury or is armed with a deadly weapon. This crime could lead to a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. Residential burglary, classified as a second-degree crime, applies to unlawful entry into a residence with the intent to commit a crime and carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison.
“We need this legislation to crack down on home invaders and close the loopholes that allow juveniles to be exploited by adults for criminal purposes. If the law doesn’t hold them accountable, they continue committing crimes without facing real repercussions,” Schnall added.
The bill also mandates that juveniles found in possession of a firearm during a home invasion or residential burglary be waived to adult court, ensuring they face appropriate legal consequences. Furthermore, those involved in these crimes while using or possessing stolen motor vehicles could face extended prison terms.
“The safety of our communities is paramount, and this bill ensures that those who violate the safety of our homes, especially through organized criminal activities, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” Schnall continued. “By holding both adults and juveniles accountable, we are sending a strong message that crime will not be tolerated.”
