Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.

This bill (S 4054) upgrades penalties for auto theft committed during specific burglaries in New Jersey. It makes auto theft a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison) if connected to residential burglary (e.g., breaking into a home), and a first-degree crime (10-20 years) if linked to home invasion (involving weapons or injury). Currently, auto theft is typically a third-degree crime (3-5 years), but this bill increases penalties when theft occurs during these violent offenses. The law also ensures auto theft convictions won’t merge with separate burglary convictions for sentencing. It directly affects individuals convicted of auto theft during home invasions or residential burglaries.