Criminal Justice

This New Jersey bill requires a jury, instead of a judge, to decide if certain defendants qualify as "persistent offenders" who deserve harsher prison sentences. The law applies specifically to individuals accused of repeated crimes involving stolen vehicles and shoplifting, provided they have prior convictions within a ten-year window. Under the new rules, a jury must determine whether the defendant meets the legal criteria for an extended term of imprisonment before the court can impose it. This change shifts the responsibility of establishing the grounds for enhanced sentencing from the judge to a jury trial for these specific categories of repeat offenders.

This New Jersey bill (S 1526) increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to elevate offenses involving these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth degree), and a second offense becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also increases penalties for cases involving multiple victims if any victim is a senior or veteran. These changes directly affect identity thieves targeting vulnerable groups, making their offenses more serious under state law.

This bill adds 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a psychoactive compound found in Kratom, to New Jersey's Schedule I list of controlled substances. It directly affects anyone possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or using 7-OH in the state. Under the law, 7-OH would be classified as a substance with "high potential for abuse" and "no accepted medical use," making it illegal for non-medical purposes. Possession of 1 ounce or more would be a second-degree crime, while smaller amounts would be a third-degree crime under New Jersey's drug laws.