New Legislation Toughens Penalties for Home Invasions in New Jersey

During a visit to Edison, NJ, Governor Phil Murphy enacted new laws aimed at enhancing community safety through stricter burglary classifications.

EDISON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy signed into law today two pivotal pieces of legislation, S3006/A4299, which introduce stiffer penalties for burglary offenses, specifically targeting home invasions. The signing event, held in Edison, marks a significant move by the administration to fortify legal protections for New Jersey residents.

“In the wake of the tragic death of Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley as a result of a violent home invasion, it is jolting the crisis level we are at when a trained and capable law enforcement officer is overcome in their own residence. We must continue to adapt and address these evolutions in criminal behavior in our great state through crucial and impactful public safety policy and legislation such as this Bill that will also send a powerful message and serve as a deterrent to these violent criminals,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association.

The new laws establish two distinct classifications of burglary: home invasion burglary and residential burglary, each carrying heavier penalties than previous statutes. Home invasion burglary, now classified as a first-degree crime, involves an individual entering a dwelling with the intent to commit an offense and either inflicting bodily harm or being armed with a deadly weapon. Convictions under this classification can lead to 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.

“The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans is our Administration’s highest priority,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that the penalties for burglary and home invasion reflect the severity of these crimes and deter individuals from entering a home illegally. We are grateful to the Legislature, our law enforcement community, local mayors, and community members for supporting our shared goal of keeping New Jersey residents safe.”

Residential burglary, classified as a second-degree crime, is defined as unlawfully entering a home to commit an offense. This charge carries a potential sentence of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000.

Both charges are also subject to the "No Early Release Act," which mandates that individuals convicted must serve at least 85% of their sentence before eligibility for parole. Furthermore, those convicted may face additional penalties such as being barred from obtaining professional licenses from the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

“Citizens have a right to feel safe in their own homes. Making stiffer penalties for burglaries of residences, especially by perpetrators who are also armed with a weapon, will make would-be burglars think twice before committing this very personal and invasive crime,” said Senator Brian Stack.

The legislation received robust bipartisan support in the state Legislature, passing the Senate with a vote of 36-1 and the Assembly unanimously at 74-0. Primary sponsors of the bill included Senators Anthony Bucco, Brian Stack, Vin Gopal, and Assembly members Sterley Stanley, Robert Karabinchak, and Alexander “Avi” Schnall.

“Even the report of just one home invasion or burglary on a street or in a neighborhood can have a traumatic effect on those who live there,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “People should have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. By toughening the punishment for home invasion crimes, including in some cases length of sentencing, we hope to crack down on this practice, and make would-be burglars, car thieves or home invaders think twice before breaking into and entering someone’s home illegally.”

This legislative action is part of Governor Murphy’s broader strategy to reduce crime and enhance public safety across the state, which has included initiatives such as tightening gun laws, boosting mental health resources, and deploying advanced data collection technologies.

The laws take effect immediately, signaling a swift and decisive response from the state government to address the concerns of New Jersey communities regarding home safety and crime.