This bill amends existing legislation to increase penalties for juveniles adjudicated delinquent for specific motor vehicle-related offenses. It mandates that juveniles who commit a third or subsequent violation of motor vehicle theft or eluding must be incarcerated for a term of one year. Additionally, the bill stipulates that juveniles adjudicated for acts that would constitute theft of a motor vehicle, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, or eluding while operating a motor vehicle must perform a minimum of 60 days of community service.

The bill also introduces a new provision that requires the court to impose incarceration for juveniles who have committed these offenses multiple times, thereby emphasizing a stricter approach to repeat offenders. The legal language reflects these changes, including the insertion of mandatory incarceration for repeat offenders and the deletion of previous provisions that may have allowed for more lenient dispositions. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability and public safety concerning juvenile delinquency related to motor vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-43