This bill amends the existing law on stalking in New Jersey by upgrading the crime from a fourth-degree to a third-degree offense when the stalking is facilitated through the installation or use of communication or location monitoring programs or devices on the victim's cellular phone or wireless mobile device. Specifically, it defines stalking as a crime of the third degree if the perpetrator's actions involve intercepting or acquiring communications or location information from the victim's device. The bill aims to address the growing concern over the misuse of technology in stalking cases, recognizing that such programs and devices are often easily accessible and can be misused to invade a victim's privacy.

Under the current law, stalking is generally classified as a fourth-degree crime, which carries penalties of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, with the proposed changes, if the stalking involves the use of electronic devices or programs to monitor the victim, it would be classified as a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. This legislative change seeks to enhance protections for victims of stalking by imposing stricter penalties on offenders who exploit technology to carry out their crimes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:12-10