New Jersey Drastically Increases Criminal Penalties For Residential Burglaries

By James Wronko

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News

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Last Modified on Sep 30, 2025

A recent change to New Jersey Criminal Law has increased the penalty for residential burglaries and home invasions.

Residential burglaries (entering a home with a purpose to commit a crime such as theft) used to be punished by three to five years in State prison with a presumption in favor of probation. Now the punishment is five to ten years in State prison with a provision under the no early release act that you must serve 85% of your sentence before you are eligible for parole.

In addition, there now exists a presumption in favor of State prison which means if convicted of residential burglary, it is almost certain that you be given a long term prison sentence in New Jersey State Prison.

A home invasion burglary is now a first-degree crime punishable for ten to twenty years in State prison, with 85% to be served without parole.

If you are charged with one of these offenses, you need to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who specializes in criminal law.