Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean) introduced legislation today that would increase the penalty for individuals interfering with the apprehension, prosecution, or conviction of a person following the commission of a crime. This legislation comes on the heels of a bill introduced last week by Senator Singer that would reinstitute the death penalty for individuals who murder a child, kill a police officer in the line of duty or commit a terrorist attack that results in fatalities. (See exclusive video here)
“Anyone who assists an individual after the commission of a crime is just as guilty as the original perpetrator and the punishment received should reflect that fact,” Singer stated. “Tough enforcement today is crime prevention tomorrow.”
Under the current law, hindering the detention, apprehension, investigation, prosecution, conviction or punishment of an individual is a crime of the third degree if the underlying crime committed by the offender would constitute a crime of the second degree or greater. The penalty is downgraded to a fourth degree crime if the offender who receives assistance is a spouse, parent or child. Hindering is a crime of the fourth degree if the underlying conduct would constitute a crime of the third degree. Otherwise it is a disorderly persons offense.
Senator Singer’s bill eliminates this gradation of penalties, and establishes that a person who assists or conceals an offender is subject to the same penalty as that offender who carried out the criminal act or offense.
“If passed, this law will make people think twice before assisting someone who has committed a crime making it easier for law enforcement to make an arrest and keeping our communities safe,” Singer concluded. TLS.
will assisting a cop killer get you thd death penalty? Rediculas
Its nice passing important laws like these. It will hopefully help a lot of things, however, Mr. Singer, as I am sure you know, the crime spike in this town is nuts nuts nuts. Thieves are breaking into houses every night and the town is doing jack squat nothing about it.
Please take this issue seriously, as we are in your jurisdiction and it is your responsibility. Do not shirk your duties.
I totally agree with number one!?
This is a great idea and should be a law. Thank you Senator Singer!
It is about time someone stood up and said they will prosecute those who aid criminals no matter who they are or what power they may have. Those that aid criminals and abusers will be held accountable.
Will this law also be applied for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants, which this town is doing?
Nay
No!
Its a good start , now all we need is for the courts to uphold their end applying the laws as written !
#9 i dont think the courts will ever uphold the law—-if there was any justice in the world id be living in a trailer park supporting my wife, her new husband, and our kids. but luckly for me there is not.