This bill amends New Jersey's criminal homicide laws to establish a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for individuals charged with reckless vehicular homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide, alongside those charged with murder or crimes that could lead to life imprisonment. It introduces new categories of offenses under which this presumption applies, specifically the first and second degree crimes of reckless vehicular homicide and the third degree crime of strict liability vehicular homicide. The bill outlines that if a prosecutor files a motion for pretrial detention, the defendant will be detained unless they were previously released, and it details the procedures for pretrial detention hearings, including the defendant's rights to legal representation and to present evidence.

Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for the forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of these offenses, unless the defendant can prove that such forfeiture would cause serious hardship to their family. It also allows for the suspension or revocation of the defendant's driver's license if pretrial detention is not ordered. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties and pretrial measures for individuals charged with serious vehicular crimes, ensuring they are held in custody pending trial to mitigate potential risks to the community.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:11-5.3, 2A:162-17, 2A:162-19