The bill amends New Jersey's criminal homicide laws to establish a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with reckless vehicular homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide, in addition to those already subject to this presumption for murder or crimes punishable by life imprisonment. It introduces new categories of offenses that warrant pretrial detention, specifically the first or second degree crime of reckless vehicular homicide and the third degree crime of strict liability vehicular homicide. The bill also mandates the forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of these offenses unless the defendant can prove that such forfeiture would cause undue hardship to their family.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for pretrial detention hearings, including timelines and the rights of defendants, such as the right to counsel and the opportunity to present evidence. It clarifies that the presumption of pretrial detention can be rebutted by either the defendant or the prosecutor, and establishes the standard of proof required for such rebuttal. Furthermore, it specifies that individuals convicted of strict liability vehicular homicide will face a driver's license suspension, and that the presumption of non-imprisonment for certain offenses will not apply, thereby enhancing public safety through stricter penalties and pretrial measures for serious vehicular offenses.

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