The bill amends New Jersey's criminal homicide laws to establish a presumption of pretrial detention for individuals charged with reckless vehicular homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide. It introduces a requirement for the forfeiture of the vehicle used in the commission of the offense unless the defendant can demonstrate that such forfeiture would cause serious hardship to their family. The legislation also clarifies that the presumption of nonimprisonment does not apply to strict liability vehicular homicide, emphasizing the seriousness of these offenses.

Key changes include the insertion of language that mandates pretrial detention for specific vehicular homicide offenses, indicating that no monetary bail or conditions would ensure the defendant's court appearance or community safety. The bill outlines the criteria for detention, requiring a hearing to assess the possibility of release conditions. Additionally, it allows for the suspension of a defendant's driver's license for a period ranging from five years to life if found guilty of certain offenses, further enhancing public safety by ensuring that individuals charged with serious vehicular offenses are appropriately detained pending trial.

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