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 prove that such forfeiture would cause serious hardship to their family. The bill also specifies that the presumption of nonimprisonment does not apply to strict liability vehicular homicide, emphasizing the severity of these offenses.

Key changes include the insertion of language that mandates pretrial detention for specific vehicular offenses and the potential suspension of a defendant's driver's license for five years to life if found guilty. The bill outlines procedures for pretrial detention hearings, including timelines and the rights of defendants, such as the right to counsel and the ability to present evidence. It also allows for hearings to be reopened if new information arises. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing the likelihood of detention for individuals charged with serious vehicular offenses.

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