This bill amends existing laws regarding serious motor vehicle offenses in New Jersey, specifically focusing on the procedures for plea bargaining in municipal court cases. It requires municipal prosecutors to consider additional aggravating factors and the habitual offender status of defendants charged with offenses such as unlicensed driving, driving while suspended, and driving under the influence. Prosecutors must determine if enhanced penalties, including potential incarceration, are warranted based on the defendant's driving record. Additionally, if the offense resulted in bodily injury to another person, the prosecutor is mandated to consult with the victim before concluding any plea negotiations.

The bill also revises the definition of a habitual offender to include individuals who have been convicted three or more times within a three-year period for a combination of specified offenses. This change allows the court, rather than solely the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, to determine a person's habitual offender status. Enhanced penalties for habitual offenders are established, including mandatory imprisonment terms for those convicted of operating a vehicle while suspended, particularly if the offense resulted in bodily injury. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of motor vehicle laws and enhance public safety by ensuring that repeat offenders face appropriate consequences.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2B:25-5.1, 2B:25-11, 39:5-30