This bill amends current law to establish a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for individuals convicted of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that results in serious bodily injury. Specifically, it stipulates that a motor vehicle operator who knowingly leaves the scene of such an accident will be guilty of a third-degree crime. The bill removes the presumption of nonimprisonment for these offenders and mandates that they receive a minimum sentence of three years, during which they will not be eligible for parole. Additionally, the court is prohibited from suspending the sentence or opting for any non-custodial disposition.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that knowledge of the serious bodily injury or the violation of leaving the scene is not required for a conviction, meaning that a driver can be held accountable even if they were unaware of the injury or the legal requirements. It also ensures that convictions under this section will not merge with those for aggravated assault or assault by auto, requiring separate sentences for each conviction. If multiple sentences are imposed, they must run consecutively. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:12-1.1