In Bergen County, vehicular homicide under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 is a second-degree crime carrying 5-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A former prosecutor leads your defense.
New Jersey Vehicular Homicide Statute
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 (official New Jersey Legislature)
New Jersey law defines vehicular homicide under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 as causing a death while driving a motor vehicle recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The prosecution must prove that your actions were a proximate cause of the death. This is a second-degree crime, distinct from murder or manslaughter, because it involves a motor vehicle. The statute covers both reckless driving and DUI-related fatalities. A conviction carries a presumption of incarceration. The state must show criminal negligence, not just civil liability. Understanding this statute is the first step in building your defense.
Official Legal Resources
Review the full text of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 (Vehicular Homicide) — official New Jersey Legislature. For court procedures, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Bergen County Court Process
Bergen County vehicular homicide cases begin in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. The grand jury indicts before arraignment. Discovery is extensive, including toxicology reports and accident reconstruction. A Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Bergen County knows that plea negotiations often focus on reducing the charge to death by auto or reckless driving.
- Contact a Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Bergen County immediately after the incident.
- Preserve evidence: dashcam footage, phone records, and witness statements.
- Do not speak to police without your attorney present.
- Attend all court hearings at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
- Review discovery with your lawyer to identify procedural errors.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor before the pretrial conference.
In Bergen County, vehicular homicide carries a prison sentence of 5-10 years, fines up to $150,000, and a 10-year driver’s license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular Homicide (Reckless) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 Years | Up to $150,000 | 10-Year Suspension | Permanent Criminal Record |
| Vehicular Homicide (DUI) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 Years | Up to $150,000 | 10-Year Suspension | Ignition Interlock Device |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Vehicular Homicide Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have a former prosecutor on staff who understands how the state builds vehicular homicide cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, from flawed accident reconstruction to improper toxicology procedures. We serve clients across New Jersey, including Bergen County.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions in vehicular homicide and related traffic cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We are accessible via I-80, NJ Turnpike, Route 17, Route 4, Route 46, GW Bridge, and GSP. If you need a vehicular homicide lawyer near me Bergen County, we are here to help. We serve Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicular Homicide in Bergen County
What is the difference between vehicular homicide and reckless driving in New Jersey?
Yes. Vehicular homicide requires a death caused by reckless driving or DUI. Reckless driving does not involve a death. Vehicular homicide is a second-degree crime; reckless driving is a traffic offense.
Can I get a vehicular homicide charge reduced in Bergen County?
It depends. A Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Bergen County may negotiate a reduction to death by auto or reckless driving if evidence weaknesses exist. Early intervention before indictment improves the chances.
How long does a vehicular homicide case take in Bergen County?
6-18 months. Cases in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage involve grand jury indictment, discovery, motions, and trial. Complex cases with accident reconstruction take longer.
Do I need a lawyer for a vehicular homicide charge in New Jersey?
Yes. Vehicular homicide carries 5-10 years in prison. A conviction means a permanent criminal record and a 10-year license suspension. You need a Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Bergen County immediately.
What is the penalty for vehicular homicide in Bergen County, NJ?
5-10 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, and a 10-year driver’s license suspension. Additional consequences include an ignition interlock device and permanent criminal record.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.