In Union County, vehicular homicide is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, 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 Vehicular Homicide Lawyer Union County from our firm can build a strong defense for you.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey law defines vehicular homicide under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 as causing the death of another person by driving a vehicle recklessly. This is a second-degree crime distinct from murder or manslaughter because it involves a motor vehicle. The prosecution must prove you acted with recklessness — meaning you consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would result. Unlike a simple traffic offense, this charge carries severe criminal penalties including mandatory state prison time. The case is heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.
Review the official statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 (Vehicular Homicide) — New Jersey Legislature. Court information is available at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage official website.
- Initial Arrest and Complaint: You will be arrested and charged. The court sets bail at the Union County Central Judicial Processing Court.
- Arraignment: You appear before a Superior Court judge in Union Vicinage to hear the charges and enter a plea. Your attorney can argue for pre-trial release conditions.
- Discovery and Investigation: The prosecution shares evidence — police reports, accident reconstruction, toxicology results. Your attorney reviews all evidence for weaknesses.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the probable cause for the stop or arrest.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial before a jury in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs separately. The judge considers aggravating and mitigating factors under the New Jersey Criminal Code.
In Union County, vehicular homicide under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 carries 5-10 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, and a 10-year driver’s license suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular Homicide (Reckless) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | 10-year suspension | Mandatory surcharges, potential civil lawsuit |
| Vehicular Homicide (Under Influence) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | 10-year suspension | Same as above plus DWI penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring a former prosecutor’s insight to every vehicular homicide defense.
SRIS actively practices in Union County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, traffic, and vehicular homicide cases across New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Jersey Location
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our NJ location serves clients at Union County courts, accessible via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78. We serve Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Looking for a vehicular homicide lawyer near me Union County? We are here to help.
Q: Can vehicular homicide charges be reduced in Union County?
Yes. It depends on the evidence. A skilled attorney can negotiate a plea to a lesser charge like reckless driving or careless driving, which carries significantly lower penalties. The key is challenging the recklessness element.
Q: What is the difference between vehicular homicide and reckless driving in New Jersey?
Vehicular homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5) is a second-degree crime requiring a death caused by reckless driving. Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is a traffic offense with no death involved. Vehicular homicide carries prison time; reckless driving carries points and fines.
Q: How long does a vehicular homicide case take in Union County?
It depends. Cases typically take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution. Complex cases with accident reconstruction or toxicology evidence can take longer. Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations can extend the timeline.
Q: Will I lose my driver’s license for vehicular homicide in New Jersey?
Yes. A conviction for vehicular homicide results in a mandatory 10-year driver’s license suspension. This is automatic upon conviction and cannot be avoided. Your attorney can argue for a restricted license after a portion of the suspension.
Q: Can I get bail for a vehicular homicide charge in Union County?
Yes. Bail is set at the initial court appearance. The amount depends on the severity of the case, your criminal history, and flight risk. Your attorney can argue for reasonable bail or pre-trial release conditions.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.