Representing Clients Charged With Vehicular Homicide

In New Jersey, a Criminal Homicide Law constitutes vehicular homicide when a death is caused by driving a vehicle (or vessel) recklessly.  Certified Criminal Trial Attorney Michael P. Rubas routinely handles homicides cases of all types throughout the Superior Courts of New Jersey.  For example, in February 2017 Mr. Rubas obtained an acquittal with a 2 hour not guilty verdict on Murder, Felony Murder, Attempted Murder, and Weapons charges in the matter of State of New Jersey v. T.S. in the Union County Superior Court.  Mr. Rubas was also defense counsel in the nationally publicized Short Hills Murder/Carjacking trial in the matter of State of New Jersey v. B.H. in the Essex County Superior Court.  Furthermore, Mr. Rubas’ ability to obtain a mistrial in the double-murder trial of State of New Jersey v. S.B. in the Hudson County Superior Court was widely publicized throughout out the State of New Jersey in both the Jersey Journal and Star Ledger.

Consequences of a Conviction for Vehicular Homicide

A criminal homicide constitutes vehicular homicide when it is caused by driving a vehicle or vessel recklessly.  The law provides that certain types of conduct give rise to an inferenced that the actor was in fact reckless.  Falling asleep without sleeping in the prior 24 hours, operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or operating a hand-held wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle all give rise to an inference that the actor was driving recklessly. Nothing in this section shall be construed to in any way limit the conduct or conditions that may be found to constitute driving a vehicle or vessel recklessly.  If convicted of a vehicular homicide, an actor faces a term of imprisonment in the second degree between 5 and 10 years, of which the actor is not eligible for parole for a minimum of 3 years.  If an actor was convicted of operating the vehicle or vessel under the influence of drugs or liquor, that person’s license to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended for a period of between 5 years and life.

Years of experience have taught Certified Trial Attorney Michael Rubas that every vehicular homicide case is fact sensitive and that a complete, well-planned defense is required. Rubas Law Offices explore every vehicular homicide case to identify any issues that can assist in defending and/or negotiating the best outcome for our clients.

 Michael Rubas has a Monmouth County office in Manasquan and a Hudson County office in Jersey City that serve clients in the Superior Courts all throughout the State of New Jersey.