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Vehicular Homicide

Bergen County Vehicular Homicide Lawyer

20+ Years of Experience Defending the Accused

Vehicular homicide, also known as “vehicular manslaughter” or “death by auto,” occurs when a person drives a car in a reckless or careless manner and causes the death of another person. In the state of New Jersey, vehicular homicide is classified as a second degree felony and can expose a defendant to life-changing consequences upon conviction. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, you need a fighter in your corner who can protect you against the prosecution’s claims and minimize your chances of conviction. You need a powerful Bergen County vehicular homicide attorney from Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC on your side.

As a former prosecutor, our attorney understands the road ahead and can use that invaluable insight to give you a fighting chance against your charges. We truly believe you are innocent until proven guilty, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to defend your rights during this frightening time.

Our numerous awards and professional accomplishments speak for themselves:

  • Prestigious Super Lawyers® inclusion
  • AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® for ethics and skill
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 ranking
  • 10.0 “Superb” Avvo Rating

Facing charges for vehicular homicide? Make sure your future is in good hands – schedule a free case review today to get started.


An Overview of New Jersey Vehicular Homicide Law

Even if a driver may have never intended to harm another person, they may still face stiff criminal consequences if the courts deem their actions reckless. Under New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:11-5, a person acts recklessly behind the wheel when they “consciously disregard a substantial risk and their actions are a gross deviation from a reasonable person acting with ordinary care.” Acts typically seen as reckless under this loose definition include driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while sleep deprived, racing, tailgating, texting while driving, or speeding.

Penalties for vehicular homicide in New Jersey include:

  • Between 5 and 10 years in state prison
  • Fines up to $150,000
  • A minimum 5 years to lifetime driver’s license suspension

A vehicular homicide charge be escalated to a first degree felony and carry an additional 10 years in prison upon conviction if the fatal collision occurred in close proximity of a school, regardless of whether or not children were present at the time of the crash.

Trust in a Firm with a Proven History of Success

With such high stakes, these types of charges require the skills of a trial-tested Bergen County vehicular homicide attorney in order to be successfully defended against. Having successfully defended countless clients against their criminal accusations, our firm’s top-rated criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County can review the specifics of your situation and craft a custom-tailored strategy on your behalf, ensuring your rights will be protected throughout all stages of your case. With personalized, one-on-one involvement and responsive communication, we will keep you informed of all important developments in your case and explore every opportunity to secure a reduction or dismissal of your charges.


You do not have to plead guilty – call our Bergen County vehicular homicide lawyer at (201) 574-7919 today to begin building your defense.


 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.