Burlington County Vehicular Homicide Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Vehicular homicide in Burlington County is a serious criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, not a simple traffic violation. A conviction can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and permanent loss of driving privileges. If you are facing these charges, you need a dedicated vehicular homicide lawyer Burlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Vehicular Homicide Statute
In New Jersey, vehicular homicide is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5. The law states that a person commits vehicular homicide when they cause the death of another person by driving a vehicle or vessel recklessly. The prosecution must prove you operated the vehicle in a manner that showed a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. This is a distinct charge from murder or manslaughter, but it is still a crime of the second degree, carrying significant penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the law is critical. You can review the official New Jersey statutes on the state legislature’s website: N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures and locations, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for Vehicular Homicide in Burlington County
Vehicular homicide cases in Burlington County are prosecuted as indictable crimes (similar to felonies) in the Superior Court, located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. These are not handled in Municipal Court. The process begins with an indictment by a grand jury. Given the severity, the prosecution will aggressively seek maximum penalties. An affordable vehicular homicide lawyer Burlington County from our firm understands that the local prosecutors often push for prison time, even in cases with mitigating circumstances. A strong defense must challenge the element of recklessness and scrutinize the state’s evidence from the outset.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea in Superior Court.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecution presents evidence to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations: Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor, potentially to reduce the charge to a lesser offense like assault by auto.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing is based on statutory guidelines and arguments presented by your defense.
Potential Penalties for Vehicular Homicide in NJ
In Burlington County, a vehicular homicide conviction carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, and driver’s license suspension for a period set by the court.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular Homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years in state prison | Up to $150,000 | Mandatory suspension, period determined by court | Permanent criminal record, parole ineligibility possible, massive insurance consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling complex criminal traffic matters. Our approach is to provide a vigorous, detail-oriented defense from the moment you contact us.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide commitment to strong defense is consistent. SRIS actively practices in Burlington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Burlington County Vehicular Homicide Defense
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Burlington County courts. If you need a vehicular homicide lawyer near me Burlington County, we are accessible. We serve communities throughout the county including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Burlington County, New Jersey?
In New Jersey: 1-14 mph over = 2 points; 15-29 over = 4 points; 30+ over = 5 points. Reckless driving = 5 points. At 6+ points, NJ adds surcharges of $100/year per excess point for 3 years. Cases heard at Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060). An attorney can often negotiate reckless (5 points) down to careless driving (2 points). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I fight a traffic ticket in Burlington County, NJ?
Yes. NJ traffic cases are heard by a Municipal Court judge at Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060). Plea bargaining is allowed — common to negotiate reckless driving down to careless driving (saving 3 points and thousands in insurance surcharges). Court costs: $33 per ticket; NJ surcharge system adds $100-$1,500/year in additional costs for drivers with 6+ points; Unsafe Driver Surcharge: $250/year for 3+ moving violations in 3 years; insurance premium increase upon conviction: substantial (varies by carrier); defensive driving course: approximately $40-$100 (removes 2 points) SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What are NJ insurance surcharges for traffic tickets?
NJ assesses surcharges on top of fines: $100/year per point over 6 (for 3 years) and $250/year Unsafe Driver Surcharge for 3+ violations in 3 years. A defensive driving course removes 2 points. An attorney at Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage can negotiate charge reductions that minimize point and surcharge impact. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Is vehicular homicide a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. In New Jersey, vehicular homicide is classified as a crime of the second degree, which is equivalent to a felony in other states. It is prosecuted in Superior Court and carries a potential state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years upon conviction.
What’s the difference between vehicular homicide and death by auto in NJ?
It depends on the mental state. Vehicular homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5) requires proof of reckless driving. Death by auto (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5) is a lesser charge that may apply if the death was caused by careless driving, which is a lower standard than recklessness. An experienced vehicular homicide lawyer Burlington County can argue which standard the evidence actually supports.
Can I lose my license forever for a vehicular homicide conviction?
It depends on the judge’s sentence. New Jersey law mandates a driver’s license suspension for a vehicular homicide conviction, but the duration is within the court’s discretion. The suspension can be for many years or even for life, especially if there are aggravating factors like a high BAC level.
Related Legal Services: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides strong representation for criminal defense in Burlington County, DUI/DWI defense, and family law matters. For defense in neighboring areas, see our pages for Hunterdon County traffic lawyers and Somerset County traffic lawyers. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal advice regarding your specific situation.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.