State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Joseph M. Carey, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the trial court's consecutive seven‑year sentences for each vehicular homicide count, holding that the multiple‑victims factor warrants consecutive terms and that the trial court's aggravating factors were supported by the record. The Court emphasized that the Yarbough guidelines give great weight to multiple victims and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion. Justice Long dissented, arguing that the majority improperly elevated the multiple‑victims factor above other Yarbough considerations.