June 4, 2019
Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Vehicular Homicide
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Garrett Carter, 52, of Newark was sentenced to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison yesterday after being convicted in March by an Essex County jury of vehicular homicide in connection with the death of Steven Dawkins, 39, of Orange.
Sentence was imposed by the Honorable Michael Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, who presided over the trial.
Carter struck and killed Dawkins as he crossed in the 200 block of West Market Street in Newark on Sept. 22, 2017 at 9:30 p.m. At the time, Carter had a blood alcohol level of .168 – more than twice the legal limit.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock, who tried the case, argued for a 20-year sentence but said he believed the 18-year sentence was fair.
“The Judge’s sentence is a clear message that driving while intoxicated, with its traumatic effect on society, will not be tolerated. Hopefully, the sentence will help prevent others from engaging in the conduct that has cost Steven Dawkins’ family so much,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Pollock.
