If you face murder or aggravated manslaughter charges in New Jersey, it can feel like the entire criminal justice system is against you. However, it’s important to remember that you are not automatically guilty and that you have the right to hire a homicide lawyer. Criminal homicide charges are some of the most serious crimes you can be charged with, and a conviction could have a devastating impact on your personal life and career. For this reason, it is essential to do everything possible to get your case in the best position for a successful outcome.
In order to be convicted of murder in New Jersey, the prosecution must prove that you actually intended to kill the victim at the time of the crime. This is a difficult standard to meet, and many factors can play into whether or not you will be found guilty. For instance, if you killed someone in the heat of passion or in self-defense, then a jury might find that your actions were justifiable. In some cases, a defense lawyer might also be able to argue that you were legally insane at the time of the murder and thus did not actually intend to kill the person.
A skilled homicide lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your case, and they can determine if any mitigating factors are present. This could help to lower the charge or, in some cases, even drop it altogether.
When you have a knowledgeable homicide lawyer on your side, you will be more confident entering the courtroom. As a result, you will be less likely to accidentally say something that could come back to haunt you later. Additionally, your attorney will know what information needs to be shared with prosecutors and which details should remain zipped up for the sake of your defense.
Homicide charges are taken very seriously in New Jersey, and a conviction can have a profound effect on your personal and professional life. Therefore, it’s vital to hire a homicide lawyer in New Jersey that you can trust.
Whether you are facing murder charges or aggravated manslaughter, we will fight aggressively to get your case in the best possible position for a successful outcome. Call us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced New Jersey homicide lawyer team.
Few crimes are as serious and life-altering as a conviction for murder. As such, it is vital to work with an experienced New Jersey homicide lawyer as soon as possible after you have been charged with this offense. If the prosecution can prove all the elements of a homicide crime, you could face decades in prison. An early consultation with a New Jersey homicide lawyer could be your only chance to reduce the charges you face and save your life.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your New Jersey homicide lawyer could seek to have the murder charges against you reduced to manslaughter. In New Jersey, the difference between murder and manslaughter is that a murder charge requires that the defendant have the intent to kill at the time of the killing.
Murder in the first degree carries with it a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole. Conviction of this offense will also result in a lifetime of disqualification from voting and holding public office.
However, murder charges can be reduced to second-degree manslaughter if the act was committed in the “heat of passion” or when someone is killed while driving recklessly. Second-degree manslaughter can carry with it up to 10 years in prison and steep fines.
New Jersey law also allows defendants to claim that they were acting in self-defense at the time of the killing. However, the law places a heavy burden of proof on the defendant to demonstrate that they were in fact acting in self-defense. It is a strong argument that should be raised by an aggressive and skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney.
It is also common for a New Jersey homicide lawyer to argue that their client was not mentally competent at the time of the killing. This is not a “get out of jail free” legal strategy, but it may work to reduce the charges to manslaughter if the defendant can prove that they were not aware of their actions at the time they occurred.
Other possible homicide defense strategies include claiming duress or extreme emotional distress, which can significantly reduce a person’s culpability and qualify them as a partial defense to murder. Another commonly used defense to murder charges is the claim that the victim was a stranger and thus did not have a right to expect protection from the defendant.
The best New Jersey homicide lawyer will research your case exhaustively and explore all available defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney and get started on your defense.
When facing any criminal charge, particularly homicide charges, you need to seek legal representation immediately from a qualified homicide lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be familiar with every possible criminal defense strategy that could work to clear your name. It's crucial to find someone who will investigate every detail of your case, searching for any piece of exculpatory evidence that could be used to get your case dismissed or reduced.
There are three types of criminal homicide defined by the state’s law: murder, manslaughter, and death by auto. A homicide lawyer can help you understand the nuances of each type. Murder is the most serious kind of homicide. It can be committed when a person kills another person with intent or during the commission of certain felonies.
Prosecutors can also file first-degree murder charges under certain conditions. Understanding the intricacies of these conditions requires the expertise of a knowledgeable homicide lawyer. This crime's penalty is life imprisonment without parole. To secure a conviction on murder charges, the prosecution must prove intent.
If you caused someone’s death without premeditation, you could face second-degree murder charges. Engaging a homicide lawyer in such instances is crucial to navigate the complexities of the legal system. This crime's penalty is 30 years to life imprisonment.
Vehicular homicide, often requiring the skills of a seasoned homicide lawyer, is the third and most common type of homicide in New Jersey. It's characterized by reckless driving resulting in death. The evidence must demonstrate recklessness on the driver's part.
Aggravated manslaughter is another grave offense. In situations like these, having a reliable homicide lawyer is paramount. Conviction necessitates proof of intent and recklessness. Penalties can range from 20 years to life imprisonment, with certain factors potentially increasing the term.
For the best defense against these charges, it's imperative to consult a New Jersey homicide lawyer. Engage professionals who will thoroughly examine your case's specifics and create a formidable defense strategy. Aiming to have charges reduced or dismissed is a top priority. Ensure you're well-represented in such grave matters.
Lustberg Law Offices, LLC
One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States
(201) 880-5311