Homicide charges are among the most serious criminal offenses one can face. In New Jersey, a homicide conviction can result in life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record.
If you have been charged with homicide, a strong legal defense can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A Newark homicide lawyer has the skills necessary to handle your case from beginning to end, protecting your rights along the way. Contact our firm’s skilled criminal defense attorneys today.
In New Jersey, homicide is a broad term used to describe multiple offenses, each carrying different legal consequences. As noted in NJ Rev Stat § 2C:11-3 (2024), the most severe homicide charge is murder, which involves allegations of intentional or premeditated killing. A murder conviction may result in life imprisonment, underlining the essential nature of hiring a professional to build a strong legal defense strategy.
Manslaughter, defined in NJ Rev Stat § 2C:11-4 (2024), involves the unplanned death of another individual. In New Jersey, voluntary manslaughter occurs in the heat of passion, perhaps during a fight with another person. In contrast, involuntary manslaughter often results from reckless behavior, such as driving unsafely.
A person may also face charges of felony murder if a homicide occurs during the commission of another serious crime, such as a robbery. In such a case, the defendant could be charged with murder even if they were not directly responsible for the death.
There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter defense when fighting homicide charges. Rather, each case requires its own defense strategy. A Newark homicide attorney could assess the circumstances of an allegation to determine how to best represent a defendant. For instance, some cases may employ a self-defense strategy in which an attorney builds a case around the fact that the accused acted in defense of themselves or somebody else, justifying the homicide. A defense attorney may also assert that a violation of Constitutional rights occurred, perhaps due to police misconduct or improper interrogations, in an effort to dismiss evidence.
Some defense strategies will make arguments that the accused was not the one who committed the crime. For instance, a lawyer may suggest the evidence in a case is weak or relies on witness misidentification. A defense attorney may also challenge a case by providing evidence that the accused was not at the scene of the crime when the homicide occurred.
Many people try to fight their cases alone but quickly discover navigating the criminal justice system without professional help is overwhelming, even for those facing charges less serious than homicide. Those who try to represent themselves often face difficulty meeting deadlines and understanding the nuances of state law.
A Newark homicide attorney could investigate a case thoroughly and challenge evidence presented by the prosecutor. A lawyer could also negotiate plea deals to reduce charges and penalties when possible. They could also protect the constitutional rights of the defendant throughout the legal process.
If you are accused of involuntary taking the life of another person, a Newark homicide lawyer could provide legal guidance and representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact The Law Office of Eric M. Mark to discuss your case and begin building the strong defense you need.
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