New Jersey
Murder Lawyer
New Jersey Murder Attorney
Facing murder charges in New Jersey is one of the most serious legal situations an individual can encounter. If you or a loved one is accused of killing another person, it is essential to retain the services of a New Jersey murder lawyer who understands the intricacies of the legal system.
Murder and homicide charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and even life imprisonment. With so much at stake, having an experienced attorney on your side is critical to navigating your case and protecting your rights.
That’s why the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, is ready to guide you through this difficult process and defend your criminal case in court.
Understanding Murder and Homicide Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, murder is considered a first-degree crime, the most serious category of offenses. This means the legal consequences for a murder conviction are extremely severe.
To prove murder, the prosecution must establish that the defendant knowingly—and purposely—caused the death of another person or that the defendant’s actions demonstrated extreme recklessness, resulting in someone’s death.
To prove murder, the prosecution must establish that the defendant knowingly—and purposely—caused the death of another person or that the defendant’s actions demonstrated extreme recklessness, resulting in someone’s death.
Degrees of Murder in NJ
In New Jersey, murder is broken down into degrees, each carrying its own set of legal standards and potential penalties:
- First-Degree Murder: This charge is filed when a person is accused of intentionally—and knowingly—causing the death of another individual. It also includes killings that occur while committing certain felonies, such as robbery or sexual assault (known as felony murder). Convictions for first-degree murder can lead to life imprisonment or years with no possibility of parole.
- Second-Degree Murder: In cases where a defendant acted with extreme recklessness but did not intend to cause death, the charges may be reduced to second-degree murder. While this charge is still serious, the penalties are generally less severe than those for first-degree murder.
- Manslaughter: Manslaughter is not as severe a charge as murder, and it is typically categorized as either involuntary or voluntary. Voluntary manslaughter involves a killing that occurs in the heat of passion, while involuntary manslaughter involves a death that was caused by reckless behavior without any intent to kill.
Each of these charges requires a different approach in terms of defense.
Legal Defenses in Murder Cases
When facing murder charges, the stakes are incredibly high. A homicide attorney may select one or more of several potential defenses to protect you:
- Self-Defense: One of the most common defenses in murder cases is self-defense. If the defendant believed they were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, they may argue that the killing was necessary to protect themselves or others.
- Lack of Intent: For first-degree murder charges, a prosecutor must establish that the defendant intended to kill the victim. If the killing was accidental, this could be grounds for reducing the charges to manslaughter or another lesser offense.
- Insanity Defense: In some cases, the defendant may argue that they were not mentally capable of understanding the nature of their actions at the time of the killing. This defense is complex and requires significant evidence, including psychiatric evaluations.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can explore all possible defenses to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.
The Legal Consequences of a Murder Conviction
A conviction for murder in New Jersey can lead to some of the harshest penalties under state law. The exact sentence depends on the degree of the crime and any aggravating factors present in the case, such as the use of a weapon or the killing of a law enforcement officer.
- Life Imprisonment: First-degree murder carries the possibility of life in prison, with the chance of parole only after serving a minimum number of years. In cases where there are aggravating circumstances, the court may impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
- Extended Prison Terms: Even if life imprisonment is not imposed, first-degree murder can result in an extensive prison term. Second-degree murder and manslaughter carry lighter sentences, but these charges can still result in decades behind bars.
- Criminal Record: A murder conviction stays on your criminal record – permanently – affecting every aspect of your life, from employment opportunities to personal relationships.
Because of these severe consequences, if you are facing charges, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
FAQs About New Jersey Murder Laws
How Many Years Do You Get for Murder in NJ?
In New Jersey, a conviction for first-degree murder typically results in a sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum number of years before the possibility of parole. In cases involving aggravating factors, such as the murder of a law enforcement officer or multiple victims, the defendant may receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
How Many Years Do You Get for Attempted Murder in New Jersey?
Attempted murder in New Jersey is a first-degree crime and carries severe penalties. If convicted, the defendant may face a prison term. The exact length of the sentence depends on the circumstances surrounding the attempted killing and any aggravating factors involved, such as whether the intended victim was a government official or the act was committed while engaged in another offense.
How Long Is a Life Sentence in New Jersey?
A life sentence in New Jersey means that the individual spends the rest of their life in prison. However, for certain murder convictions, the defendant may be eligible for parole after serving a certain part of their sentence. In cases involving aggravating factors, such as the killing of a police officer or a particularly heinous crime, the court may impose life without the possibility of parole.
What Is the Difference Between a Murder and a Homicide?
Homicide is a broad term that refers to the killing of one person by another. It encompasses all forms of killing, including murder, manslaughter, and justifiable killings, such as self-defense. Murder, however, is a specific type of homicide that involves intentional—or reckless—killing without legal justification. Not all homicides are considered murder, and an attorney can determine the nature of the charge based on the circumstances of the death.
Contact a New Jersey Murder Lawyer
The legal system moves fast, and the consequences of a murder conviction are life-altering. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can formulate a compelling defense against your charges and advocate for you in court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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If you were wrongly accused of committing a crime in the state of New York, then you want to get a lawyer that is going to fight for your rights. You want a lawyer that will hear you out, and get you the results that you deserve.
Robert Tsigler offers a risk free consultation to all potential clients. The fees that are charged are highly reasonable as well, and they also offer payment plans. During the initial consultation, this firm answer any and every question that clients may have. Robert Tsigler and his team discuss all of the aspects of the case and the possible repercussions. The Tsigler team helps clients to learn how to fight against their accusations, and they investigate all of the possible ways to get the case dismissed. At the firm of Robert Tsigler, they realize that time is of the essence, so they have 24/7 availability. The Robert Tsigler team makes sure to return all of their emails and calls within hours, and they have results that are completely and totally unbeatable.
Robert Tsigler is an individual who has lived in New York for all of his life. He works in courts in New Jersey, New York and an all throughout the United States. Robert Tsigler works with civil and criminal law, and he has been able to help in the prosecution of hundreds of different cases. Robert Tsigler graduated from the University of New York with a bachelors in Arts of Criminal Justice and Psychology. Tsigler also received his Jurist Doctorate from The New York Law School. Robert Tsigler has received the following awards and honors: The National Trial Lawyers Association, The National Academy of Conference Attorneys: Top 10 under 40, Super lawyers 2017, and The American Institute of Legal Counsel: 10 Best Attorneys of 2017. Robert Tsigler is a person who has been able to gain the respect and trust of thousands of individuals. He is a well known name because of all of the time and effort that he has put into each and every one of his cases. Robert Tsigler does not stop until he is able to get his clients what they deserve; that is the reason why he is an award-winning lawyer.
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