New Jersey Murder Charges Attorney

Homicide Defense Lawyer in Haddonfield, NJ Defends Clients Charged with Murder and Other Violent Crimes in Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and Throughout South Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, when a person kills another person, no matter the circumstances it is a homicide. There are varying degrees of homicide, including manslaughter, first-degree murder and felony murder. If you or someone you love is facing murder charges in South Jersey, it is critically important to retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer. With decades of experience that include 15 years prosecuting crimes before I founded The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I will fight for your freedom. I am passionate about defending clients who have been wrongly accused and preserving their rights.

If You Have Been Arrested For Homicide Or Murder Charges

If you have been arrested and are under investigation for homicide or murder charges, no matter what the category of the crime, it is critically important to exercise your right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Next, act quickly to retain the most experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney you can find to fight for your rights while protecting your reputation and freedom. At The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I understand how frightening and overwhelming being charged with murder can be, and work to see that you are thoroughly defended to the fullest extent of the law.

First-Degree Murder Charges In New Jersey

In New Jersey, murder is a crime of the first degree and carries the most severe penalties for a conviction, including life in prison. However, in order for New Jersey prosecutors to obtain a first-degree murder conviction, they must be able to prove that there was an intention to kill or cause serious bodily harm that resulted in death.

Felony Murder Charges In New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, felony murder occurs when the actor kills another individual while performing a felony crime, attempting to commit a crime or fleeing after a crime. Felony murder carries stiff penalties, including life in prison. Unlike typical murder charges in New Jersey, the state does not have to prove the actor had the intent to kill when charged with felony murder. Even if the killer had no plan to kill or physically harm the victim during the associated felony crime, all participants in the crime can be held directly responsible.

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Charges Of Manslaughter In New Jersey

In a manslaughter charge, the level of intent is different than that of a murder charge. With a manslaughter charge, the accused acted out of recklessness, rather than an intent to cause harm or death. In New Jersey, there are four different types of manslaughter charges:

• Aggravated manslaughter: extreme indifference to the value of human life that recklessly causes the death of another
• Aggravated manslaughter in an attempt to flee: in the process of eluding or fleeing law enforcement, the death of another occurs
• Heat of passion: sudden rage without rational thought that results in death
• Involuntary manslaughter: reckless actions or negligence that results in the death of another

Manslaughter charges are common if there was negligence that resulted in a car accident that killed another.

Criminal Convictions For Murder: Your Future Is On The Line

In New Jersey, the death penalty is not an option as it was abolished in New Jersey in 2007. However, the consequences associated with a first-degree murder conviction, or any murder conviction, are life-changing. Penalties for murder charges in New Jersey, include a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison. A life sentence is the maximum penalty for first-degree murder convictions. If aggravating circumstances, such as murdering a police officer or prior convictions, are involved, the punishment is likely to be more severe. An example of intentional murder would be if someone is accused of committing arson and people die as a result. Camden prosecutors will likely attempt to prove the intentional act was committed in a purposeful and knowing manner which a reasonable person should know would result in death.

As a former Camden County assistant prosecutor, I know how my former colleagues build their cases against murder defendants. I use that knowledge and my experience to help you fight your murder charges and defend your freedom. If you are facing murder charges in Camden County, Cherry Hill, Washington Township or Atlantic City, or elsewhere in South Jersey, I can help.

Don’t Wait. Call Now To Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you have been charged with murder or homicide, I am here to serve as your legal counsel, defend your rights and help you understand your case proceedings every step of the way. Contact my office at 856-754-5501 or send me a message to schedule an initial, free consultation. I will answer your questions and explain more about how I can help you.