You may have regretfully and accidentally behaved and acted in a way that caused the tragic death of an innocent victim. Or, you may have caused them to sustain serious bodily injuries that, in the coming days, weeks, or even months, led to their eventual passing. With this, you may be prosecuted for manslaughter. If this is your case, please follow along to find out the different types of manslaughter charges observed in New Jersey and how a proficient Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can help you reduce or eliminate the penalties possibly against you.
What are the different types of manslaughter charges administered in NJ?
Of note, not all states have criminal laws that distinguish manslaughter as a subcategory of homicide. However, the state of New Jersey observes three different types of manslaughter offenses. Firstly, and arguably most seriously, there is aggravated manslaughter. This is legally defined as reckless conduct that demonstrates an extreme indifference to human life and that ultimately results in another person’s death. Or, this may also be charged if you cause another person’s death while recklessly fleeing or attempting to flee a law enforcement officer.
Next, there is reckless manslaughter. This differs in that there is no exhibition of extreme indifference to human life. The New Jersey criminal court may determine what is and is not an extreme indifference on a case-by-case basis. Lastly, there is passion/provocation manslaughter. In this circumstance, you may have been provoked by another person’s behaviors and actions, and responded in the same way a reasonable person would. Then, you may have accidentally caused the death of another person in the “heat of passion.”
What are the potential penalties associated with a manslaughter conviction?
If you are found guilty of aggravated murder in the state of New Jersey, you may be charged with a first-degree criminal offense. And so, the criminal court may charge you with a prison sentence of anywhere between 10 to 30 years. As for reckless manslaughter and passion/provocation manslaughter, this is a second-degree crime that means possibly five to 10 years of imprisonment, along with other associated criminal consequences.
You must prepare for the possibility that the court may instead rule that you are guilty of committing murder. This is if the judge believes that your actions were intentional and you thereby purposefully caused the death of another person. This is similarly charged as a first-degree offense, except now you may face anywhere from 30 years to a lifetime in prison. What’s worse, you may not be granted parole eligibility until you serve at least 30 years’ worth of this sentence.
Do not let your legal initiatives stop after reading this blog. The next action you should take is calling us at Graves Andrews, LLC and retaining the services of a talented Morristown criminal defense lawyer. Rest assured, we will take the reins from here on out.