Battle-Tested Atlantic City Criminal Defense Attorney Fights Manslaughter Charges in Atlantic, Ocean & Cape May Counties
Manslaughter is not the same thing as murder. In both situations, someone was killed. However, whether police bring charges of manslaughter or murder/homicide has to do with the intent behind the act. If a person dies due to another person’s reckless or negligent behavior, that may be considered manslaughter. It would be considered murder, on the other hand, if the defendant intended to commit the heinous crime.
There are several types of manslaughter charges in New Jersey, but they all have one thing in common. If you or someone you love is facing a manslaughter charge, it’s important you don’t waste any time contacting a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who will leave no stone unturned as he investigates what happened and builds a defense that will safeguard your criminal record and freedom. This is true not only because you may be facing several years in prison but also because a manslaughter conviction triggers NJ’s No Early Release Act. John W. Tumelty has successfully defended countless clients facing manslaughter and other criminal charges in Wildwood, Little Egg Harbor, Brigantine and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Contact him today for a free consultation about your case.
What is Manslaughter?
A police officer may charge someone with manslaughter if they are believed to have recklessly caused a death by showing extreme indifference and conscious disregard for human life.” They might not have actively intended for someone to die, but they took action that brought about the fatality.
Aggravated Manslaughter: This first degree felony charge applies when the defendant allegedly caused the victim’s death, in a reckless manner with “extreme indifference to human life.”
Reckless manslaughter: To prove guilt of this second degree felony charge, prosecutors must be able to prove that the defendant acted with “conscious disregard” of the substantial risk that his or her behavior would cause death.
Heat of Passion Death: When someone takes action to kill another in the “heat of passion” or “heat of the moment,” it’s usually considered purposeful homicide. However, depending on the circumstances, if prosecutors believe the death occurred after “reasonable provocation,” meaning another ordinary, reasonable person would have taken the some violent action, the defendant may face second degree manslaughter charges as opposed to murder charges.
Mr. Tumelty has successfully defended clients in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor and other South Jersey towns. Put his experience to work for you.
What are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Ventnor, Brigantine and Longport New Jersey?
The most egregious type of manslaughter is called “aggravated manslaughter.” It is a first degree felony crime. If you are convicted of this charge, you can be sentenced to prison for between 10 and 35 years. You will also have to pay a stiff fine – up to $200,000.
“Reckless Manslaughter” and “Heat of Passion Manslaughter” are categorized as second degree felonies. Someone convicted of either of these charges may be sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison and up to $150,000 in fines.
All three of these convictions fall under the No Early Release Act. This means that, if convicted and sentenced to prison, you would not be eligible for parole until you have served 85 percent of your sentence.
If you are facing manslaughter charges in New Jersey, you likely already know that your freedom may be at stake. Do not take chances with your future. Hire a criminal defense lawyer who will skillfully and aggressively fight your charges and protect your interests.
Talk to a Successful Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlantic City about your Manslaughter Charges Today
If you are facing manslaughter, murder or any other violent crime charges, you need a battle-tested criminal defense lawyer on your side. For more than 35 years, John Tumelty has been successfully representing clients throughout South Jersey who have been charged with manslaughter. Put his experienced as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney to work for you.
Contact Mr. Tumelty today for a free consultation about your charges. He has three conveniently located offices in Marmora, Atlantic City and Somers Point, NJ. He will also do a free phone consultation. Don’t wait another moment. Call Mr. Tumelty today to find out how he can protect your freedom, your record and your reputation.
