Aggressive Atlantic City Lawyer Fights Aggravated Manslaughter Charges in Cape May, Atlantic & Ocean Counties

New Jersey law enforcement officials take all criminal activity seriously. However, there are few crimes considered more egregious than aggravated manslaughter. This is a crime of the first degree, and if convicted, the defendant will likely be facing harsh penalties including significant time in prison.

When your freedom is on the line, you can’t take chances with your legal representation. You need to choose a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows the laws, how prosecutors work and a variety of defense strategies to fight for your freedom and reputation. John W. Tumelty has been representing people accused of serious violent crimes in Brigantine, Little Egg Harbor, Margate, Atlantic City and throughout South Jersey for more than 35 years. He is a former prosecutor which gives him unique insight into the way the other side thinks and operates. He will protect your rights throughout the entire process.

Why You Need a Skilled and Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight Your Aggravated Manslaughter Charges in Brigantine, Ventnor and Longport

A manslaughter conviction in New Jersey can ruin your life. In addition to time in prison, you will have a permanent criminal record. A felony record can prevent you from getting work, an apartment, loans, and more. Further, your conviction will be public record which means your reputation will be forever marked. A battle-tested criminal defense lawyer like Mr. Tumelty can use all his resources and experience to fight your charges. He will leave no stone unturned as he seeks to discredit witnesses, collect evidence to vindicate you of your charges and will fight tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected.

Mr. Tumelty has successfully defended clients in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor and other communities in Cape May, ocean and Atlantic counties in South Jersey.

It’s important to know that Aggravated Manslaughter, (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(a)), is the first degree charge applied when a person dies and it can be proven that the person who committed the crime caused the death by acting recklessly “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.” The main difference between aggravated manslaughter and the two other types of manslaughter charges, reckless manslaughter and “in the heat of passion” charges, both second degree crimes, is the intent of the perpetrator. To be charged with aggravated manslaughter, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted with extreme recklessness in causing a fatality and acted with an extreme indifference to the value of a human life.

Mr. Tumelty may be able to prove that you have been wrongly charged with aggravated manslaughter. Perhaps you were involved in a fight that got out of control in a bar. Situations like this often create “he said, she said” scenarios. Mr. Tumelty will make sure your involvement, if any, is clear and understood by authorities. Additionally, the situation you were involved in may have been the result of a heat of the moment decision. You shouldn’t have to spend a good amount of your life behind bars because of a miscommunication.

Contact Mr. Tumelty as soon as possible so he can get starting mounting your defense.

Penalties Associated with Aggravated Manslaughter in New Jersey

• Someone convicted of aggravated manslaughter in New Jersey may be sentenced to between 10 and 35 years in prison and forced to pay up to $200,000 in fines.
• If the aggravated manslaughter was committed while the defendant was trying to flee or escape law enforcement (eluding the police), the penalty could be between 10 and 20 years in NJ State prison and forced to pay up to $150,000 in fines.
• If a motor vehicle is involved during the commission of the killing, Death by Auto, the judge also has the discretion to suspend or revoke the defendant’s driver’s license and/or registration for up to two years.

Aggravated manslaughter triggers New Jersey’s No Early Release Act. This means that anyone convicted of this offense must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Depending on the circumstances of your situation and the charges you are facing, Mr. Tumelty may be able to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. There are many options Mr. Tumelty will consider after speaking with you and getting a better understanding of what happened. Rest assured, he believes in the importance of client communication. He will be available to you 24/7 and will always keep you informed about your case and be available to answer any questions you have.

Contact a Battle-Tested Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight Your Aggravated Manslaughter Charges in South Jersey

John Tumelty is a former prosecutor who is fully equipped to tenaciously fight your serious aggravated manslaughter charges. He knows the tactics prosecutors use to try these types of cases and he will put his knowledge of NJ criminal laws and his trial experience to work for you. When your freedom and reputation are at stake, you can’t trust your defense to just any criminal lawyer. You need legal representation from a successful trial lawyer who will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Contact Mr. Tumelty for a free consultation in one of his three South Jersey offices in Atlantic City, Marmora and Somers Point. You can rest assured that he will give your case the personalized attention it deserves. He will fight hard for you because he knows that manslaughter charges are serious and that a conviction will impact your life for a long time to come.

Contact Mr. Tumelty today for a free consultation about your charges. He’s on your side.