Somerville Murder Lawyer

Somerville Murder Attorney

Finding yourself accused of murder in Somerville, New Jersey, is one of the most serious and frightening experiences anyone can encounter. These charges can carry heavy consequences, such as lengthy prison sentences and even life without the possibility of parole. If you are dealing with murder charges in New Jersey, you need an experienced Somerville murder lawyer who can protect your rights and future.

Murder Manslaughter

If you’ve been charged with a serious offense like murder, aggravated manslaughter, manslaughter, or vehicular homicide, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. You need an attorney with the expertise to handle complex criminal homicide laws.

Murder

Murder occurs when a person knowingly or purposely causes death or serious bodily injury resulting in the death of another. Felony Murder occurs when a person causes the death of another during the commission of certain violent crimes, such as robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, arson, burglary, or terrorism.

Murder is the most serious homicide offense, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison. A mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole may apply to murders committed under certain aggravating circumstances. In New Jersey, the death penalty is also still a potential sentence for certain murders.

Manslaughter/ Death by Automobile

Aggravated manslaughter is also a serious homicide crime. It occurs when a person causes the death of another under circumstances showing reckless indifference to human life or when a person causes the death of another while resisting arrest. Aggravated manslaughter carries a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison.

Manslaughter is considered less serious and thus carries a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison. It occurs when a person recklessly causes the death of another. It can also occur when a person intentionally causes the death of another in the heat of passion following sufficient provocation, such as a person catching his or her spouse in the act of adultery.

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide occurs when a person causes the death of another while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when recklessly operating a car or other vehicle. It carries a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison. However, a person may face a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison if they cause a death while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are also within 1,000 feet of a school.

Strict Liability Homicide

If you are operating a vehicle while under the influence and are involved in an accident wherein someone dies, you face up to 5 years in prison, even if the accident was not your fault.

​Kidnapping

Next to murder, kidnapping is among the most serious crimes under New Jersey Criminal Law. Kidnapping occurs when a person removes or confines another to:

• Hold as hostage
• Facilitate the commission of another crime
• Terrorize
• Interfere with government function
• Permanently deprive a parent or legal guardian of custody over the victim

Kidnapping carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison. If the victim is under the age of 16 and suffers a sexual assault during the kidnapping or is delivered to another for pecuniary gain, it carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and implicates Megan’s Law.

Common Murder Defenses in Somerville

Most murder charges in Somerville will be heard at the Somerset County Superior Court on North Bridge Street. You need an attorney who has experience working in this court system with the judges and prosecution who will be attached to your case. At Wronko & Loewen, we are familiar with every aspect of the local criminal justice system. Our attorneys are ready to defend you, whatever your specific murder charges might entail. Depending on the details of your case, common defenses can include:

• Acting in self-defense, in defense of others, or in defense of property in moments of imminent harm.
• A plea of insanity, or not being in sound mind when the crime was committed.
• Having a lack of intent and proving there was no intention on the defendant’s part to cause harm.
• Challenging any evidence in the case and identifying weaknesses.
• Establishing an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime.

FAQs About Somerville, NJ Murder Laws

What Are Common Aggravating Factors in a Murder Case?

In New Jersey, there are several aggravating factors that can raise the stakes when it comes to the penalties you may face. These aggravating factors include cases where the victim is less than 14 years old, the defendant already has a prior murder conviction, the victim was a public servant and was murdered while taking part in their official duties, or the murder was for hire.

Does New Jersey Have the Death Penalty for Murder?

No, as of 2007, New Jersey does not have the death penalty for crimes of murder. The state sees 3.8 murders every year for every 100,000 residents. Most cases will result in prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record for individuals convicted of these crimes.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me When Facing Murder Charges?

When you are charged with murder in New Jersey, you are not legally required to have an attorney represent you, but their counsel and representation can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case. Your attorney can uncover evidence to support you, build a strategic defense, and argue your defense before a judge and jury.

Does the State Need to Prove Causation to Convict a Defendant of Murder?

To convict an individual of murder in New Jersey, the state will need to prove causation. To do so, the prosecution will need to prove two elements of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. They must show that, if not for the defendant’s alleged conduct, the victim would not have died. In addition, the death of the victim must have been designed or contemplated by the defendant.

Speak With a Committed, Fierce Legal Advocate About Your Murder Charges

To ensure your rights are protected in a murder case in Somerville, New Jersey, it is vital that you have an attorney on your side. The criminal defense attorneys at Wronko & Loewen are ready to do whatever it takes to secure your innocence. Let us focus on the legalities of the case and provide you with the support you deserve at this difficult time. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation.