New Jersey Manslaughter & Aggravated Manslaughter Attorneys

Fighting to Help Clients Avoid Penalties for the Most Serious Criminal Allegations

Murder is the most serious crime under New Jersey law. Manslaughter and Aggravated Manslaughter are similar crimes where a person is killed, but the defendant did not possess the requisite mental state that Murder requires (knowingly or purposely). A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may be able to help if you’ve been charged with either of these crimes. However, not all attorneys will have the requisite experience to deal with these cases. You need a New Jersey manslaughter and aggravated manslaughter lawyer who consistently defends clients against such charges.

At The Bianchi Law Group, that’s precisely what we offer. You’ll work with a criminal defense lawyer who is more than just knowledgeable — because the legal professionals at our firm are former county prosecutors. This means they’ve dealt with these cases on both sides of the aisle. They know what it takes to establish reasonable doubt with a self-defense or other legal strategy. Whether you’re facing typical or upgraded aggravated manslaughter charges, our legal team is here to fight for a fair outcome on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Manslaughter vs. Aggravated Manslaughter

When discussing manslaughter charges, you’ll hear a lot of terms thrown around. Everything from reckless conduct to reasonable person will be brought up, but it’s important to remember that these charges can look very different based on the circumstances of your case. For instance, Vehicular Homicide, or “Death by Auto,” is a similar crime to manslaughter in which a person kills another person while driving a motor vehicle or vessel recklessly. In addition to a lengthy prison term, a Vehicular Homicide offense carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 5 years to Life,  which is not mandatory for Manslaughter or Aggravated Manslaughter.

The most common cases of Vehicular Manslaughter occur when a person kills another person while drinking and driving or operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs. However, this may not be the situation you find yourself in. That’s why understanding the difference in manslaughter charges can be beneficial to your case:

What Is Manslaughter?

A person is guilty of Manslaughter in New Jersey if they recklessly cause the death of another. N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(b). A person acts recklessly with respect to a material element of an offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor’s situation. N.J.S.A. 2C:2-2(a)(3).

Additionally, a person can be guilty of Manslaughter if the killing would otherwise be Murder (Purposely or Knowingly) under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, if it was committed in the heat of passion resulting from a reasonable provocation. This is considered a mitigating circumstance that would negate the purposeful or knowingly conduct.

What Is Aggravated Manslaughter?

A person is guilty of Aggravated Manslaughter in New Jersey if they recklessly cause death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life. N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(a).The phrase “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life” does not focus on the defendant’s state of mind but rather on the circumstances under which the defendant acted.

In light of all the evidence, if the jury were to find that the defendant’s conduct resulted in a probability as opposed to a mere possibility of death, then the jury may find that the defendant acted under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.

Additionally, a person can be guilty of Aggravated Manslaughter if he causes the death of another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(a)(2).

Manslaughter and Aggravated Manslaughter Penalties in New Jersey

Aggravated manslaughter under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction, a person may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between 10 and 30 years. Aggravated manslaughter while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer is also a crime of the first degree, and upon conviction, a person may be sentenced to a term between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State prison.

Manslaughter is a crime of the second degree, and upon conviction,  a person may be sentenced to a term between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State prison. If a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the crime, the Sentencing Judge has the authority to postpone, suspend, or revoke for a period not to exceed two years the driver’s license, registration certificate, or both of any person convicted of a crime, disorderly persons offense, or petty disorderly persons offense. N.J.S.A. 2C:43-2(c).

The Sentencing Judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 for all convictions for Manslaughter and Aggravated Manslaughter in New Jersey.

Former Aggravated Manslaughter and Manslaughter Prosecutors

The Bianchi Law Group is made up of a team of former trial prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of most crimes in New Jersey and will defend you for all federal and state crimes in New Jersey, including Manslaughter or Aggravated Manslaughter.

This means that — regardless of the unique circumstances of your case — your legal representation will have intimate knowledge of the system you’re up against. At The Bianchi Law Group, our primary goal will always be to help clients avoid a manslaughter conviction.

Accomplishing this feat can look very different between cases, and in some instances, the best possible outcome may involve a plea deal that reduces potential penalties. However, it’s important to not make assumptions. Let our New Jersey manslaughter lawyers review your case today.

We’ll help you decide how to best move forward.

Why Choose The Bianchi Law Group to Fight Manslaughter Charges?

At The Bianchi Law Group, we fight for clients facing serious criminal homicide accusations. Our dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys actively:

• Leverage our unique experience as former manslaughter prosecutors to provide unparalleled defense.
• Investigate every detail of your case to build a robust defense strategy.
• Analyzes evidence meticulously to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiates aggressively on your behalf to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• Advocates fiercely in court, presenting compelling arguments to protect your rights and freedom.

Trust The Bianchi Law Group to guide you through this challenging time with expertise and commitment.

Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are also both certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Criminal Trial Attorneys. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Supreme Court has a certification committee that classifies certain New Jersey Lawyers as New Jersey criminal defense attorneys. The process requires the prospective attorneys to satisfy strict criteria, including extensive jury trials, a primary focus on criminal law, an application submission, a peer review process, a character and background check, and passing a written examination.

Only 250 of over 98,000 lawyers (less than 1%) are designated as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This should be an important factor in finding a New Jersey criminal defense attorney to represent you. Many New Jersey Lawyers describe themselves as trial attorneys, but most do not have the New Jersey Court’s distinction as Certified Criminal Trial Attorney.

Contact Our New Jersey Manslaughter and Aggravated Manslaughter Lawyers Today

Like in all of our cases handled at the Bianchi Law Group, our experienced team of former prosecutors is there to hold the Government to its burden to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If our attorneys cannot resolve the case with a dismissal or a fair and just plea bargain, our lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group will not hesitate to select a jury and take the case to trial.

That is what we do and what distinguishes us from other attorneys. We are former prosecutors, trial-tested, and certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as certified criminal trial attorneys. We will not hesitate to go to trial to fight for a fair outcome on your behalf. Let our New Jersey manslaughter lawyers review your case and provide guidance on how to secure a favorable outcome.

Contact our team at (862) 292-4442 today for your free consultation.