New Jersey Murder Attorneys

Defending Clients Facing Violent Criminal Charges

Murder or criminal homicide is one of the most serious crimes under New Jersey law.  Murder was punishable by death until December 2007, at which time the New Jersey Legislature abolished the death penalty. Currently, the penalty for murder in New Jersey can range from 30 years to life without parole.

Under New Jersey law, a felony murder charge differs significantly from other murder charges. To be charged with felony murder in New Jersey, an accused individual must have been in the process of committing certain enumerated crimes and subsequently killed someone in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit such crimes.

In a felony murder case, it does not need to be proven that the accused individual attempted or intended to murder or harm the victim in question. Similarly, in unique cases where death, even an accidental death, has occurred in the commission of an attempt to commit or flee after committing or attempting to commit a felony, the defendant will also be charged with felony murder.

If you are a New Jersey resident who is being investigated or who has been arrested on a felony murder charge, it is crucial that you understand how a felony murder charge differs from a standard murder charge, as both carry serious consequences. Our criminal defense attorneys at The Bianchi Law Group, LLC can help and offer a free consultation to anyone facing this challenging situation. Call us immediately at 862-292-4442 to schedule your confidential consultation with our compassionate, capable team of murder defense lawyers.

What Felonies, Also Known as Indictable Crimes in New Jersey, Lead To A Felony Murder Charge?

Many people wonder what situations could merit a felony murder charge. These are some of the most serious criminal offenses, resulting in severe penalties. If you or a loved one is facing any of the following crimes, you should contact highly skilled New Jersey criminal lawyers immediately for a strong criminal defense.

The following indictable crimes can lead to a felony murder charge in New Jersey:

• Robbery
• Sexual assault
• Arson
• Burglary
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking
• Criminal escape or terrorism

If you are arrested under the suspicion of one of the indictable crimes above, the prosecutor must prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, the prosecutor has the burden to prove that the death occurred during the course of the crime or attempt to commit the crime, or during an immediate flight from the crime.

Please rest assured that just being arrested for one of the above crimes does not mean you’ll necessarily be convicted. Our New Jersey criminal attorneys have helped countless individuals defeat or lower their felony murder charges, escaping the harsh penalties of a conviction. We’ll apply our know-how, honesty, and determination to get you the most favorable outcome possible in your criminal case. Call now to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your criminal charges and potential defense strategies.

What Are The Penalties For  Murder In New Jersey?

Murder is a crime of the first degree. According to New Jersey law, a murder conviction can result in up to life in prison. Other cases may result in lengthy prison sentences, during which the person shall not be eligible for parole or be sentenced to a specific term of years between 30 years and life imprisonment, of which the person shall serve 30 years before being eligible for parole.

Additionally, killing an on-duty officer of the peace or a minor under age 14 can lead to more serious charges, including losing the possibility of parole. Manslaughter and death by auto are both considered slightly less serious crimes and could result in lower penalties.

Our criminal defense lawyers can help identify and explain the charges you’re facing. We’ll start by discussing your options with you in terms you can understand and help you determine which path to follow in fighting your charges. Even if you made a mistake and committed a crime, you still have rights that must be defended. We can often get our clients lower charges if police officers violate their rights.

Contact The Bianchi Law Group, LLC, to learn more about how we can help with violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, and more. 

Can You Get The Death Penalty For  Murder In New Jersey?

No, the state of New Jersey does not apply the death penalty for any crime. In 2007, New Jersey abolished the death penalty as a criminal penalty. Now, the most severe penalty under the state is life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Even though you don’t need to fear the death penalty, lifetime imprisonment is a serious matter. Please act quickly to hire knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers like those at The Bianchi Law Group, LLC. We have a deep understanding of New Jersey law, including how the law impacts violent crime cases. Our fast thinking and honed negotiating skills may be able to save you from years in prison.

Aside from jail time and hefty legal fines, a conviction can also mean loss of rights following your case. For example, you could lose access to your children, have your professional licensing revoked, find it difficult to obtain employment or housing, and even be deported if you are an immigrant. Don’t face these challenges and risks alone. Call our criminal defense attorneys today.

How Can Our Team of Former Prosecutors Help You With a Murder Charge?

If you or someone you love has been accused of murder in New Jersey, you need to act fast to get the help you need. You will undoubtedly face severe penalties if found guilty of this charge and, without proper help, could be stuck with the highest penalties possible.

Our criminal defense lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group, LLC will source and compile all necessary documentation and evidence relevant to your murder case. This may include evidence like security camera footage from the scene of the crime, records from medical staff, or phone records. Our team of former prosecutors may be able to use this evidence to demonstrate that you did not commit the crime or that the crime was not committed in the matter in which you are accused.

We’ll also provide emotional support throughout this trying process. Our criminal defense lawyers will offer guidance as you answer police officers’ questions and defend you relentlessly in and out of court. You can count on our criminal defense team for legal counsel based on decades of experience, including years of experience as prosecutors. Let us help you fight your criminal charges. Call today.

I’ve Been Accused of Murder in NJ. What Do I Do Now?

It is essential to know that any murder case in New Jersey is exceptionally serious and can result in you receiving life-changing penalties. Being arrested can be stressful and may leave you feeling confused and worried about the future. Having the right legal team can provide you with the maximum benefits.

As soon as you’re arrested, you should contact our law office for help interacting with police officers and developing a strong defense. The Bianchi Law Group, LLC comprises a team of former prosecutors whose experience will provide you with a well-crafted defense. They will aggressively fight for your legal rights, not hesitate to bring your case to trial, and fight on your behalf to get you the best legal outcome possible. Having the proper legal defense in your corner can make all the difference.

The Bianchi Law Group, LLC is composed 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 murder. Call our criminal defense lawyers immediately to get ahead of the prosecution and seek favorable results in your murder/manslaughter case.

Are Your Criminal Trial Attorneys Confident and Qualified?

Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are 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 Certified Trial 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 pass 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. 

Your lawyer’s qualifications and experience 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 Attorneys.

Reach out to The Bianchi Law Group, LLC, for highly skilled attorneys with experience on both sides of the courtroom. We promise to leverage our talent, knowledge, and honed legal skills to offer excellent legal representation and counsel.

What Are the Penalties for a Murder Conviction in New Jersey?

As it stands, the maximum penalty for a conviction of first-degree murder in New Jersey is Life without Parole. In order for the sentencing judge to sentence a defendant to Life without Parole, a jury must find, beyond a reasonable doubt, an aggravating factor enumerated in the New Jersey Criminal Code at N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3(b)(4)(a)-(l) and one of the following circumstances:

• That the defendant killed the person by their own conduct OR
• The defendant procured the commission of the murder by payment or promise of payment of anything of pecuniary value OR
• The defendant, as a leader of a narcotics trafficking network and in furtherance of a conspiracy enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3, commanded or by threat or promise solicited the commission of the murder, OR
• The defendant committed a crime of terrorism, and the murder occurred during the commission of that terrorism.

Additionally, the sentencing judge may sentence the defendant to Life without Parole if the victim was a law enforcement officer or the victim was less than 14 years old, and the defendant commits a sexual assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 or criminal sexual conduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3.

If none of the above circumstances apply, the judge must balance the aggravating and mitigating factors found in the New Jersey Criminal Code and sentence the defendant to a term between 30 years and life imprisonment, of which the person shall serve 30 years before being eligible for parole. Life is considered 75 years in the State of New Jersey, and the defendant must serve 85% of their murder sentence before being eligible for parole (at least 30 years of parole eligibility).

The sentencing judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 for all murder convictions in New Jersey.

What Are My Options for Defense Strategies Against Murder Charges?

Like many crimes, your defense strategy will depend on the unique charges you’re facing. A defense attorney is the best resource you have for discovering how to properly defend yourself against first-degree murder, manslaughter, and related criminal offenses. These criminal defense matters are too important to leave up to chance or to an inexperienced group of criminal defense lawyers. Contact our law firm right away for help crafting a defense that meets your present and future needs.

Some examples of defense strategies we use for murder cases include:

• Self-defense – If you were acting in order to protect yourself or someone else, you might avoid a conviction through a self-defense strategy
• Lack of intent – Arguing lack of intent can be complicated because you may still end up with a conviction for manslaughter that still has serious repercussions. However, working with your criminal lawyer to construct a lack of intent case on your behalf can reduce the charges from the most serious first-degree offense 
• Lack of mental capacity – Claiming insanity can be another route to getting lowered or dismissed charges
• Alibi – If you can prove that you were not present at the scene of the crime, you may avoid a murder conviction

If you or a loved one is facing murder charges, please reach out to our NJ criminal attorneys immediately for help defending yourself. The New Jersey criminal justice system can be complicated and intimidating. With so much to lose, you need New Jersey criminal defense lawyers who understand the law and will fight for you. Call now to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Are There Aggravating Factors in Murder Cases?

As in many New Jersey criminal cases, aggravating factors can enhance your charges, making the potential penalties much more serious. In these situations, it is crucial to hire experienced New Jersey criminal attorneys who can prevent you from receiving the maximum sentencing under NJ criminal law.

Some examples of aggravating factors that could impact your ruling are:

• Cases where a deadly weapon was used
• Repeat offenses
• Use of torture or cruelty
• Killing an officer of the peace
• Cases where the victim was a minor under the age of 14
• Murder accompanied by other crimes, especially felonies

Our NJ criminal attorneys understand how frightening it can be to face such severe criminal charges. We’ll stand by your side as you seek to defend your criminal case. We also handle other criminal offenses, including drug crimes, domestic violence, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, drug distribution and possession, sexual assault, fraud crimes, criminal mischief, and traffic offenses like DWI. 

Our former county prosecutors have extensive experience on both sides of the legal battle. We understand how the prosecution thinks and will use that knowledge to defeat the prosecutor’s arguments whenever possible. Call our former prosecutors for legal representation when it matters most.

What Other Violent Crimes Does Your Law Firm Handle?

Murder and manslaughter are often considered the most serious violent crimes. However, any crime that injures or kills another person is extremely serious. You need a criminal lawyer with experience handling violent crimes so you don’t receive an unnecessarily harsh punishment or defend your innocence.

Some additional criminal charges our criminal defense attorneys handle include:

• Sex crimes
• Aggravated and simple assault
• Domestic violence
• Theft offenses
• Child pornography

We also handle DWI and drug-related crimes. Whether you have been charged with drug possession, drug distribution, or driving while under the influence, you should take these charges seriously. We offer a free consultation so you can get answers and hope right now when you need it most. Call our law firm for legal representation at this critical time.

Why Are Your Lawyers Different from Other Criminal Defense Attorneys?

In the legal profession, experience and confidence are crucial. Our former prosecutors have experienced the legal process from both sides of the courtroom, and we apply this knowledge and skill in each and every case. Our lead attorneys have both spent years as prosecutors, including time Attorney Bianchi spent serving as the chief law enforcement officer of Morris County.

With this level of experience and knowledge, you can rest assured that your case is in the right hands. Our reputation for success is recognized in the legal community, as seen through our numerous accolades and our record of success.

What’s more, we are known to truly care about each client, treating each person as an honored individual with inalienable rights. We promise to protect those rights as we help you navigate the NJ criminal justice system and seek favorable results in your case. We’ll leverage our talent, experience, and skill to provide you with a winning defense. Call now for a free initial consultation.

Should You Hire Our New Jersey Murder Attorneys?

Facing criminal charges can be scary. Murder charges are even more terrifying because of the potential years in prison and the aftermath of a criminal conviction. However, you don’t have to accept your charges and take whatever sentencing the judge hands out. You can defend yourself with the help of our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers.

Like in all of our cases handled at The Bianchi Law Group, LLC, our experienced team of former prosecutors is there to ensure the government can 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, LLC 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 and defend you against your homicide or manslaughter charges.

The prosecution won’t rest while it seeks a harsh punishment at your expense. Call The Bianchi Law Group, LLC, for serious attorneys who are prepared to handle serious cases. We won’t rest until we’ve developed a strong defense with the potential to defeat the prosecution. Get started today by calling 862-292-4442 to schedule your free consultation.