Monmouth County Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense in Middlesex County and Across the State
Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo has over 18 years of experience helping defendants. Attorney Carlos Diaz-Cobo has built a strong reputation here in New Jersey and across the country for his work as a defense lawyer. He’s won national awards and received media recognition from major outlets, including ABC, NBC, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and Fox News. When you or someone you care about is facing a manslaughter charge, Attorney Diaz-Cobo, and his dedicated team will do everything in their power to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation.
Call (848) 207-2709 or contact us online today. We serve clients in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and across the state of New Jersey.
Manslaughter in New Jersey Law
Manslaughter refers to the unlawful killing of another person but without the premeditated intent required for a murder charge. Manslaughter involves acts ranging from impulsive outbursts that result in a loss of life to negligent behavior leading to fatal accidents.
New Jersey law generally classifies manslaughter in three ways:
- Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a killing takes place in the heat of passion or as a reaction to provocation. For example, an altercation that escalates into a deadly confrontation could fall under this category.
- Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, results from reckless or negligent behavior without the intent to harm, such as mishandling a dangerous object or ignoring safety regulations.
- Vehicular manslaughter involves deaths caused by reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, or other negligent use of a vehicle.
The penalties for manslaughter convictions in New Jersey will vary based on the case, although the typical benchmark is a second-degree crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine that can go as high as $150,000.
Vehicular manslaughter is often punishable by 5 to 10 years in most cases, but DUI-related incidents can come with enhanced penalties, including mandatory suspension of driving privileges.
The complexities involved in manslaughter charges call for careful legal examination to build a strong defense.
Defending Against Manslaughter Charges
Several defense approaches are commonly employed, depending on the unique circumstances of a case.
Self-defense could be a viable argument in voluntary manslaughter cases if the accused acted to protect themselves from imminent harm, even if the outcome tragically resulted in death. Demonstrating the threat faced and the proportionality of the response is key in these cases.
A lack of intent provides another defense angle. This is particularly relevant in involuntary manslaughter scenarios, as prosecutors are required to prove negligence or recklessness led to the unintentional death.
When facing serious criminal charges, you need a relentless, trial-ready defense. As a Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and award-winning attorney, Carlos Diaz-Cobo has the experience, reputation, and courtroom skill to fight for the best outcome in your case.
Understanding Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in Manslaughter Cases
Aggravating and mitigating factors play a critical role in determining the outcome of manslaughter cases in New Jersey. These factors influence how a court perceives the severity of the offense and, subsequently, the penalties imposed.
Aggravating factors are elements of a case that can lead to harsher sentencing. For example, if the offense involved a vulnerable victim, such as a child, elderly person, or disabled individual, the penalties may be elevated. Similarly, the use of a weapon, committing manslaughter during another crime, or prior criminal convictions can significantly worsen the sentencing parameters.
Another aggravating factor might include showing indifference toward the outcome of reckless actions, such as driving excessively under the influence in a vehicular manslaughter case. These circumstances paint the accused in a negative light and often lead to stricter punishment.
