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When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
NEW JERSEY MURDER AND HOMICIDE OFFENSE DEFENSE LAWYERS
NEW JERSEY MURDER AND HOMICIDE OFFENSE DEFENSE LAWYERS
The term “homicide” covers any death caused by a purposeful, knowing, reckless, or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. If the effort to kill another person is intentional, the criminal offense that results is murder. This is unquestionably one of the most serious offenses that an individual can face in New Jersey with penalties that include life behind bars. Your loved one certainly requires representation by an attorney with extensive trial experience if they want to have the greatest chance of avoiding a life of incarceration.
New Jersey Murder Charges
The murder statute is contained in section N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3 and outlines what is essentially two separate criminal charges:
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
murder on the basis of purposeful or knowing conduct; and
felony murder.
Purposely or Knowingly Committing Murder In Violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-2a
Subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 2C:11-3 cover murders where the actor either purposely or knowingly causes the death or they inflict serious bodily injury to another person and the resulting injuries result in their death. Three (3) distinct elements of proof are necessary to convict a defendant for murder.
a death must have occurred
death or serious injuries that lead to death must have been caused by the accused and
the defendant’s actions must have been purposely or knowingly.
Murder was committed purposely if the accused had the conscious object to cause death or serious bodily injury. The commission of murder is “knowing” when the defendant is aware that death or serious bodily injury is practical certain from their conduct.
Felony Murder (Murder Committed During the Course of Certain Major Crimes) Under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-2b(2),(3) or (4)
The second way murder can be committed is by causing the death of another person during the course of committing or fleeing from one of the crimes set forth in subsection (a)(3) of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3. The crimes that trigger exposure to a felony murder charge include
robbery,
sexual assault,
arson,
burglary,
kidnapping,
carjacking,
criminal escape, or
It is critical that you keep in mind that felony murder does not apply to conspiracy to commit one of these offenses but only to those who actively participate in the commission of the crime. To prove a charge of felony murder, the state must first demonstrate that the defendant committed a predicate offense such as robbery. Second, the defendant must have caused the death or serious injuries leading to death during the course of committing or immediate flight from commission of the offense.
Prison Sentences for Murder in New Jersey
The baseline or minimum sentence that someone can receive if convicted of the first-degree crime of murder is thirty (30) years without the possibility of parole (that is, a sentence of 30 years with no possibility of parole or sentenced for up to life imprisonment with 30 years of parole ineligibility).
The term of imprisonment is gets raised to life without the possibility of parole if the victim was a police officer and was murdered during the performance of his/her normal duties or if the victim was under eighteen (18) years old and the defendant committed the murder after subjecting the victim to aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual contact. The court must also impose life without parole if the homicide was committed for hire (as in a hit, involving payment of money), ordered by the leader of a drug trafficking network or the murder was committed during the course of an act of terrorism, and a jury finds that one of the following applies:
The defendant has a previous conviction for murder;
The defendant gave rise to a grave risk of death to another person (in addition to the victim);
The defendant’s behavior was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible or inhuman in that it involved torture, depravity of mind, or an aggravated assault to the victim;
The defendant committed the crime in exchange for money or procured the murder by paying money;
The murder happened for the purpose of escaping detection, apprehension, trial, punishment or confinement for another offense committed by the defendant or another;
The murder happened while the defendant was engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after the commission of or attempt to commit murder, robbery, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, terrorism, or carjacking;
The accused murdered a public servant engaged in the performance of his official duties;
The accused was the leader of a narcotics trafficking network and committed, commanded or by threat or promise solicited the commission of the murder; or
The homicidal act that the defendant committed or procured happened in violation of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:17-2; or
The victim was younger than 14 years old.
Juvenile Waived Up to Adult Court for Murder in New Jersey
If the defendant to a murder charge is a juvenile who was waived up to adult court, he or she is subject to a 30-year sentence without the opportunity for parole except for where:
the murder victim is a police officer; or
the victim is younger than 14 years old and was murdered after being raped or otherwise sexually molested by the accused.
The juvenile gets sentenced to life without parole if either of these circumstances applies.
Manslaughter versus Murder in New Jersey Law
Intent is a prerequisite to committing murder so any evidence that can negate this element, for example, intoxication, mental defect, or reasonable belief that self-defense was a necessity, can prove product in reducing a murder charge to manslaughter. You should also be aware that voluntary manslaughter can also come into play where a person has a purpose to kill but is motivated by a sudden passion stemming from a provocation that would cause any reasonable person to lose control.
Pretrial Detention
The presumption of pretrial release shifts to the defendant for a murder charge. What this means is that a defendant charged with murder in New Jersey will need to present a compelling case in order to have the benefit of bail or release on pretrial supervision/monitoring.
What is Criminal Homicide in New Jersey?
As mentioned, Criminal Homicide has happened when an individual purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes the death of another human being. Accordingly, Criminal Homicide occurs in one of these the three (3) following crimes:
Murder
Manslaughter
Death by Auto
Death by Auto and Criminal Homicide in the State of New Jersey
When prosecuting Death by Auto, under Criminal Homicide, the State will need to demonstrate that the defendant was operating the car or vessel recklessly. A defendant behaves recklessly when he or she consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death by auto will result from his or her behavior. Intoxication will not suffice as a defense to this charge, as drunk driving is evidence in itself that the defendant operated the vehicle recklessly.
New Jersey Criminal Lawyers
Spodek Law Group is an experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Firm. We have the experience and skills you need to represent those accused of serious offenses like murder. For a free initial consultation, please contact our offices right away.
