AVAILABLE 24/7 | FREE CONSULTATION
AVAILABLE 24/7 | FREE CONSULTATION
AVAILABLE 24/7 | FREE CONSULTATION
Manslaughter is a serious criminal offense that involves unlawfully causing another person’s death without the intent to kill. While it differs from murder in that it lacks premeditation or malice, it still carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and life-changing consequences. New Jersey law recognizes different forms of manslaughter, each with specific legal definitions and degrees of responsibility.
If you or someone you care about is facing a manslaughter charge in New Jersey, it’s vital to act quickly and secure skilled legal representation. A New Jersey homicide lawyer can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your case and identify the best defense strategies based on the evidence presented. At Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, our experienced New Jersey manslaughter lawyers can provide the strategic defense and compassionate guidance you need during this difficult time. We can thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact us today at (201) 880-5311 for a confidential consultation with our NJ criminal defense attorneys and begin protecting your rights and future.
We have years of experience in courts through NJ and NY and a proven track record of success in criminal cases.
Manslaughter is a form of criminal homicide under New Jersey law. It differs from murder because it lacks the element of malice or intent to kill. Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:11-4, a killing is considered manslaughter when:
In cases involving recklessness, the prosecution must prove that the defendant consciously disregarded a substantial risk that their actions could lead to someone’s death. This disregard must represent a serious deviation from how a reasonable person would act in the same situation. If the evidence only shows negligence, meaning the person failed to act carefully but without recklessness, it is not considered manslaughter under New Jersey law.
If you are facing manslaughter charges, a skilled New Jersey manslaughter lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. At Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, we can carefully examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed. With our knowledgeable team on your side, you have someone who can work diligently to defend your future, fighting to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Adam M. Lustberg is a highly skilled New Jersey lawyer who has dedicated his career to defending individuals accused of serious crimes. With over 14 years of criminal defense experience, he has represented clients at every stage of the criminal process from arrest and detention hearings to trial by jury. His passion for criminal law began at the Essex County Public Defender’s Office while he was a law student at Seton Hall University, where he first advocated for juveniles in court through the Juvenile Justice Clinic. That early exposure to the realities of the criminal justice system shaped his lifelong commitment to protecting the rights of the accused.
Mr. Lustberg has successfully defended clients facing charges of manslaughter, murder, assault, weapons offenses, and other serious crimes. Known for his meticulous case preparation, persuasive advocacy, and client-centered approach, Adam has earned recognition from Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Bergen’s Best Lawyers. He also maintains a 10/10 Avvo rating, reflecting his dedication to excellence and results. When facing manslaughter or homicide charges, clients trust Adam M. Lustberg to deliver skilled, strategic, and relentless representation.
A manslaughter conviction in New Jersey carries severe consequences that can affect every part of a person’s life. Under state law, manslaughter is classified as a second-degree crime. This means that a person found guilty can face between 10 and 20 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000. The court also considers aggravating and mitigating factors, such as intent, circumstances, and criminal history, when deciding the sentence.
In more serious cases, prosecutors may pursue aggravated manslaughter charges. This offense is a first-degree crime, which raises the penalties to 10 to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000. Aggravated manslaughter typically applies when a person causes someone’s death under circumstances that show extreme indifference to human life, such as reckless actions that create a high risk of death.
Both types of convictions are subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), which requires offenders to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole. Beyond imprisonment and fines, a conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can make it harder to find work, secure housing, or rebuild one’s reputation.
Facing manslaughter charges in New Jersey is a serious matter. Anyone accused should contact an experienced New Jersey manslaughter lawyer who can help them understand the charges against them, review the evidence, and develop a defense aimed at reducing or dismissing the penalties. Having skilled legal representation can make a difference in protecting your rights and guiding you through every stage of the case.
| Defense Strategy | When It Applies | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Mistaken Identity | The accused is not the person who committed the act or was not present at the scene. | The defense may use an alibi, witness statements, or physical evidence to prove non-involvement. |
| Self-Defense | The accused caused harm to protect themselves or another person from imminent danger. | The threat must be real, and the use of force must be reasonable under the circumstances. |
| Insanity | The accused could not understand their actions or know right from wrong due to mental illness. | Requires medical evaluation and proof of mental incapacity. |
| Lack of Intent | The prosecution cannot prove the accused acted recklessly or intentionally. | The defense argues the death was accidental or not caused by reckless behavior. |
| Accidental Death | The death occurred without criminal intent. | The defense may argue the act was a tragic accident rather than a criminal offense. |
A tenacious litigator who won’t back down. Prepared to challenge the evidence against you and will fight to protect your rights.
When facing a manslaughter charge, the right defense strategy can make a major difference in the outcome of a case. Every situation is unique, and the defense used will depend on the facts, evidence, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
One common defense is mistaken identity. This applies when the prosecution charges the wrong person with the crime. In these cases, the defense may present an alibi or other evidence showing that the accused was not present or involved in the incident.
Another possible defense is self-defense. This argument acknowledges that the defendant’s actions caused harm but asserts that they acted to protect themselves or someone else from imminent danger. Courts will closely review whether the perceived threat was real and whether the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances.
Another option is the insanity defense. This applies when the defendant was unable to understand their actions or recognize that what they were doing was against the law. If proven, this defense can remove criminal liability, though it often requires a thorough psychological evaluation and supporting evidence.
In some cases, the defense may also challenge the prosecution’s evidence, argue that the death was accidental, or question whether the required intent for manslaughter was present. Building a strong defense takes time, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the law and the available evidence.
Facing manslaughter charges in New Jersey can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. The stakes are incredibly high, and every detail, from how evidence was gathered to how statements were made, can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Having the right defense attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process. With a deep understanding of New Jersey’s criminal laws and courtroom procedures, your lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strategy focused on achieving the most favorable resolution possible.
Defending yourself against manslaughter charges requires time, precision, and experience. That is why you should contact a skilled New Jersey manslaughter lawyer at Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, as soon as possible. We can thoroughly investigate the facts and craft a tailored defense based on the unique details of your case. Our commitment to protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom can make all the difference in your future.
Contact us today at (201) 880-5311 for a consultation and take the first step toward building a strong and effective defense.
