Violent crimes are taken very seriously in the state of New Jersey. Those who are charged with these crimes are facing a potentially life-changing situation. While consequences for committing a violent crime may vary depending on the nature of the crime, all penalties are severe.
It is crucial to have an experienced attorney at your side to help navigate the case if you have been convicted of a violent crime.
What is a Violent Crime?
There are several different actions that can be classified as a violent crime in the state of New Jersey. This can include but is not limited to:
- Simple or Aggravated Assault
- Murder or Manslaughter
- Vehicular Homicide
- Sexual Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Kidnapping
Consequences of Violent Crimes
In the state of New Jersey, violent crimes are classified by degree. The degree of a crime an offender commits will determine the consequences they face as a result. First-degree crimes are some of the worst crimes a person can commit. This includes murder, manslaughter, or rape. These crimes may require an offender to face 10 years to life in prison. Second-degree crimes can include arson, robbery, and aggravated sexual assault. Offenders of these crimes may face anywhere between 5 to 10 years in prison.
When a person is charged with a violent crime in New Jersey, it is crucial to understand the concept of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act. This is a criminal statute that requires a criminal offender to serve at least 85% of their total jail term before they can be considered for parole. This may be enacted depending on the severity of the crime that was committed. This is applicable to certain first and second-degree crimes.
Aggravated Charges
There are many circumstances in which a simple crime may be upgraded to an aggravated criminal charge. People who are charged with a simple criminal charge may face fines and maximum jail time as a consequence for their behavior. It is important to know that these consequences can worsen if the activity is upgraded to an aggravated criminal charge. This may happen if the individual was involved in an assault with a weapon or caused a very serious injury to another person. In these cases, the offender may face 5 to 10 years in prison, an increase in fines, and possibly be subjected to the No Early Release Act.
Contact our Firm
Our firm proudly represents clients in New Jersey who are faced with matters of family law, criminal defense, business law, real estate law, or estate planning. If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.