Homicide Defense Attorneys in New York & New Jersey

Facing a Homicide Charge? Your Life and Freedom Are on the Line.

Homicide is the most serious charge an individual can face in either New York or New Jersey. It encompasses a range of offenses, from manslaughter to murder, each carrying life-altering consequences. A conviction can mean decades in prison, life without parole, or, in some jurisdictions, exposure to the harshest penalties available under law. Beyond the courtroom, the stigma of a homicide accusation alone can devastate families, careers, and reputations.

Types of Homicide Charges

Homicide charges vary in severity depending on the circumstances, intent, and degree of harm:

  • Murder (First- and Second-Degree): Intentional killing, or causing death during the commission of another serious felony (felony murder).
  • Manslaughter: Killing that results from reckless or negligent conduct, or in the “heat of passion.”
  • Vehicular Homicide / Vehicular Manslaughter: Death caused by reckless or impaired driving.
  • Aggravated Manslaughter or Aggravated Murder: Charges enhanced by specific factors such as killing a law enforcement officer, multiple victims, or extreme cruelty.

Homicide Laws in New York

New York law (Penal Law Articles 125 & 20) recognizes several forms of homicide:

  • Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I Felony): Intentional killing; punishable by 15–25 years to life in prison.
  • Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I Felony): Reserved for aggravated cases, including the killing of a police officer or murder for hire; punishable by life without parole.
  • Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class B Felony): Up to 25 years in prison.
  • Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class C Felony): Up to 15 years in prison.
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide (Class E Felony): Up to 4 years in prison.

Homicide Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey (N.J.S.A. §2C:11) classifies homicide offenses as follows:

  • Murder: First-degree crime, punishable by 30 years to life in prison, with a minimum of 30 years before parole eligibility.
  • Manslaughter: Second-degree crime, punishable by 5–10 years in prison.
  • Aggravated Manslaughter: First-degree crime, punishable by 10–30 years in prison.
  • Death by Auto (Vehicular Homicide): Second-degree crime, punishable by 5–10 years in prison, enhanced if DWI or reckless driving is involved.

Collateral Consequences of a Homicide Conviction

  • Permanent loss of freedom and civil rights
  • Lifelong stigma and damage to personal reputation
  • Immigration removal or ineligibility for relief if non-citizen
  • Devastating financial and emotional impact on families

Defense Strategies

Homicide cases are often complex and fact-intensive. Possible defense approaches may include:

  • Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Justifying the use of deadly force under imminent threat.
  • Lack of Intent: Showing the absence of premeditation or intent to kill.
  • Accident: Establishing that the death was not caused by criminal conduct.
  • Challenging Forensic Evidence: Questioning the reliability of ballistics, DNA, or autopsy findings.
  • Constitutional Violations: Suppressing unlawfully obtained confessions or evidence.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Prosecutors dedicate immense resources to homicide cases, and penalties are life-changing. From forensic experts to aggressive trial strategies, the state will pursue every avenue for conviction. Having a skilled homicide defense attorney in New York or New Jersey is critical to ensuring your rights are protected, your side of the story is heard, and every possible defense is explored.