Information About Felony Murder Charges in New Jersey

Felony Murder Trial Lawyer, Chester, Morris County, NJ

The Law Offices of William D. Ware, Esq., never just accepts a plea bargain unless it is in your best interest and you are satisfied with the resolution. Mr. Ware strives for a verdict in your favor in each and every case. He operates on a “trial first, negotiations second,” premise.

If you have been charged with felony murder, you have been charged with the most serious crime under New Jersey law – a First Degree crime. In 2007, the State of New Jersey abolished the death penalty, however, if you are convicted of felony murder, you could face life imprisonment and other stiff penalties.

Felony Murder Charges

You can be charged with more than one crime if the victim was killed while committing any other crime. Multiple crimes can be charged separately and incur their own penalties.

If the homicide (killing of a human) took place in conjunction with a felony crime, such as robbery, burglary, a sex crime, sodomy, arson, carjacking, etc., you can be charged with felony murder. Felony murder is always a First Degree crime (there are other types of murder charges in the Second Degree.)

This means if someone was engaged in the commission of felony crime, or attempting to commit a crime, or fleeing after or while attempting to commit a crime, they can be charged with First Degree Felony Murder.

Murder vs. Felony Murder Charges

Under New Jersey state law 2C: 11-3, murder is defined as when the person committing the act “purposely causes death or serious bodily injury resulting in death.” Understanding this definition is important, because in order to convict a defendant on murder charges, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to kill the victim.

In felony murder cases, the prosecution does not need to prove intent if a murder takes place during the commission of a crime, the attempt to commit a crime, or while the defendant was fleeing a crime.

If you are convicted of felony murder, in addition to receiving a prison sentence, you could be fined up to $200,000 and ordered to pay restitution to cover funeral or possibly other expenses on behalf of the victim.

Exclusive New Jersey Criminal Defense Law Firm

Unlike most other law firms, the Law Offices of William D. Ware, Esq., offers you the benefit of an experienced attorney exclusively committed to the practice of criminal defense in New Jersey – Mr. Ware specializes in criminal defense law. Our firm also offers the rare benefit of a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney.

Free Consultation

You owe it to yourself to call our firm today for a free consultation, at 908-955-7065. All of our clients can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our office or email. You will be in direct contact with Mr. Ware who will remain available to answer any questions that you may have and provide any necessary counsel until your case is successfully resolved.

Contact the Murder Defense Law Offices of William D. Ware, Esq., in Chester, New Jersey, to discuss your matter in a free consultation with one of our NJ criminal defense lawyers right away.