You might have heard about the fire that tore through Chambersburg in Trenton, New Jersey on Christmas Day. The fire killed two people and displaced hundreds more on what was supposed to be a festive day. Local officials have recently released that the fire was not a mistake. Instead, it was intentionally started by another resident in the city. Two adult males died in the fire.
A 28-year-old Trenton, New Jersey, man has been charged with two felony counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, aggravated arson, and other similar crimes.
Local investigators learned of the intentional fire by reviewing surveillance footage in the area of the fire. They also talked with witnesses and other residents in the area. Numerous people reported that the defendant set fire to the front porch of the residence. The defendant is awaiting trial but could receive up to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the felony count of murder.
Attempted murder in New Jersey carries with it between 5-15 years in prison. Aggravated arson in New Jersey carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Because multiple people were killed in the fire, the potential consequences are likely to be combined, requiring multiple sentences.
Why Work With a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Dealing with criminal charges in New Jersey is serious. In addition to the implications of a criminal record, you could also be required to spend time in jail. This means you may lose custody of your child and you may even find it difficult to obtain employment or housing when released from jail.
If you’re being charged with a crime in New Jersey, especially one like attempted murder or aggravated assault, it’s crucial that you discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You only have a limited time to build your defense. The right defense can mean the difference between life in prison and a few years served with parole. The charges that you receive will also affect your life after release.
New Jersey also carries mandatory minimum sentences for many charges, such as murder, which means if charged, you’re required to serve that minimum time. Even if you have good behavior, you may not be eligible for parole. It’s important that the judge and jury understand the details of your case, and to do that, you need a good lawyer.
The Importance of Understanding Your Criminal Charges
Another important reason to work with a criminal defense lawyer is so that you fully understand the charges you’re dealing with. New Jersey law doesn’t always make it easy to understand what you’re being charged with until you’re sentenced to jail. When you work with a criminal defense lawyer that you trust, you can learn more about your charges. It’s important to know what different categories of charges mean, and what taking a plea deal may mean for you. You need a criminal defense lawyer that will fight to defend your rights throughout this process.
Contact an Experienced Lawrence Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with murder or arson in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
