A Trenton man waiting to face trial for the double slaying of a Philadelphia rapper and his friend has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and witness tampering. It was discovered he was plotting to murder a co-defendant with the help of his girlfriend and another associate. The man’s girlfriend and associate are also facing conspiracy to commit murder and witness tampering charges for their roles in the extermination plot. The Trenton man was originally one of six charged in the killing of two Philadelphia men back in January. He has been awaiting a trial where he faces two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder and a number of weapons offenses. The two killed in the double slaying were allegedly waiting to sell a narcotic pill to a person. One thing led to another and they were executed, shot in their heads and necks. The double murder suspect thought the co-defendant was cooperating with cops and prosecutors and was apparently upset he is free while the Trenton man was detained at the county jail awaiting trial. Once it was learned that the man was contacting associates in an effort to plan the co-defendant’s murder, detectives subpoenaed his phone records. Through his taped jailhouse phone calls, it became clear he was attempting to set up a hit. The double murder suspect spoke in code and even attempted to slip his girlfriend a coded message with their target’s address. Subsequent phone calls included two additional associates where discussions about scoping out the co-defendant’s home and tracking him down and killing him were recorded.
No Tolerance for Homicide and Conspiracy in New Jersey
Homicide and conspiracy to commit murder are both very serious crimes in the state of New Jersey. Not only can conspiracy violate state law, but it may also violate federal law. The penalties for such a conviction are long-standing and serious. Under NJ state law, conspiracy is considered a first-degree crime when the aim of the conspiracy is to commit an act of murder or terrorism. You are guilty of conspiracy if you agree with another person to engage in criminal conduct or an attempt to, or even get someone else to commit the crime. If the aim of the conspiracy is to commit other crimes of the first degree, it constitutes crimes of the second degree. Conspiracy to commit second, third, and fourth-degree crimes are considered crimes of the second, third, and fourth degree, respectively. For conspiracy, you could be sentenced to between 30 years and life in jail. During that time you will not be eligible for parole until you have served at least 30 years. Homicide offenses carry penalties as equally strict. The two types of homicide in New Jersey are:
- Murder - a first-degree felony that carries a sentence between 30 years and life in jail. Murder can be constituted by purposely causing the death of another, or knowingly causing the death or serious bodily injury resulting in the death of another, or causing death during the commission of another crime, like burglary or kidnapping.
- Manslaughter - can be first-degree aggravated manslaughter or second-degree manslaughter. First degree aggravated manslaughter carries a penalty of between 10 and 30 years in jail and a fine of up to $200,000. second-degree manslaughter is punishable by five to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000.
As evidenced, committing homicide or even conspiring to do so can result in a lengthy jail sentence and significant monetary fines. Tack on the damage it does to your criminal record and your future just became a bit more difficult. Fortunately, the right criminal defense lawyer can help fight your charges and protect your rights and future.
Contact an Experienced Hamilton Township Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Conspiracy or Murder Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with conspiracy to commit murder 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 charged with conspiracy or murder charges in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, Princeton, East Windsor, West Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-587-9100 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.
