It is not every day that pleading guilty to a crime actually helps the one confessing but such is the case with a North Jersey 16-year old who recently pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.The teenager came forward as a self-confessed killer and, under terms of a plea agreement, will have his counts of murder, armed robbery and weapons offenses disposed of.The actual slaying took place a year prior when the guilty party killed a Honduran immigrant during a visit to Trenton’s Chambersburg section. The victim was stabbed several times and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. He had been working as a roofer to make money for his family. He was also a father to a young child.According to police, they were able to identify the suspect after releasing a video and image, and eventually arrested the guilty teenager about a month later. They found him at a relative’s house.With him pleading guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter, he could face up to 30 years in prison and no less than 10. Had he taken his case to trial and was found guilty of the other charges that were dismissed via the plea agreement, he would have been facing at least 30 years incarceration with a cap of 75 years.In New Jersey, there are four categories of manslaughter. They are as follows:
- Aggravated - first-degree felony; carries a maximum fine of $200,000 and between 10 and 30 years in jail
- Reckless - second-degree felony; carries a maximum fine of $150,000 and between five and 10 years in state prison
- Heat of passion - second-degree felony; carries a maximum fine of $150,000 and between five and 10 years in state prison
- Aggravated while eluding police - first-degree felony; carries a maximum fine of $200,000 and between 10 and 30 years in jail
All of the aforementioned convictions also put into play the No Early Release Act, which means 85% of the sentence must be served before the person can be granted parole.Manslaughter charges are not something anyone wants to face, especially alone. If you or a loved one are facing similar charges you need an attorney well-versed in manslaughter litigation. The lawyers at Davis Law Firm, LLC have been fighting for the rights of clients in New Jersey since 2005. They are ready, willing and fully able to advocate for you and your rights. Call 609-587-9100 or fill out our online contact form to begin an initial consultation.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.
