Camden County Attorneys Protect Clients’ Rights in Violent Crime Cases

Former New Jersey Prosecutors Provide Comprehensive Criminal Defense Counsel

At Lackey & Miller, LLC, located in Cherry Hill, our team of former New Jersey prosecutors use our knowledge and experience to advocate for New Jersey clients accused of violent criminal offenses. We recognize that a negative outcome in an assault, armed robbery or homicide case could have disastrous consequences and we vigorously fight to safeguard the fundamental rights of those we represent. We tirelessly strive to put our clients in the best possible position for a fair plea agreement or an aggressive defense at trial.

Skillful Litigators Represent Clients in Assault and Homicide Matters

Our firm represents South Jersey residents accused of the following offenses:

• Terroristic Threats (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3) — Words uttered during a heated argument, particularly if expressed in a threatening manner, have the potential to lead to an indictable charge against you. In New Jersey, if you threaten to kill another with the purpose to put him or her in imminent fear of death under circumstances reasonably causing the victim to believe the immediacy of the threat, you could be charged with Terroristic Threats. This is a third-degree crime with a potential sentence of three to five years imprisonment upon conviction.
• Robbery (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1) — If in the course of committing a theft, a person inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another, or even threatens immediate bodily injury to another, that person has committed the crime of robbery. Robbery is a second-degree crime, which carries a penalty of five to ten years of imprisonment upon conviction and is subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2), which requires that eighty-five percent of the sentence be served prior to parole eligibility. Robbery is a first-degree crime if there is the threat of or the immediate use of a deadly weapon, which is punishable by ten to twenty years imprisonment upon conviction and subject to the No Early Release Act.
• Aggravated Assault (N.J.S. 2C:12-1b) — What may begin as a minor argument or shoving match can easily turn into something much more chaotic and result in aggravated assault charges. The degree, and hence potential incarceration exposure, depends on who was injured and the extent of those injuries. Generally, aggravated assault involves causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another. Additionally, a simple assault committed against certain individuals is automatically treated by law in New Jersey as an aggravated assault, for example, a simple assault against a police officer, volunteer fireman, or a teacher. Depending on the injury caused or the person assaulted, aggravated assault could be charged as a second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree crime, all with various sentencing possibilities, ranging from eighteen months to ten years imprisonment upon conviction.
• Kidnapping (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1) — Kidnapping is an extremely serious offense and depending on the circumstances, could be punishable by a sentence of fifteen to thirty years imprisonment, or even a life sentence upon conviction. Generally, kidnapping is the unlawful removal of another from his or her place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he or she is found, or if a person unlawfully confines another for a substantial period, for ransom, reward or as a hostage.
• Aggravated Manslaughter (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a) — Criminal homicide constitutes aggravated manslaughter when the actor recklessly causes death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life; or the actor causes the death of another person while fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.A.2C:29-2. Aggravated manslaughter is a first-degree crime, which carries a heightened penalty and a sentence of ten to thirty years imprisonment upon conviction, subject to the eighty-five percent parole ineligibility provision of the No Early Release Act.
• Manslaughter (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4b) — Prosecutors may bring a charge of manslaughter under the theory that the actions of the defendant were “reckless,” where there was a conscious disregard of a substantial, unjustifiable risk of death i.e., defendant knew of the risk and acted in spite of it. Another form of manslaughter is known as the “heat of passion” manslaughter, which would otherwise be a homicide, but was committed in the heat of passion resulting from a reasonable provocation. Manslaughter is a second-degree crime, which carries a penalty of five to ten years imprisonment upon conviction subject to the No Early Release Act.
• Murder (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3) — Facing a murder charge is an immensely grave matter, and anyone accused of murder or approached by law enforcement during an ongoing murder investigation should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Murder, generally, is the act of purposely causing the death of another or causing serious bodily injury resulting in the death of another, or knowingly causing the death of another or serious bodily injury resulting in death of another. Another form of murder in New Jersey is known as the felony murder rule, which is causing death during the commission, or in the immediate flight of the crimes enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(3). Murder is a crime of the first-degree, which carries a penalty of thirty years to life imprisonment upon conviction, thirty years of which must be served prior to being eligible for parole. Murder is also subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.

Former Prosecutors Create Effective Defense Strategies for Clients

Prosecutions involving allegations of violent crime are emotionally charged and carry serious consequences if convicted. It is essential to hire a criminal defense lawyer who has a proven track record of handling these complex matters. At our firm, you will be represented by a former New Jersey prosecutor who has substantial experience litigating cases involving violent crimes.  Drawing on our extensive experience, we can anticipate how the state will attempt to build a case against you and develop a thorough defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.  Our in-depth knowledge of both sides of the legal system helps us to identify potential weaknesses in the State’s argument and evidence, building our clients the strongest defense and leverage during negotiations. However, if there is not a fair deal, rest assured, our attorneys are prepared to counter prosecution claims and aggressively challenge witnesses and evidence.

Contact a Camden County Lawyer to Discuss Defending Against a Violent Crime Charge

Lackey & Miller, LLC, located in Cherry Hill provides strong defense counsel to New Jersey clients who have been accused of assault, robbery, homicide, and other violent crimes. You can make an appointment with an accomplished attorney by calling 856-399-0089 or contacting us online.