A Fierce Advocate For

Clients’ Rights

A Serious Attorney Helping You Fight The Most Serious Charges

Few things are treated more somberly in the criminal justice system than the taking of a life. If you’ve been charged with homicide, murder or manslaughter, you know that your freedom is on the line. That’s why you should choose an attorney with the experience and knowledge to give you the strongest possible defense. In northeastern New Jersey, the firm to call is Michael J. Beatrice, P.C., Attorney at Law.

Understanding The Differences In Terminology

Murder, homicide and manslaughter are often used interchangeably, but they don’t all mean the same thing. Here are the differences:

Criminal Homicide: The term used when one person kills another, regardless of the level of intention to do so.

Murder: When one person intentionally kills another without just cause, it is considered murder. First-degree murder, the most serious kind, is a murder that purposely or knowingly caused death. Felony murder is a murder that occurs during the commission of another serious crime like robbery. Even if it isn’t planned out or intended, it is still considered murder.

Manslaughter: Homicide that wasn’t planned or necessarily intended but occurred as the result of the perpetrator’s reckless actions under circumstances of extreme indifference to human life or heat of passion caused by reasonable provocation. Manslaughter can be a death brought about by recklessness, such as a car accident caused by drunk driving. Deaths involving a car are sometimes called vehicular homicide or death by auto.

Building An Effective Defense Strategy

What you are charged with is important for numerous reasons, including the sentencing guidelines associated with each of the offenses listed above. It will also inform how you craft a defense strategy with your attorney.

Michael J. Beatrice has been practicing criminal law for more than 40 years and has experience both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. With his in-depth knowledge of the law and his understanding of the criminal justice system, he will help you determine and pursue the most appropriate strategy for the facts of the case and the specific charges.

Talk To A Highly Experienced Attorney For Free

Attorney Michael J. Beatrice offers free initial consultations to all prospective criminal defense clients. To discuss your charges and to learn more about your legal options, call the office in Mahwah, New Jersey, at 201-897-3570 or fill out the firm’s online contact form.