It’s important to understand that when you are careless or reckless in your actions, it can result in the injury or even death of another person. While you may not mean to cause harm, you can still face criminal negligence charges as a result of your actions. If you are facing these charges, the following blog explores what you should know about what warrants these crimes and the penalties you can face if you are convicted. In addition, you’ll discover the importance of working with experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers to help you explore your legal options if you are facing charges.
What Does Criminal Negligence Mean and What Are Common Examples?
Under New Jersey law, criminal negligence is any act in which someone fails to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that can occur. This is generally a gross deviation from the standard of care that any other reasonable person would take if placed in the same situation. It’s critical to understand that criminal negligence is not the result of intending harm, but creating a dangerous situation resulting in the death or injury of another person.
One of the most common examples of this offense is criminal negligent homicide, also called involuntary manslaughter. This occurs when someone causes the death of another person due to reckless or negligent behavior. For example, if you are texting while driving and that results in an accident that kills another person, you can be charged. While you didn’t intend to kill someone, you still took actions that you should have known would create a dangerous scenario.
This can also occur in the workplace. For example, if you are a business owner and you fail to implement safety standards, which leads to the injury or death of an employee, you can be charged with criminal negligence as a result.
What Are the Penalties for This Offense?
It’s important to understand that the penalties you face will depend on the action and harm you’ve inflicted. For example, if you are convicted of criminally negligent homicide, you can face between five and ten years in prison and fines of up to $150,000. However, some negligent acts, like a disorderly persons offense, will warrant up to six months in county jail and the potential for a $1,000 fine.
In addition to the harm inflicted on the individual, the court will also consider any aggravating or mitigating factors, which can impact your sentence. For example, if you are a repeat offender or there are multiple victims of your act, it can increase the penalties you face. However, if you show that you are remorseful and you have a clean criminal record, the court may impose a lighter sentence.
As you can see, there are a number of factors that can impact the outcome of your case. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. Our team understands that facing criminal charges can be incredibly overwhelming, which is why we are here to guide you through these difficult times. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you.
