Manslaughter 2C:11-4
a. Criminal homicide constitutes aggravated manslaughter when:
(1)The actor recklessly causes death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life; or
(2)The actor causes the death of another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2. Notwithstanding the provision of any other law to the contrary, the actor shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 which resulted in the death of another person. As used in this paragraph, “actor” shall not include a passenger in a motor vehicle.
b. Criminal homicide constitutes manslaughter when:
(1)It is committed recklessly; or
(2)A homicide which would otherwise be murder under section 2C:11-3 is committed in the heat of passion resulting from a reasonable provocation.
c. Aggravated manslaughter under paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof a person may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 10 and 30 years. Aggravated manslaughter under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section is a crime of the first degree. Manslaughter is a crime of the second degree.
Manslaughter charges explained
There are different degrees of manslaughter charges. If an individual is charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter he or she is facing 10-30 years in prison and a $200,000 fine. An individual charged with second degree manslaughter faces from 5-10 years in prison and the additional appropriate fines. All degrees of manslaughter fall under the No Early Release Act which requires the person charges to serve at least 85% of their sentence.
