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STATE v. HENDRICKS — NEW JERSEY MURDER TRIAL — "NOT GUILTY" VERDICT

Mr. Tumelty represented Helena Hendricks, who was charged with first degree murder in Atlantic County Superior Court. The defendant faced a number of additional charges, including armed robbery, conspiracy and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. At the conclusion of a jury trial that lasted three weeks, the defendant was found "not guilty" of all charges.

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FBI to be Made Aware of School Violence Threats

It seems like a never-ending cycle of school violence, grieving and protests, as news of school shootings makes headlines constantly. The more recent Parkland shooting that saw 17 people killed has taken the nation by storm and stoked the fire that is the gun control debate.

While a solution to the problem still seems a ways off as the debates and protests continue to rage on, the fallout from the recent shootings and shootings prior is causing many states to look into new protocols for dealing with school violence threats. New Jersey’s Attorney General recently issued a statewide directive for law enforcement agencies that are notified of acts of school violence to immediately alert the county terrorism coordinator and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

They will then notify the FBI immediately. The directive will make it so law enforcement agencies must make the notification about criminal activity immediately, instead of within 24 hours. State officials feel this is just a small step in the right direction when it comes to keeping students and community members as safe as possible.

NJ Laws Are Strict

As the state moves to makes schools and communities as safe as possible, residents can take solace in the simple fact that New Jersey has strict laws when it comes violent crimes. Those laws are followed by strict penalties that can impact an offender’s life for as long as they live.

For example, the unlawful possession of an array of weapons, including handguns, Airsoft guns, BB guns and paintball guns, can carry serious consequences. To be found in possession of a handgun without a license or permit could be considered a second degree felony. It carries a prison sentence between five and 10 years and even first-time offenders are subject to prison time. Due to the Graves Act, most offenders will also be subject to a mandatory period of parole ineligibility.

Those punishments only become more severe if the offender aimed to use the weapon for other unlawful purposes like burglary or kidnapping.

An Experienced Attorney Can Help With Criminal Charges

If you or a loved one are facing criminal penalties in New Jersey then it is imperative that you consult a strong criminal defense attorney. In New Jersey, the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty can help you face your charges head on.

With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Tumelty is dedicated to his clients and will put his many talents to use in making sure you are properly defended. Contact him today for a free initial consultation at 609-385-4010.

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.

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