Can a Prior Violent Crime Conviction Impact Sentencing in New Jersey?

By Michael Rosas

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Violent Crimes

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Last Modified on Feb 20, 2026

If you already have a past violent crime conviction, you may feel like your new charges can only result in a life behind bars. Fortunately, this may not be the case. When you hire a New Jersey violent crime lawyer, you can get answers to questions like, “Can a prior violent crime conviction impact sentencing in New Jersey?” and “What is the Three Strikes Law?”

An Overview of Violent Crime in New Jersey

If you are wondering if a prior violent crime conviction can impact sentencing in New Jersey, hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey can assist you with sorting out what to expect and how to build a case that may help you avoid a guilty verdict.

According to a recent study, New Jersey had an overall rate of 218 violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents back in 2024, which is 39% lower than the United States average. Consequently, New Jersey ranks 42nd in the nation for the largest number of violent crimes that year.

Can a Prior Violent Crime Conviction Impact Sentencing in New Jersey?

Unfortunately, yes, there are several key ways that a past violent crime conviction can impact sentencing for any additional crimes you commit after, especially when they also fall under the category of violent crime.

There are several main factors to be aware of, including the following examples:

• Aggravating factors matter. When determining the length of a sentence, a judge typically considers an individual’s past criminal convictions, especially violent offenses, which can act as an aggravating factor to increase the potential sentence within the statutory range.
• Judges generally evaluate recidivism. Recidivism, or the likelihood of an individual re-offending, is typically a factor in a judge’s final decision, as they bear the responsibility to decide who may cause their community further harm if they are given the room to do so.
• There are additional sentencing guidelines. It is common for those with previous convictions to be subjected to laws that require more severe mandatory minimum sentences, which means that, even if your judge wants to be more lenient, they may be limited in their endeavors.

What Is the Three Strikes Law?

The Three Strikes Law enables members of the court and law enforcement to pursue more severe penalties for repeat offenders. Here are some examples of the violent crimes that, should you already have been convicted for previously, may result in harsher sentencing if you are found guilty again:

• Aggravated manslaughter
• Arson
• Assault
• Burglary
• Kidnapping in the first degree
• Murder
• Robbery
• Sexual assault

Past convictions for any of the aforementioned crimes qualify as one of the three strikes. Once you reach sentencing for the third strike, you could end up spending the rest of your life behind bars. NJ 2C:43-7 further outlines the various aspects of potential sentencing.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

When you hire a violent crime lawyer in New Jersey, you can get the guidance, reinforcement, and advocacy you need to build and strengthen your defense. This is especially true if you have a past violent crime conviction on your record.

Hiring a lawyer may be the one thing standing between you and another mark on your record, not to mention the potential jail time you could be made to serve and fines you could be required to pay.

Your past should not prevent you from living the future you desire. Finding the right lawyer for your case can protect you from suffering such a fate.

FAQs

What Are Some Examples of Violent Crimes in New Jersey?

Violent crime is a broad umbrella term, which means that multiple crimes typically fall under its categorization. In New Jersey, any kind of assault, rape, murder, and/or robbery is considered a form of violent crime. If you have previously been convicted of any of these examples, you may benefit from the help of a violent crime lawyer to help you through your current case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer in New Jersey?

The cost of hiring a violent crime lawyer tends to vary uniquely in the state of New Jersey. This is mainly due to the influence certain variables can have on your final price, such as who you hire to represent you, the complexity of your case, the amount of time needed to reach its end, and the severity of your charges.

Should I Tell My Violent Crime Lawyer Everything Relevant to My Case in New Jersey?

While they may seem counterintuitive, telling your violent crime defense lawyer everything you did and know about your case is an essential step in the overall process of shoring up your case. Your lawyer is not there to judge you. Their job is to build a strong and compelling defense on your behalf, and if they are uninformed, the prosecution may catch them unprepared, leaving your case vulnerable to attack with any information you kept from your lawyer.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Violent Crime Case in New Jersey?

As long as the evidence being presented in a New Jersey violent crime case is relevant to the case at hand and has been obtained both legally and ethically, it can be used in court. This means videos, security footage, pictures, texts, recorded phone calls, witness testimonies, professional input, police records, medical documents, scientific data, and even the defendant’s own claims prior to the trial can all be used in the case.

Choose Michael Rosas Law PC Today

Being accused of a violent crime when you’ve previously been convicted of one can leave you feeling a sense of inevitable doom, but another conviction does not have to be your outcome. Hiring a violent crime lawyer can help protect you from undesirable outcomes, as well as strengthen your case.

For nearly 20 years, attorney Michael Rosas has defended clients facing criminal accusations, advocating for them during some of the darkest days of their lives. Instead of leaving them to face the justice system alone, Michael has dedicated his time, resources, and energy to helping those with the odds stacked against them. Come find out why so many of his clients have success stories and left their time with Michael Rosas Law PC feeling positive.

Contact Michael Rosas Law PC today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you protect your freedom, your rights, and your future.