According to Hudson County Prosecutor, Esther Suarez, an East Orange man was arrested in Jersey City’s first homicide of 2020. Police say that 33 year-old Eric Ballon allegedly shot 28 year-old Rashawn Bethea multiple times on Wegman Parkway between Bergen Avenue on March 6. The Prosecutor’s office did not provide a motive for the homicide. Ballon was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Essex County Jail. Click here to read more at www.nj.com.
The penalties for homicide are severe, and the state of New Jersey takes homicide cases seriously.
Murder is a crime of the first degree – the most serious under our Criminal Code. Normally, a crime of the first degree is punishable by a period of between 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. However, a person convicted of the crime of Murder is subject to a sentence of 30 years to life, with a minimum of 30 years that must be served before the person is eligible for parole. Notably, there are a number of circumstances that will subject a person to a sentence of life without parole including:
- If the victim was a law enforcement officer and was murdered while performing his official duties or was murdered because of his status as a law enforcement officer.
- If the victim was less than 14 years old and the act was committed in the course of the commission, whether alone or with one or more persons, of an act of Sexual Assault or Criminal Sexual Contact.
There are also certain circumstances that mandate serving the sentence in a maximum security prison.
If you or a loved one is charged with homicide, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending individuals charged with homicide. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected in court. Contact her office for a free consultation.
