In 2010, actress Amy Locane was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in a New Jersey courtroom and sentenced to prison. She served four years, followed by four years of probation. However, her case is still active, and Locane could potentially be sent back to prison following a ruling by the appellate division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. This would be the fourth time courts have imposed a sentence on Locane, who is best known for her role on the television show Melrose Place.
The appellate judges ruled that the prior three sentences against Locane were “illegal” or “imposed outside of the New Jersey Criminal Code’s sentencing scheme.” A recent article does not go into detail about the judges’ objections, but the judges said the prior sentences did not take “certain aggravating and mitigating factors” into account and are therefore invalid.
Double jeopardy violation?
Locane was found guilty after a car accident that caused another woman’s death in 2010. Authorities believe that Locane’s blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Her attorney notes that she has served her original sentence for vehicular manslaughter and worked to rebuild her life. The lawyer believes the appellate court decision violates Locane’s right against double jeopardy. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that nobody can be tried twice for the same alleged crime.
Confronting serious charges like vehicular homicide in New Jersey
If you are charged with a serious crime like vehicular manslaughter, chances are your case will not linger in the courts for ten years as this one has. But your freedom could be at stake, along with your future. Having a felony on your record can affect your ability to get a job and find housing, and harm your reputation. This is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you is critical to protecting your rights and avoiding an unjust outcome to your case. Contact The Law Offices of Anthony N. Palumbo by calling 908-272-9700 or sending us an email.
