Superseding Cause Defense Strategy

Summary

A superseding cause in New Jersey can affect liability in criminal cases, potentially reducing charges if an unforeseeable event breaks the chain of causation. In your situation, the illegal turn and intoxication of the other driver might be considered unforeseeable, supporting a superseding cause defense. Expert testimony can strengthen this argument. Consult a local attorney for guidance on presenting this defense effectively.

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What is a superseding cause
Hi ****! A "superseding cause" is an event that occurs after the defendant's act and breaks the direct connection to the harm caused, leading to a different outcome. It can relieve the defendant of liability.
Is there a specific situation involving a superseding cause that you're dealing with?
I briefly accelerated to * mph on a divided highway and a person under the influence of opioids made an illegal turn infront of me as I was slowing down
Thanks for sharing your situation, ****. To better assist you, could you please let me know your location? This will help me provide more specific legal information relevant to your area.
Nj
Thank you, ****. In New Jersey, a "superseding cause" might affect liability in your case. It could shift blame to the person who made the illegal turn, especially if they were under the influence.
Could you provide more details on whether there were any injuries or damages involved?
The other driver passed away and I was charged with death by auto
****, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In New Jersey, "death by auto" is a serious charge. Here are some key points:
- **Death by Auto**: This typically involves reckless driving causing death.
- **Penalties**: It can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
For better guidance, consider consulting a local attorney specialized in criminal defense.
Would you like more details on the potential penalties or the legal process in New Jersey?
Is there superseding cause in criminal cases or no?
Hi ****,
In criminal cases, a "superseding cause" can indeed be a factor. It might reduce or eliminate the defendant's liability if an unforeseeable event breaks the chain of causation. However, its application varies based on specific case details.
Would you like more information on how superseding cause might apply in your case in New Jersey?
Yes
Hi ****,
In New Jersey, the concept of a "superseding cause" can indeed apply in criminal cases, potentially reducing or eliminating liability. Here's what you should know:
- **Superseding Cause**: An unforeseeable event that breaks the chain of causation.
- **Application**: It can be argued if the event significantly impacts the outcome.
Would you like to know more about how to present this defense in your case?
Yes
Hi ****,
To present a defense based on a "superseding cause" in your case, consider the following steps:
- **Gather Evidence**: Document any evidence showing the other driver's illegal turn and influence of opioids.
- **Legal Counsel**: Consult a criminal defense attorney experienced with "superseding cause" defenses.
Would you like help finding a local attorney or more information on building this defense?
Could the illegal turn and driving under the influence be a superseding cause?
Hi ****,
In your case, the illegal turn and the other driver being under the influence could potentially be considered a superseding cause. It depends on whether this event was unforeseeable and significantly broke the chain of causation.
Would you like more information on how New Jersey courts have addressed similar cases?
What does unforeseeable mean
Hi ****,
In legal terms, "unforeseeable" refers to an event that could not have been predicted or expected by a reasonable person. In your case, it would mean the other driver's illegal turn and influence of opioids were not something you could have anticipated.
Would you like more examples or cases where courts have ruled on what constitutes an unforeseeable event?
Yes
Hi ****,
Here are some examples and cases where New Jersey courts have ruled on unforeseeable events:
- **State v. Martin**: Courts ruled that unforeseeable actions by a third party can break the chain of causation.
- **Unforeseeable Event**: An event not expected by a reasonable person.
Would you like more details on these cases or others?
So would the illegal turn and driving under the influence be unforeseeable?
Hi ****,
The illegal turn and driving under the influence might be considered unforeseeable if a reasonable person could not have predicted such actions. This could potentially support a "superseding cause" defense in your case.
Would you like more details on how to argue this in court?
How could I know that someone was intoxicated and was going to illegally come on my side of the road?
Hi ****,
In legal terms, you are generally not expected to foresee the specific actions of others, like intoxication and illegal turns. To argue this in court, you might focus on:
- **Unpredictability**: The driver's actions were not something you could reasonably anticipate.
- **Superseding Cause**: Emphasize the unforeseeable nature of their behavior.
Would you like more information on presenting this argument?
So then we could use those facts as a superseding cause?
Hi ****,
Yes, you could potentially use those facts to argue a superseding cause defense. Here’s a concise plan:
- **Unforeseeability**: Emphasize that the illegal turn and intoxication were not predictable.
- **Chain of Causation**: Argue that these actions broke the direct link to the outcome.
Would you like help finding a local attorney to assist further?
I have an expert witness and toxicologist that support the claims that I couldn’t have anticipated it
Hi ****,
Having an expert witness and toxicologist supporting your claims can strengthen your superseding cause defense. To proceed:
- **Expert Testimony**: Utilize their testimonies to highlight the unpredictability of the other driver's actions.
- **Legal Representation**: Ensure your attorney effectively presents these arguments.
Would you like assistance finding a local attorney in New Jersey?