Baltimore Homicide Defense: Protect Your Rights
Experienced Legal Defense for Homicide Charges in Baltimore
Committing or attempting to commit a homicide in Maryland is the most serious criminal offense there is. Whether you are facing a murder or manslaughter investigation or charge, you need serious legal representation as soon as possible. The stakes are high as you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, if not life behind bars. Because the stakes are so high, you should not settle for an average lawyer or an overworked public defender. Your priority should be to secure the legal help of an attorney who can truly make a difference in how your case unfolds and its final outcome.
At T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., our legal team includes former Baltimore County prosecutors who have handled tens of thousands of criminal cases in the span of their decades-long practice. Our founding attorney has attained the highest peer-reviewed rating of AV-Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell®, a legal industry organization. Our level of legal ability and customer satisfaction has led to a healthy referral rate including generations of clients who have come to us through the recommendations of friends and family.
Under investigation for murder or manslaughter? Already charged? Reach out to us at (410) 834-8466 for a free case evaluation.
Understanding Maryland's Homicide Laws
Murder Charges and Penalties in Maryland
Under Maryland law, first-degree murder is the most serious of homicide charges. It is described as causing the death of another person deliberately, with intent, or through premeditation.
It can occur by:
- Lying in wait for the victim
- Through poisoning the victim
- By killing the victim while committing another felony such as arson, burglary, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, rape, or another crime
The penalty for first-degree murder is life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. Maryland no longer has a death penalty.
Second-degree murder includes any murder that does not fall under the definition of a first-degree murder. However, it is differentiated from manslaughter by an intent to kill or to cause serious bodily harm. It is charged as a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison.
Types of Manslaughter and Consequences
While murder involves the intention to kill, manslaughter can take place without prior intent or premeditation. While it is not defined under a specific statute, manslaughter generally means that you killed someone unintentionally. However, manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary. The killing of another may have occurred while doing something illegal or through negligence or recklessness. It may be punished by up to 10 years in prison or for a maximum of two years with fines of up to $500 depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Vehicular manslaughter is an example of involuntary manslaughter. In Maryland, this consists of driving in a manner that is deemed grossly negligent. In Maryland, it can occur in four different ways with two of the ways involving driving while impaired from alcohol and/or drugs.
Penalties for vehicular manslaughter can include three up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Repeat offenders will face harsher penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 along with license suspensions and other court-ordered penalties.
Get Help from a Baltimore Homicide Defense Attorney
When your freedom and future are a t risk, the importance of retaining the services of a proven criminal defense attorney cannot be overstated. The quality of your legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Our firm has the legal ability, drive, and tenacity to do everything legally possible on your behalf in seeking the best possible result. As effective and proven trial lawyers, we bring decades of courtroom experience to the table.
Let us help you fight for your future and freedom in any murder case. Contact us at (410) 834-8466 today.