Murder charges are serious offenses in Maryland. Depending on which charge you’re facing, you could be looking at severe penalties that could land you in prison for many years and thousands of dollars in fines.
While homicide and murder are used interchangeably, there’s lots of nuance between the two. Homicide involves the killing of another person without implication of criminal nature or motive. Because of this, homicide is not always a crime. An example of this is self defense, which is not a crime. In contrast, murder is the unlawful killing of another person, and is always a crime.
Luckily, our legal team has years of experience defending murder cases around the state of Maryland. We have defended countless cases and have helped many accused lessen or avoid punishment as a result of our work
If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of murder charge in Germantown, contact our murder defense attorneys at Jezic & Moyse. Your first consultation will be free as we’ll hear out your case and start to help you mount a great defense.
Types of Murder Charges and Penalties
When it comes to murder cases, there’s many factors that go into determining what factors what charges you’ll face, the potential punishments, and what defense to use. We’ll breakdown the different types of murder charges and punishments for each.
First Degree Murder
First degree murder is defined as a willful, premeditated, or deliberate killing of another human. It may take place in the following ways:
- Arson
- Lying in wait
- Poisoning
- During a burglary
- Carjacking
- Escape from correctional facility
- Kidnapping
- Mayhem
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
- Sodomy
Penalties for First Degree Murder
First degree murder is the highest and most serious murder charge in the state. If you’re convicted, you may face up to life in prison without the option for parole.
Second Degree Murder
Second degree murder differs from first degree murder in that second degree murder isn’t considered willful, premeditated, or deliberate. For example, if the murder happens during the act of a separate felony, you may be charged with second degree murder even without the intent to kill.
Penalites for Second Degree Murder
Those convicted of second degree murder can be sentenced with up to 30 years in prison. The same goes for attempted second degree murder.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is defined as the killing of another person without malice intent or aforethought. This is different than first and second degree murder in that there was no wrongdoing going into the murder. For example, if you accidentally shoot another person and they die as a result, this would be manslaughter.
Penalties for Manslaughter
Manslaughter is considered a felony, and the punishment in Maryland is a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines up to $500. A similar punishment goes for manslaughter crimes involving motor vehicles or vessels.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter has two variations. The first is vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and the second is vehicular manslaughter with criminal negligence.
Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence is charged as a felony with a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Vehicular manslaughter with criminal negligence is treated as a misdemeanor with up to 3 years in prison and $5,000 fine as punishment.
Homicide
Homicide can be charged in several ways. Here are some of the homicide charges in Maryland:
- Vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol
- Vehicular homicide while impaired by alcohol
- Vehicular homicide while impaired by drugs
- Vehicular homicide while impaired by a controlled substance
These crimes are all similar, but come with different penalties.
Penalties for Homicide
Vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol is a felony that can be punished with up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
Vehicular homicide while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a controlled substance is a felony that can result in a maximum of 3 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
How a Murder Defense Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
Murder cases are often complicated, requiring the skilled expertise of a knowledgeable Germantown murder defense lawyer. They play a crucial role in helping defendants navigate murder defense cases by leveraging their in-depth understanding of criminal law, evidence collection, and court procedures to craft a strong defense.
A knowledgeable lawyer will walk you through every phase of the process, from the initial consultation to trial. They will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder to gather evidence, including witness testimonies and police reports
- Evaluate the case to identify potential inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case
- Work with experts, such as forensic experts, to construct a strong defense strategy
- Advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment
- Negotiate with the prosecution to seek to reduce charges or explore alternative options to reduce the potential consequences
- Conduct mock closing arguments and mock cross-examinations
- Fight like a warrior at your murder trial in front of a jury
Their assistance is crucial in the complicated web that is the legal system. If you’re facing murder charges, talking to a skilled murder defense lawyer is vital.
Possible Defenses in Murder Cases
In a murder defense case, your lawyer will construct a robust defense that challenges the prosecution’s evidence and establishes reasonable doubt. The defense they use will vary based on the specifics of your case, but may include:
- Alibi: This strategy relies on evidence that you were not present at the crime scene when the murder occurred. It can help build a strong defense that challenges the prosecution’s case and raises reasonable doubt surrounding your guilt.
- Self-defense: Self-defense can be a strong defense in murder cases. If your actions meet the legal criteria for self-defense, including the belief of threat that you were in immediate danger of physical harm, your lawyer may use self-defense as part of your defense strategy.
- Defense of others: This goes hand-in-hand with self-defense. If you stepped in to help someone else you believed was in immediate danger, using proportionate force to assist them, your lawyer may use the defense of others as part of your defense strategy.
- Mistaken identity: It isn’t unheard of for victims or witnesses to identify the wrong person in a case. Similar facial features, coloring, stature, and build can lead witnesses or victims to wrongfully identify an individual as the perpetrator of a crime.
- Unlawful evidence collection: If the police unlawfully obtained evidence against you in a criminal case, your lawyer may file a motion to suppress it. This defense doesn’t apply in all cases but can be part of a robust defense strategy.
These are just a few of the defense strategies that may apply. Your lawyer may also bring up issues surrounding duress, entrapment, or even question the validity of witness testimonies as part of your defense strategy.
Contact the Germantown Murder Defense Lawyers at Jezic & Moyse
As you can see, murder charges are very complex, and each charge comes with their own nuances and set of penalties. The best way to navigate this legal challenge is by consulting a reputable murder defense attorney in Germantown, Maryland.
We believe we are the best around, and are ready to help fight your case. But, don’t take our word for it. Just take a look at what our clients have to say about us.
When you’re ready, get in touch with our legal team for a free consultation.