Have you been accused of homicide in Rockville, Maryland? Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help when you contact us at (301) 364-3195. We offer a free consultation with a Rockville homicide lawyer who will listen to your situation and explain your legal options clearly and confidentially.
A homicide charge is one of the most serious you can face, with your freedom—and possibly your life—at stake. Our team takes a trial-ready approach from day one, ensuring you have experienced, strategic defense every step of the way.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Homicide in Rockville?
If you’re facing serious charges in Rockville, MD, Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys brings the experience and determination needed to protect your rights. We serve clients across the area and approach every case with focus, preparation, and a commitment to results.
Some of the reasons clients in Rockville choose us include:
- We have over 125 years of combined experience handling some of the most challenging and high-stakes cases in Maryland.
- Our team is known statewide for delivering strategic, trial-ready defense that gets results.
- We’ve earned a reputation for providing the best DUI defense in Maryland, backed by decades of courtroom success.
- Our founding attorney, Andrew Alpert, is the only board-certified DUI defense attorney in Maryland—a distinction that reflects the high standards we bring to every case.
Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, we are ready to defend you at every stage of the process. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Rockville criminal defense attorney.
What Is Homicide in Maryland?
Homicide in Maryland refers to the unlawful killing of another person and includes several classifications, each with its own legal definition and level of severity. The term itself is broad and can encompass both criminal and non-criminal killings, depending on the circumstances.
Under Maryland law, homicide offenses typically fall into one of the following categories:
- First-degree murder: This involves a premeditated and deliberate killing or a killing committed during the commission of certain felonies, such as robbery, arson, or rape.
- Second-degree murder: A killing that is intentional but not premeditated or that results from a depraved heart (extreme recklessness or indifference to human life).
- Manslaughter: A less severe form of homicide, which may be voluntary (committed in the heat of passion) or involuntary (resulting from criminal negligence or reckless behavior without intent to kill).
- Vehicular manslaughter: Causing someone’s death through grossly negligent or impaired driving.
Each of these charges requires the prosecution to prove specific elements, and the potential consequences vary significantly based on the charge.
How Prosecutors Decide Which Homicide Charges to File
When someone is accused of causing another person’s death, prosecutors don’t just file the most serious charge available—they carefully examine the facts, intent, and surrounding circumstances to determine which type of homicide charge is appropriate.
Key factors that influence charging decisions include:
- Whether the act was intentional or accidental
- If there’s evidence of planning, provocation, or self-defense
- Whether the death occurred during the commission of another felony
- The defendant’s prior criminal history or lack thereof
- Statements made by witnesses or the accused
- The presence of drugs, alcohol, or mental health concerns
Prosecutors may initially file a more serious charge—like first-degree murder—but later amend it to manslaughter or second-degree murder as the investigation develops.
What Are the Penalties for Homicide in Rockville, Maryland?
Homicide is one of the most serious offenses under Maryland law, and the penalties reflect the gravity of the crime. The potential sentence depends on how the offense is classified.
You could be facing the following:
- First-degree murder: A conviction carries the possibility of life imprisonment, either with or without the possibility of parole, depending on the circumstances.
- Second-degree murder: Defendants may face up to 40 years in prison.
- Manslaughter (felony): Defendants may face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500.
- Vehicular manslaughter (felony): For a first‑time offense involving gross negligence, defendants may face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000. For repeat or prior‑offender cases, up to 15 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Whether the charge involves intent, provocation, or negligence, a homicide conviction in Rockville can lead to life-changing penalties.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Homicide?
Being charged with homicide doesn’t mean you’re guilty. The law recognizes that each case is unique, and there may be strong legal defenses available depending on the facts.
Some of the most common defenses in homicide cases include:
- Self-defense or defense of others: You had a reasonable belief that using deadly force was necessary to protect yourself or someone else from imminent harm.
- Lack of intent: The killing was accidental or unintentional, which may reduce the charge or eliminate criminal liability entirely.
- Alibi: You were not at the scene when the alleged crime occurred.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot meet its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Constitutional violations: Evidence was obtained illegally, your rights were violated during arrest, or there were procedural errors in the investigation.
A strong defense begins with a thorough case review and early legal intervention.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Homicide
A homicide charge demands immediate, experienced legal representation. A criminal defense attorney can make a critical difference by:
- Investigating the case and gathering facts to challenge the prosecution’s version of events
- Identifying legal defenses that may lead to reduced charges or dismissal
- Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
- Negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate, or preparing for trial if necessary
- Helping you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect at every stage
The earlier you involve a lawyer, the more opportunities you’ll have to protect your future.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Homicide Defense Lawyer
Facing a homicide charge in Rockville, Maryland, is one of the most serious legal challenges you can encounter. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take immediate, strategic action to protect your rights and future.
With decades of courtroom experience and a trial-ready approach, we’re prepared to fight for you at every stage—whether you’re under investigation or have already been charged. Your freedom is too important to risk.Call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Rockville homicide lawyer. We’re here to listen, advise, and build the strong defense you deserve.
