Have you been accused of homicide in Waldorf, Maryland? Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation at (301) 857-4771 . Our Waldorf homicide lawyers can represent you throughout the entire criminal justice process, aiming for the most favorable resolution possible under state law.
Our attorneys bring 125 years of combined experience defending clients against the most serious criminal charges. We’ve successfully handled thousands of cases in this area of the law, including several high-profile trials. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Why Should I Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if I’m Facing Homicide Charges in Waldorf, MD?
Facing homicide charges in Waldorf, MD, as a defendant can be terrifying. Prosecutors will use every resource at their disposal to secure a conviction, and they may already believe you’re guilty regardless of the facts. Having a Waldorf criminal defense lawyer on your side with the experience and skill to challenge their evidence is essential.
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is well-suited to help you fight back against homicide charges. Many of our attorneys are also former prosecutors, providing us with valuable insight into how the state builds (and how we can dismantle) its cases. We know what it takes to win when everything is on the line.
A few further reasons to consider hiring us include:
- Numerous awards and accolades received, both locally and nationally
- We’re confident taking cases all the way to trial when that’s in our clients’ best interest
- We can leverage our relationships with top-rated experts to make your defense as strong as possible
- We’ll represent you at every court hearing and appearance, handling all of the communications and negotiations with the prosecution
We’ll make your case our priority from the moment you choose us for your case. Contact our Waldorf homicide lawyers today to get started with a free consultation.
Homicide Charges Under Maryland Law
In Maryland, “homicide” refers broadly to the unlawful killing of another person. However, there are several distinct offenses, each carrying its own elements and penalties. The severity of the charge depends on the defendant’s intent, the circumstances surrounding the death, and other factors.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge. It involves a willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. In other words, the prosecution must prove that the defendant planned the killing ahead of time.
Examples may include:
- Poisoning the victim on purpose
- Lying in wait to ambush the victim
- Killing during the commission of another felony (felony murder), such as robbery or arson
- Hiring someone to commit the murder
A conviction for first-degree murder can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder involves intentionally killing another person without premeditation or deliberation. It can also apply, in some circumstances, when someone acts with extreme disregard for human life, resulting in death.
The penalties for second-degree murder can include up to 30 years in prison.
Manslaughter
Under Maryland law, manslaughter generally involves an unlawful killing without malice or premeditation. It can arise from a sudden altercation, an act committed in the heat of passion, or reckless behavior leading to the death of another person.
The penalties for manslaughter can include up to ten years in prison.
Vehicular Manslaughter
If a person causes another’s death while driving recklessly or under the influence, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. This offense can lead to years of incarceration, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record.
What the State of Maryland Must Prove for a Homicide Conviction
In any homicide case in Maryland, the prosecution bears the unwavering burden of proving each and every element of the specific crime charged.
Depending on the charge, prosecutors may need to establish:
- The victim is deceased
- The defendant caused the victim’s death
- The killing was intentional or was the result of reckless conduct
This proof must be accomplished beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest and most rigorous legal standard in our legal system. It is a fundamental principle of justice that an accused person is presumed innocent until the State meets this monumental evidentiary threshold.
Burden of Proof in Maryland Homicide Cases
This burden of proof applies not just to the core act of the death itself, but to the mens rea (the mental state or intent of the defendant) and all surrounding circumstances that elevate the offense to first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or voluntary/involuntary manslaughter.
For a conviction to stand, the jury or judge must be left with no reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s guilt on every required element, meaning the evidence presented must be so convincing that it excludes any other logical explanation.
A defense attorney’s primary role is to demonstrate to the court how the State has failed to meet this high standard, whether by challenging the factual evidence, the identification of the accused, or the proof of the required criminal intent.
Our homicide attorneys in Maryland can scrutinize every aspect of the prosecution’s case to ensure that no weak or improperly obtained evidence is used against you. It’s not impossible that your charges could be dismissed altogether in some circumstances, but that outcome is never guaranteed.
Collateral Consequences of a Waldorf Homicide Conviction
Homicide convictions are among the harshest under Maryland law in terms of the penalties imposed by the court. However, the punishment doesn’t end there.
Convicted individuals also face serious collateral consequences, such as:
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or own firearms
- Difficulty securing employment and housing after release
- Permanent damage to your personal reputation
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Emotional and financial strain on families
A successful legal defense can be the difference between a life behind bars and the chance to rebuild your future.
What Defenses Can My Attorney Raise in Response to Homicide Charges in Waldorf, MD?
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we approach every case individually, crafting a defense tailored to your circumstances.
Common defenses to homicide charges include:
- Self-defense or defense of others: The defendant acted to protect themselves or someone else from imminent harm
- Accident: The death occurred unintentionally and without criminal negligence
- Mistaken identity: The wrong person was accused due to unreliable witnesses or flawed investigations
- Lack of intent: The prosecution cannot prove that the defendant intended to kill or cause serious harm
- Insufficient evidence: The state’s case is too weak to meet the standard of proof
- Constitutional violations: Evidence was obtained through illegal means, such as an unreasonable search and seizure
Our Waldorf criminal defense attorneys can utilize expert witnesses, forensic testing, thorough cross-examination, and other strategies to challenge the state’s claims and raise reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help in a Waldorf Homicide Case
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can take a highly calculated, strategic approach to every stage of your case.
Here are just a few of the ways our experienced attorneys can help you:
- Investigate the case independently: We’ll conduct our own investigation into the charges against you to gather exculpatory evidence and interview witnesses the police may have ignored.
- Challenge the prosecution’s narrative: Our attorneys will identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence and expose inconsistencies in police reports and other findings.
- Protect your constitutional rights: From the moment of your arrest, we’ll ensure that your rights are not violated on both the state and federal levels.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: In some cases, we can negotiate a plea deal if that’s in your best interest, helping you avoid the harshest penalties. However, the decision whether to accept any deals is always yours at the end of the day.
- Prepare a strong trial defense: Our firm includes seasoned trial lawyers with decades of courtroom experience. We know how to craft persuasive arguments and present them effectively to a jury.
When you’re accused of homicide, your freedom and future are on the line. A qualified Waldorf criminal defense lawyer can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. By getting involved early, our attorneys can shape the case in your favor and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Our Experienced Waldorf Homicide Attorneys Right Away for a Free Consultation
A homicide accusation in Waldorf, MD, is one of the most serious legal challenges a person can face. Your life and liberty depend on the defense you build and the attorney you choose to represent you.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our attorneys have 125 years of combined experience defending against serious charges, including homicide. We’ve earned the respect of judges, prosecutors, and clients alike for our work. Now, we’re here to get to work for you.
Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with a Waldorf homicide lawyer who can work hard to help you secure a desirable outcome.