Rockville Manslaughter & Murder Attorney

Defense for Manslaughter & Murder Charges in Rockville, MD

Offenses involving harm to others are generally categorized as violent crimes. The most serious of these offenses involve death. A person who is accused of intentionally killing someone else may be charged with murder, while manslaughter charges may apply if someone was responsible for someone's death but did not intend to kill them. Murder and manslaughter are among the most serious types of criminal charges a person can face. Understanding when a person may be charged with these crimes, the potential consequences of a conviction, and the defense strategies that may be available is important for those who have been accused. At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys provide high-quality legal representation in these cases. We can help determine the ideal defense strategies to help prevent a conviction or reduce the potential charges and penalties.

First-Degree Murder

The most serious form of homicide in Maryland generally involves the premeditated and deliberate killing of another person. It may also involve killing someone while committing or attempting to commit certain other offenses, including sexual assault, robbery, burglary, carjacking, or arson. Most of the time, a person convicted of first-degree murder will be sentenced to life imprisonment, and depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, they may not have the possibility of receiving parole. A person who attempts to commit first-degree murder may also face a potential life sentence.

Second-Degree Murder

Other situations in which a person faces accusations of intentionally killing someone else may result in second-degree murder charges. In general, these cases involve situations where murder is not premeditated or planned or did not meet other criteria to be charged as first-degree murder. A person who killed someone during the heat of passion or caused someone's death after intending to inflict serious bodily injuries may face second-degree murder charges. A conviction may result in a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Charges of attempted second-degree murder may lead to a sentence of up to 30 years.

Manslaughter

Other offenses where a person unintentionally caused someone else's death may be charged as manslaughter. A person may face manslaughter charges if they engage in behavior that is known to be dangerous or if they were responsible for someone's death but did not intend to kill them. Manslaughter is a felony offense, and a conviction may lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

A person who drives a motor vehicle in a manner that is grossly negligent, such as by drunk driving or striking a pedestrian while driving at high speeds through a residential area, may be charged with manslaughter by vehicle, which also carries a maximum sentence of 10 years for a first conviction and 15 years for a second conviction. If a person causes someone else's death while operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner but fails to realize that they were putting others at risk, they may be charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle. This is a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum sentence of three years for a first conviction and five years for a second conviction.

Defense Strategies for Murder and Manslaughter Charges

For those who are facing accusations of manslaughter or murder, our seasoned attorneys can help determine the best approach to take to defend against convictions. Here are some potential defenses:

• Self-defense: The defendant may be able to demonstrate that they believed their life was in imminent danger and that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent harm.
• Lack of intent: For charges of first-degree and second-degree murder, demonstrating that there was no intent to kill can be a viable defense. If the defendant's actions were accidental or lacked the necessary intent to cause death, the charges could potentially be reduced to manslaughter or dismissed.
• Mistaken identity: In some cases, the defendant may argue that they were not the person who committed the crime. This defense relies on proving that there is a reasonable doubt regarding the defendant's presence at the crime scene or involvement in the act.
• Provocation: Proving that the defendant was provoked into a heat of passion can reduce the severity of the charges in some cases. If the provocation was sufficient to cause an average person to lose self-control, charges of first-degree murder may be reduced to second-degree murder or even manslaughter in some cases.
• Accidental death: In cases involving accusations of manslaughter, the defense may argue that the death was a tragic accident without criminal intent or reckless behavior. This strategy focuses on demonstrating the absence of negligence or recklessness.

Contact Our Rockville, Maryland Murder Defense Attorneys

Defending against murder or manslaughter charges requires a thorough understanding of Maryland's legal system and the potential defense strategies that may be effective based on the circumstances of a case. Because these charges are so serious, it is crucial to secure legal representation immediately after being arrested or learning about the accusations. At Salvado Law Offices, our experienced criminal defense lawyers can help determine the ideal defense strategies in these situations. Contact us today at 301-933-1814 to set up a free consultation. We assist with cases involving murder and violent crimes in Rockville, Maryland and the surrounding areas, and we also provide representation for clients in and around Falls Church, Virginia.