Towson Homicide Defense Attorney

Facing a homicide charge in Maryland can be an incredibly daunting and life-altering experience. If you or a loved one is dealing with such a serious legal matter, it is crucial to have a dedicated and experienced defense attorney by your side to protect your rights and build a strong defense. At Albers & Associates, we understand the gravity of homicide cases and are committed to providing aggressive and effective legal representation for our clients.

Schedule your consultation with our Towson murder defense attorney by calling (410) 927-5717 today.

Understanding Murder Charges in Maryland

Homicide is one of the most severe criminal offenses, carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in certain cases. In Maryland, homicide is categorized into different degrees, each with its own set of elements and potential defenses.

• First-degree murder is the most serious category of murder and typically involves intentional killing with premeditation and malice aforethought. In other words, the perpetrator plans and consciously decides to commit the murder. First-degree murder is often punishable by life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole.
• Second-degree murder encompasses intentional killings without premeditation and malice aforethought. Second-degree murder is often described as a "heat of passion" killing or murder that results from an impulsive act without prior planning. A conviction for second-degree murder carries a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

Keep in mind that attempted first- and second-degree murder carries the same penalties as committing such offenses.

Maryland Manslaughter Laws & Penalties

Manslaughter is a serious criminal offense that also involves the unlawful killing of another person. The two primary types of manslaughter charges in Maryland are voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.

• Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person intentionally causes the death of another person in the heat of passion or under circumstances that mitigate the severity of the offense. The main element in this charge is the presence of provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control. This offense is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years.
• Involuntary manslaughter involves causing the death of another person unintentionally, either through criminal negligence or during the commission of a crime that is not inherently dangerous to life. It is crucial to note that the person did not have the intention to kill, but their reckless or negligent actions resulted in someone's death. This offense carries a maximum prison term of two years and/or a fine of up to $500.

Legal Defenses for Homicide Charges

One of the most important steps to take if you are accused of homicide is to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in handling such serious cases. Your attorney can investigate your case, listen to your story, and determine any available legal defenses to help you reduce your charges/penalties or even get your entire case dismissed.

The following are common legal defenses for murder and manslaughter charges:

• Self-Defense: The accused may argue that they acted in self-defense, meaning they reasonably believed that their life was in imminent danger, or they were facing serious bodily harm, and using lethal force was necessary to protect themselves.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense asserts that the accused used lethal force to protect another person from imminent harm or death.
• Accident: The defense may argue that the death was a tragic accident and not a result of any intentional or reckless conduct.
• Insanity: The defense of insanity claims that the accused was not mentally capable of understanding the wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the homicide.
• Intoxication: In some cases, intoxication (due to drugs or alcohol, DUI) may be used as a defense if it can be shown that the accused was unable to form the requisite intent to commit the crime.
• Mistaken Identity: The defense may assert that the accused was wrongly identified as the perpetrator of the crime.
• Alibi: The defense may present evidence that the accused was in a different location at the time of the homicide and, therefore, could not have committed the crime.
• Duress: The accused may claim that they were forced to commit the homicide under threat of serious bodily harm or death.
• Provocation: In some cases, the defense may argue that the accused was provoked into committing the homicide, which may reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter.

What To Expect In a Towson Homicide Case

When you are involved in a homicide case in Towson, understanding the steps in the criminal process can help you and your family prepare for what lies ahead. After an arrest, you may be taken to a local detention facility and brought before a commissioner or judge for an initial appearance, where conditions of release are addressed. Future court dates in Baltimore County District Court or Baltimore County Circuit Court will determine how your case moves forward, including preliminary hearings, arraignment, motions, and potential trial.

As your case progresses, we help you navigate critical decisions such as whether to request a jury trial, how to respond to plea offers, and which pretrial motions may be appropriate in your situation. We keep you informed about discoveries received from the State, explain how that evidence might be used, and discuss the pros and cons of different strategies in language you can understand. If you are searching for a homicide criminal defense lawyer Towson families can turn to during a crisis, it is important to work with a team that is prepared to stand with you at every stage, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Why Choose Albers & Associates?

With stakes this high, you need a defense team with a proven track record of success in handling homicide cases. At Albers & Associates, our attorneys have a wealth of experience representing clients facing homicide charges. We meticulously investigate each case, leaving no stone unturned, to uncover evidence and build a strong defense strategy.

Contact Our Towson Homicide Defense Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges, you need strong legal representation immediately. The stakes could not be higher, and every decision matters. Our Towson homicide defense attorney is ready to protect your rights, investigate every detail of your case, and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t face this situation alone—contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the aggressive, strategic defense you deserve. We are here to stand by your side and start building your defense right away.

Contact our Towson homicide defense lawyer today at (410) 927-5717 for a confidential consultation.