Understanding Homicide and Murder Defense Law in Owings Mills, MD

Homicide is the most serious charge that can be filed against someone. Both murder and manslaughter are considered felonies under Maryland State law. The consequences of homicide or murder charges can follow you for the rest of your life and impact everyone in your family. At the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg, we have a team of experienced and highly qualified homicide criminal law attorneys who are standing by, ready to provide representation, guidance, and support as you navigate the legal process. When you retain one of our homicide and murder defense lawyers in Owings Mills, MD, you will have an experienced, honest, and aggressive attorney on your side throughout your case.

Understanding Homicide and Murder Charges in Maryland

Understanding the different types of homicide charges that can be filed in the state of Maryland can help you prepare for what to expect if you or a loved one is charged with murder or homicide. The two primary categories of homicide are murder and manslaughter, and each has its subcategories:

• First Degree Murder – This is the most serious type of homicide. It is reserved for cases where a murder is committed with premeditation and intent. It can also include murders that were carried out in the commission of another serious felony crime like robbery, arson, or kidnapping.
• Second Degree Murder – This charge applies to murders that were intentional but not premeditated. The defendant may have acted with intent to harm or kill but did not plan.
• Voluntary Manslaughter – This is a lesser charge but still a serious offense. Voluntary manslaughter includes cases where the defendant kills someone in the heat of passion, and the crime was not premeditated or planned but a result of losing control.
• Involuntary Manslaughter – Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a defendant causes death without intent to kill or harm. The death occurs due to negligence or reckless behavior that resulted in death.
• Vehicular Manslaughter – Vehicular manslaughter applies to a death that occurred because of reckless or negligent driving, such as driving while drunk or impaired, texting while driving, or ignoring traffic laws.
• Felony Murder – A felony murder charge occurs when a death happens during the commission of another felony matter, such as robbery, carjacking, arson, or kidnapping.
• Justifiable Homicide – Justifiable homicide is a murder that is considered justifiable in the eyes of the law, such as one that occurs in cases of self-defense or the defense of others.

What to Expect After You or a Loved One Is Charged with Homicide?

Murder and manslaughter charges are serious criminal matters and have the potential for severe, life-altering consequences. You must know what to expect if you or a loved one is arrested and charged with homicide or murder in Maryland:

• Initial Arrest – When you are arrested, you will be detained and taken to a local police station for booking. You will be fingerprinted and photographed, and your personal belongings will be confiscated. You may undergo questioning or interrogation. You should ask for an attorney right away or call your attorney if you have one. You may have a bail hearing shortly after your arrest. A judge will determine if you can be released on bail and the bail amount. If you are not released on bail, you will be sent to a local county jail, where you will remain until your next hearing.
• Pre-trial Process – The pre-trial process or discovery process is the time in which your attorney will investigate your case, gather witnesses and documentation, and build your defense. They will file pleadings and motions with the court on your behalf, and you may need to attend various hearings.
• Trial or Plea Agreement – In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or plea agreement with the prosecutor. A plea bargain is an agreement where you plead guilty to certain charges or a lesser charge in exchange for a less severe sentence, or you agree to cooperate in specific ways in exchange for a lesser sentence. If you don’t agree to a plea bargain or if one isn’t offered, your case will proceed to trial. A trial can last days, weeks, months, or even years depending on the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses. If you have co-defendants, the case may be more complex and lengthier. You will remain in jail during the trial. During the trial, your attorney and the prosecutor will present evidence, make arguments, interview witnesses, and demonstrate their case. When the trial is concluded, the jury will leave to discuss the case and come to a decision on the charges.
• Jury Verdict – When the jury has come to a decision, you and your attorney will be called back into court and the decision will be read aloud. If you are found guilty, you will be sent back to jail to await sentencing. If you are found not guilty, you will be released immediately. If you have more than one charge against you, you could be found guilty on some and not guilty on others. In rare cases, a jury may not be able to reach a consensus. In that case, your attorney will explain the next steps to you.
• Sentencing and Appeals – If you are found guilty of one or more of the charges against you, you will return to jail until your sentencing hearing. At this hearing, the judge will determine what sentence is appropriate based on the details and circumstances of the crime, your age, your past criminal history, your involvement in the community, and more. A murder or manslaughter sentence can vary widely and may include imprisonment, fines, and probation. After your sentencing, your lawyer will discuss the possibility of an appeal for filing a motion for a new trial or reduced sentence.

Our Legal Defense Approach to Homicide Charges

We take an aggressive approach to defending clients against homicide charges. While we provide highly personalized, client-centric services, this is the general process you can expect when you hire our homicide criminal law attorneys:

• Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation – During your initial consultation and case evaluation, our legal professionals will answer your questions and make sure you understand the seriousness of the charges and the potential avenues for your case. We will assess the evidence against you and give you our advice and recommendations for how you should proceed.
• Development of Action Plan and Case Strategy – If you choose to hire us, we will draw up a contract and agree to a fee schedule and/or retainer. We will begin developing your case strategy and an action plan. We will meet with you regularly.
• Case Review and Gathering of Evidence and Documentation – Our legal professionals and investigators will review every detail of your case and gather evidence and documentation to support your defense.
• Navigating the Legal Process – We will help you navigate the legal process and provide you with guidance and representation. You do not have to fight these charges alone, and it is in your best interest to have an experienced, aggressive legal team behind you.
• Negotiating on Your Behalf – We will try to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf, if possible.
• Potential Outcome and Progression of Your Case – We will make sure you and your family understand how your case will progress and every possible outcome for your case.

Why Choose the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg?

At the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg, we have all the necessary resources to formulate an aggressive legal strategy for your defense. We will help you explore all options and will work tirelessly to uncover evidence that could be used for your acquittal or charge reduction. We also consult with experts such as private investigators, medical experts, and forensic scientists to build your defense. We will ensure you aren’t facing these charges alone and that you have a team of experienced legal professionals fighting for you each step of the way.

Schedule a Consultation with a Criminal Law Attorney Today

Our team of experienced legal professionals at the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg understands the inner workings and nuances of murder and homicide cases. We will fight for your rights and freedom. Call us now or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our criminal law firm in Owings Mills, MD. We serve clients throughout Baltimore County, Reisterstown, Pikesville, Carroll County, Westminster, and Baltimore City.