Murder Charges Demand Serious Legal Counsel
Murder charges are among the most serious offenses that someone can face. Defense against these charges takes an experienced eye, time, attention and a great deal of work. So it is critical that you seek experienced criminal defense counsel to review the details of your case.
At Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law, we have defended Maryland residents accused of murder and manslaughter. Our legal team devotes the skills and resources needed to respond to murder charges and to hopefully spare you from a conviction or the worst penalties.
Degrees Of Murder Under Maryland Law
Charges of murder exist in different forms and with varying sentencing guidelines, including:
- First-degree murder: Under Maryland criminal code, first-degree murder is the most severe. It refers to intentional murders that are premeditated, willful or deliberate.
- Second-degree murder: The accused can be shown to have exhibited extreme indifference to human life, where their actions resulted in the death of another human.
- Felony murder: This refers to causing a death (intentionally or unintentionally) in the commission of a felony crime. Equal charges can be levied against every person involved in the felony, not just the person who pulled the trigger or directly caused the death.
- Manslaughter: This refers to a death from criminally reckless or negligent actions such as causing a crash while drunk.
Preparing A Murder Defense
The majority of murders are committed during the act of another crime. Charges of first-degree murder are very specifically outlined and only apply under circumstances of a defined nature. We explore all possible defenses to avoid a conviction or position our client for a favorable plea negotiation that takes murder charges off the table. We challenge the prosecution’s case for means, motive and intent, and whether the charges are appropriate to the facts of the case.
With 50 years of combined experience, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to go to trial, if necessary, to fight for our client’s freedom.
We Protect Your Rights
Even those accused of murder are entitled to a defense and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discover how we can make a difference. Call 410-734-5536 or contact us online.