Maryland Violent Crimes Lawyer
Violent crimes include some of the most serious offenses under Maryland law, including murder, manslaughter, and assault. These are felonies that carry the potential of decades–even life–in prison for a convicted defendant. So if you are even under investigation for committing a violent crime, you need to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
The Maryland violent crimes lawyers at Henault & Sysko Chartered can advise you on what steps to take if you have been arrested and charged with a felony. Violent crimes cases are often complex affairs. They require a careful cross-examination of the witnesses and physical evidence. And there are several factors that can influence the type and severity of charge brought in court. Our criminal defense attorneys can guide you through each step of the process and zealously advocate your interests in court.
What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Maryland?
The distinction between murder and manslaughter is not always obvious to people who are not involved in the criminal justice system. Essentially, murder refers to a “deliberate, premeditated, and willful” killing, while manslaughter covers an unjustifiable killing where there is not deliberation, premeditation, or malice.
Maryland law further distinguishes between first- and second-degree murder as follows:
- Murder in the first degree– In addition to deliberate, premeditated, and willful killings, it is also first-degree murder to kill someone by “lying in wait,” poisoning the victim, or killing them in the course of committing certain other specified crimes, including but not limited to arson, burglary, carjacking, escaping from prison, kidnapping, rape, or robbery.
- Murder in the second degree– This covers any type of murder that does not qualify as first-degree murder.
As befitting such violent crimes, the penalties for murder are among the harshest available under Maryland law. A person convicted of murder in the first degree faces the possibility of life without parole in prison, while second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. And even manslaughter, while not as serious as murder, can lead to a 10-year prison term depending on the circumstances.
Beyond murder and manslaughter, there are a number of other violent crimes that can land you in serious legal trouble, such as:
- Assault– Anyone who intentionally causes–or attempts to cause–serious injury to another person is guilty of assault in the first degree. This includes assault with a firearm of any kind. Even when the assault does not result in death to the victim, the defendant can still face up to 25 years in prison.
- Sex Crimes– This category includes rape and other sexual offenses. Rape in the first-degree carries the possibility of life in prison.
- Robbery– Robbery that involves a “dangerous weapon” or where the defendant displays a note claiming they have such a weapon is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Henault & Sysko Chartered Can Help If You Are Charged with a Violent Crime
A violent crimes arrest can turn your life upside down. A qualified Glen Burnie violent crimes lawyer by your side can help you make sense of the situation and ensure there is someone who will aggressively represent your interests in court. Contact Henault & Sysko Chartered to speak with a lawyer today about your case.
