Democrats may have a wide majority in both houses of the Maryland legislature, but that hasn’t stopped Republicans from putting forward a package of bills aimed at tackling violent crime – particularly those where a firearm is involved. They’re counting on support...
Personal Attention.
Aggressive Defense.
Violent crimes
What is felony murder?
Murder typically requires intent. If someone does not intend to take a life, even if they do so negligently, then they may be charged with manslaughter or some other lesser charge. But in order for it to be first-degree murder, there has to be intent and it needs to...
Why is a “crime of passion” a defense?
A crime of passion is when something happens in the heat of the moment. For example, a person decides to leave work early to surprise their spouse, who they know is at home. When they get home, they are shocked to discover that their spouse is having an affair. An...
What does an attempted murder charge mean?
If you or someone you know has been charged with attempted murder, it is crucial to understand what this means and the potential repercussions. An attempted murder charge can be filed when the prosecutor believes that there is evidence that the defendant intended to...
What is involuntary manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter is a type of homicide that occurs when someone kills another person without intending to do so. It is usually the result of recklessness or negligence rather than deliberate planning or malice aforethought. If you have been charged with...
Are homicide and murder synonyms?
People often assume that the words homicide and murder have virtually the same meaning. For instance, if police officers talk about carrying out a homicide investigation, people generally assume that this means they are investigating a murder. But the truth is that...
When can you claim self-defense?
One common defense to assault and battery or even homicide charges is that of self-defense. You do have the legal ability to defend yourself with force. This does not mean you will not be arrested, but claiming self-defense is a way to show that your actions were...
When can Maryland parents face charges for unsafe gun storage?
For most responsible gun owners, keeping their weapons out of their children’s hands is one of their highest priorities. Even most parents who take their children to gun ranges or hunting don’t want them to access their firearms without their knowledge. Maryland, like...
Is assault the same as battery under Maryland law?
The terms assault and battery are often used interchangeably by individuals. You have probably also heard these terms in television shows and movies from time to time. Many states have laws that separate assault from battery, usually with the battery element being the...
Why eyewitness testimony isn’t all that reliable
Seeing is believing, right? And the next best thing to seeing something with their own eyes, as far as a jury is concerned, is hearing what an eyewitness saw at the scene of a crime. At least, that’s what prosecutors want juries and defendants to think – but the...