Attorney Julie M. Guyer is the aggressive defense you need.
Get a Free Case EvaluationWorcester County Violent Crimes Attorney
30+ Years of Criminal Law Experience & Professional Relationships with State and Judges’ Offices
Violent crimes include several offenses like assault or battery, murder, and manslaughter, all criminalized at varying degrees. If you have been accused of a violent crime in Worcester County, do not hesitate to take action in your defense immediately. Attorney Julie M. Guyer is an experienced professional who has been practicing in the criminal law field for more than 30 years. She also has cultivated important professional relationships with state and judges’ offices, which may be useful as she champions your case.
Schedule a free consultation with Julie M. Guyer online or at (410) 834-0373 to get started immediately.
Assault and Battery
In Maryland, assault refers to battery (unwanted physical contact with another), attempted battery, or placing another in apprehension of batter. The defendant must have intended to cause harmful, reckless, or offensive contact to be charged with assault.
The penalties for misdemeanor assault generally include up to 10 years in jail or prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500. If the alleged victim of assault is a special individual, such as a police officer, correctional officer, parole agent, firefighter, or any other first responder engaged in providing emergency medical care or rescue services, the offense of assault rises to the felony level and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-203.).
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First- and Second-Degree Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter
Another important category of violent crime in Maryland is murder. First-degree murder is a deliberate, premeditated, and willful killing of a human being committed:
- by lying in wait for an apparent victim;
- by poisoning; or
- while committing or attempting a specific violent felony, such as arson, burglary, carjacking, escaping from custody, kidnapping, mayhem, rape, robbery, sodomy, or possessing a destructive device.
Individuals guilty of first-degree murder could face life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole.
Second-degree murder is an intentional killing that was not premeditated or malicious. Such a crime is a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. It is possible, however, for second-degree murder to be reduced to voluntary manslaughter if there exists evidence that the killing was committed due to the “heat of passion.” Voluntary manslaughter carries a lesser sentence, with up to 10 years in prison or up to 2 years in jail and a $500 fine, depending on the circumstances.
In some cases, arguing self-defense may also be an effective defense against murder charges if justified and reasonable. Or, as mentioned above, it could work as a partial defense that lowers a murder charge to voluntary manslaughter. Additionally, voluntary intoxication or getting drunk or willingly using drugs may be a defense to first-degree murder that could lead alternatively to second-degree charges. This may not reduce a charge any further to the voluntary manslaughter level, however.
Facing Violent Crime Charges? Call (410) 834-0373.
If you are facing a violent crime accusation in Maryland, contact Julie M. Guyer, Attorney at Law as soon as possible to get started immediately on your defense. Whether you have been charged with misdemeanor assault or second-degree murder, Attorney Guyer can strategize a defense unique to your case.
Put a well-respected Worcester County defense attorney on your violent crimes case. Call (410) 834-0373 or contact Julie M. Guyer, Attorney at Law online for a free consultation to learn more.
Why choose Julie M. Guyer, Attorney at Law?
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30+ Years of Criminal Law Experience
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Available 24/7 for Legal Advice
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Your Initial Consultation Is Free
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Former Prosecutor & Maryland State Trooper
