Maryland Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Reputable Defense Attorneys Handling Violent Crime Charges in Maryland

In the state of Maryland, crimes of violence are defined in Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 14-101. Under the statute, these offenses include:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• First-degree or second-degree sexual offense
• Robbery
• Carjacking/armed carjacking
• Home invasion
• First-degree assault
• Assault with intent to murder, rob, rape, or commit a first-degree or second-degree sexual offense
• Maiming
• Kidnapping
• Abduction
• First-degree arson
• Mayhem
• First-degree child abuse
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we have four decades of experience representing clients in criminal defense cases, including allegations of violent crimes. Our attorneys will take the time to review your case, considering different possible strategies with the end goal of protecting your rights and your freedom.

Self-Defense

There are times when it may become necessary to use force to protect yourself from serious and imminent bodily injury or death. While this is not a common situation for people to find themselves in, it does happen. When engaging in self-defense, it is important to remember that your response must be proportionate to the danger you are facing. An example would be being attacked by someone in a parking lot with nothing more than their fists, and instead of fighting back with fists or attempting to remove yourself from the altercation, you draw a firearm out of your pocket or holster and shoot the barehanded assailant. Maryland requires that if you have a way to remove yourself from the threat, that you make a reasonable effort to do so, provided that the threat would not increase were you to "back off."

Maryland follows the "Castle Doctrine." In other words, if you are in your own home, you do not have a duty to simply retreat. You are permitted to use reasonable force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe that using deadly force is absolutely necessary in order to protect yourself or someone else who is lawfully in your home from serious bodily injury or death. You can also use a level of force that you reasonably believe is necessary to prevent a violent felony from being committed in your home. However, it is important to keep in mind that at all times while you are invoking the Castle Doctrine, the amount of force to be used against someone unlawfully in your home must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat they pose. The Castle Doctrine does not apply to public spaces, vehicles, or someone else's home.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can review your case to see if there is a viable argument to be made for self-defense. We have tried these cases to verdict and have had extraordinary levels of success in defeating first- and second-degree murder charges when self defense is present. The results nearly always fall into one of two categories. The first category is known as perfect self-defense, which results in a full acquittal. The second successful outcome is known as imperfect self-defense. This would take a charge of murder in either the first or second degree and reduce it to a simple manslaughter charge. Contact us for more information about how we can help you defend against violent crime charges that are based on actions you took to defend yourself.

Meet With a Maryland Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

Many violent crimes carry strict penalties on a conviction, with high fines and long prison sentences. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we understand just how much hangs in the balance in these cases. Our violent crime defense attorneys can represent you in court and work toward an optimal outcome. Call us at 410-837-0020 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.