In Need of a Murder & Homicide Defense Lawyer?
A homicide charge is the most serious criminal allegation a person can face. In Washington, D.C., and Maryland, murder prosecutions carry the highest levels of scrutiny, the harshest potential penalties, and lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
At Lotze Mosley PLLC, our criminal defense attorney represents individuals accused of murder and homicide throughout D.C. and Maryland. These cases demand immediate, strategic, and experienced legal representation. Early decisions, early statements, and early evidence often determine the course of the entire case.
Understanding Murder and Homicide Charges
“Homicide” is a broad legal term that refers to the killing of one person by another. Not every homicide is criminal, but when prosecutors believe a death resulted from unlawful conduct, charges may include various degrees of murder or related offenses.
Murder charges typically focus on intent, state of mind, and the circumstances surrounding the death.
The degree of the charge depends on factors such as:
- Alleged premeditation or planning.
- The use of a weapon or method of force.
- The relationship between the parties.
- Statements made before or after the incident.
- The manner in which the death occurred.
These distinctions carry enormous sentencing consequences.
Murder Charges in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., murder cases are prosecuted aggressively and often accompanied by additional violent felony allegations.
Prosecutors may pursue:
- First-degree murder, involving alleged premeditation or extreme circumstances.
- Second-degree murder, involving intentional but not premeditated conduct.
D.C. prosecutors rely heavily on witness testimony, forensic evidence, digital records, and statements attributed to the accused. Sentencing exposure can include decades of incarceration or life imprisonment.
Murder Charges in Maryland
Maryland law classifies murder into degrees that reflect the alleged intent and circumstances of the killing.
Prosecutors frequently emphasize:
- Claims of deliberation or planning.
- The nature and number of injuries.
- The alleged use of a deadly weapon.
- Prior disputes or relationships.
Maryland sentencing frameworks can escalate quickly, making early defense intervention essential.
Common Situations Leading to Homicide Allegations
Many homicide cases arise from rapidly escalating situations rather than long-term planning.
These may include:
- Domestic or family-related disputes.
- Bar, street, or workplace altercations.
- Incidents involving alcohol or emotional conflict.
- Confrontations involving firearms or other weapons.
- Situations where force is alleged to have gone too far.
In these cases, the prosecution’s theory of intent often becomes the central battleground.
Types of Murder and Homicide Charges We Defend
Our attorneys represent clients facing all forms of homicide-related allegations, including:
- First-Degree Murder.
- Second-Degree Murder.
- Voluntary Manslaughter.
- Involuntary Manslaughter.
- Felony Murder.
- Vehicular Homicide.
- Criminally Negligent Homicide.
Each charge carries different legal elements, potential penalties, and defense strategies. We carefully analyze how the law applies to your situation and identify the most effective path forward.
The Role of Intent and Mental State
Murder prosecutions are driven by what the state claims the defendant intended at the time of the incident. Serious injury or death alone does not automatically establish the highest level of criminal liability.
Defense strategies frequently focus on:
- Challenging allegations of premeditation.
- Establishing a lack of intent to kill.
- Demonstrating self-defense or defense of others.
- Presenting alternative explanations for the events.
- Exposing inconsistencies in forensic or witness evidence.
Statements, Forensics, and Early Evidence
Homicide cases are often built on early investigative decisions. Statements made during the initial hours and days following an incident frequently shape charging decisions and trial strategy.
Evidence may include:
- Law enforcement interviews and recorded statements.
- Forensic pathology and medical examiner findings.
- Ballistics, DNA, and digital evidence.
- Surveillance and body-worn camera footage.
Early legal representation is critical to protecting rights and challenging improper procedures.
Collateral Consequences of a Murder Charge
Beyond potential incarceration, murder allegations carry profound collateral consequences, including:
- Permanent felony records.
- Loss of employment and professional licensing.
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens.
- Loss of firearm rights.
- Severe reputational and family impact.
These consequences make strategic defense essential from the very beginning.
Why Immediate Defense Matters
Murder cases are rarely won through delay. Evidence preservation, witness development, and early legal challenges often determine the strength of the defense.
Early representation allows our attorney to:
- Preserve and analyze critical evidence.
- Identify investigative flaws.
- Challenge overcharging.
- Control communication with law enforcement.
- Develop a defense strategy before the prosecution’s narrative hardens.
How Our Attorneys Build a Strong Defense
Homicide cases require immediate and comprehensive action. From the moment we become involved, our attorneys focus on protecting your rights and strengthening your position.
Our defense process often includes:
- Reviewing the circumstances of the arrest and any constitutional violations.
- Analyzing forensic and physical evidence, including autopsy reports and lab results.
- Challenging witness statements and credibility issues.
- Examining law enforcement procedures and investigative errors.
- Identifying alternative explanations, self-defense claims, or lack of intent.
- Developing trial strategies designed to raise reasonable doubt.
We are prepared to fight aggressively in court while also pursuing favorable resolutions whenever possible.
Why Clients Trust Lotze Mosley with Homicide Defense
A murder or homicide charge requires far more than a standard criminal defense. These cases often involve complex forensic evidence, aggressive prosecutors, emotionally charged narratives, and high public scrutiny. Our attorneys are prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
Clients turn to our firm because we provide:
- Extensive experience handling high-stakes felony and violent crime cases.
- Thorough investigation and evidence analysis from the earliest stages of the case.
- Strategic use of expert witnesses, forensic consultants, and investigators.
- Strong negotiation skills and formidable trial advocacy.
- Clear communication and consistent client support throughout the process.
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every homicide case is unique, and our defense strategy is built around the specific facts, evidence, and legal issues involved.
Murder and Homicide Defense with Lotze Mosley
At Lotze Mosley PLLC, we defend clients facing murder and homicide charges in Washington, D.C., and Maryland with disciplined, experienced, and strategic advocacy. We understand the stakes and the complexity of these prosecutions.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with murder, contact Lotze Mosley immediately. Early legal action is often the most critical step in protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.
