Experienced Annapolis Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Attorney Fighting for Your Rights

Providing Maryland manslaughter defendants vigorous representation

Motor vehicle deaths greatly impact everyone involved. If you are the individual charged in the incident, you may be dealing with your own physical and mental injuries. Now, on top of that challenge, you have to defend yourself against some very serious charges.

My name is Gill Andrew Cochran, and I am a skilled Annapolis vehicular manslaughter defense attorney. Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law assists you through the criminal defense process and provides you with the aggressive and comprehensive defense a manslaughter case requires.

Understanding vehicular manslaughter charges

Maryland law includes vehicular manslaughter as a type of homicide and divides the charge into two categories:

• Vehicular manslaughter by criminal negligence. For a conviction on this charge, the state must prove that the defendant operated the vehicle in a manner that was criminally negligent. The state defines criminal negligence as a “deviation from the standard care that would be exercised by a reasonable person.” This means that the driver failed to take reasonable care when operating vehicle and created a substantial risk that a fatal accident could occur. The driver did not intend to cause the death, but his actions created the risk. Talking on a handheld cell phone while driving is an example of such behavior. A conviction on this misdemeanor charge can result in up to three years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000.
• Vehicular manslaughter by gross negligence. For a conviction on this charge, the state must prove that the defendant operated the vehicle in a manner that was grossly negligent, which is more severe than criminal negligence. Gross negligence includes a voluntary disregard for exercising a reasonable standard of care and the likelihood of placing others in grave danger. This is a higher standard than failing to take care. Under this statute, the defendant knows the likely fatal consequences of his actions, but disregards the risk and acts anyway. Driving under the influence of alcohol is an example of gross negligence. A conviction on this felony can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $5,000 fine.

A knowledgeable Annapolis criminal defense attorney knows what elements the state must prove to secure a vehicular homicide conviction and diligently works to counter each of them.

An aggressive defense to DUI manslaughter

The state charges DUI manslaughter when it alleges that alcohol or drug use played a part in the causing the vehicular death. The potential penalty for this felony conviction is three years’ incarceration and a $5,000 fine. Defending a DUI homicide case can prove difficult without the assistance of an experienced Annapolis DUI manslaughter lawyer. I have spent years challenging the state’s evidence in DUI-related cases. Whether it’s questioning an expert witness or disputing a toxicology report, I know what’s at stake for my clients and dedicate myself to providing an effective defense.

Trust your case to an Annapolis vehicular and DUI manslaughter defense lawyer

At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I relentlessly work to provide every client with a comprehensive defense. I’ve spent the last 18 years upholding the rights of the accused in Annapolis. Let me put my experience to work for you. If you are facing vehicular or DUI manslaughter charges, call my office at 410-271-1892 or complete my contact form to schedule a consultation.

And remember: Keep Calm — and Call Drew.