When a fatal accident involves impaired driving, everything changes in an instant. You may find yourself facing DUI manslaughter charges, a serious offense under Maryland law. These cases are high-stakes, fast-moving, and unforgiving. The penalties are severe, and prosecutors often act quickly. If you’re under investigation or already charged, now is the time to act. We provide immediate legal help at any hour, day or night, because DUI manslaughter charges don’t wait—and neither should your defense.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand the pressure you’re under. We’re ready to step in and protect your rights from the very beginning.
What Is DUI Manslaughter in Maryland?
DUI manslaughter happens when someone unintentionally causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s classified as a felony, and it doesn’t require intent to harm, just impairment and a fatal outcome.
To convict someone of DUI manslaughter, the state must show:
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- The impaired driving directly caused another person’s death
If prosecutors believe your actions contributed to the crash, they will pursue aggressive charges. These cases often involve multiple factors—speed, road conditions, and chemical testing—all of which can affect how the case unfolds.
What Are the Penalties for DUI Manslaughter?
A conviction for DUI manslaughter can lead to up to 10 years in prison, even for a first offense. In addition to prison time, you may also face:
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of driving privileges
- Probation or parole supervision
- Mandatory alcohol or drug treatment
- Financial restitution to the victim’s family
The court process can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high. We help you build a defense that protects your freedom and future.
Possible Defenses to DUI Manslaughter Charges
Several defenses may be available to challenge DUI manslaughter charges. We may explore the following:
- Lack of causation: Arguing that your impaired driving didn’t directly cause the victim’s death, possibly due to other factors like road conditions or another driver’s actions.
- Improper testing: Challenging the results of field sobriety or chemical tests if they were improperly administered or inaccurate.
- Improper handling of evidence: Challenging the integrity of toxicology samples or questioning the chain of custody can cast doubt on the reliability of evidence, potentially leading to the exclusion of critical test results.
- Improper stop or arrest: Investigating whether the traffic stop or arrest was legal; if not, evidence may be inadmissible in court.
Each case is unique, and we are here to explore all defenses to protect your rights.
How We Build a Strong Defense for DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter cases are legally and scientifically complex. They often involve multiple layers of evidence, including accident reconstruction, toxicology, and expert witnesses. We dig into every aspect of the case to challenge what the state thinks it knows.
We examine:
- Whether the traffic stop was legal
- If field sobriety or chemical tests were administered properly
- Whether impairment actually caused the accident
- The timing, accuracy, and handling of toxicology results
We also bring in outside investigators and forensic professionals when needed. Prosecutors sometimes overcharge or rely on assumptions that don’t hold up under scrutiny. Our goal is to ensure you aren’t unfairly judged based on incomplete or hasty conclusions.
Why Choose Us
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to providing aggressive defense for clients facing DUI manslaughter charges. We understand the gravity of this felony charge and are committed to working to secure the best possible outcome.
Attorney Christian Hartman’s background as a former prosecutor gives our firm a unique advantage. With years of experience on the other side of the courtroom, he understands how the prosecution builds its case. This insight allows him to anticipate their strategies and find the best approach to defend you. Christian is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), an organization that includes many of the top DUI lawyers in the country. That membership reflects a strong commitment to this area of law and to achieving the best results for his clients.
We offer a client-centered approach, making ourselves available around the clock for consultations and updates. We believe in providing personal attention to every case, ensuring you never feel alone in your legal journey.
Contact an Experienced Annapolis DUI Manslaughter Attorney
If you’re facing DUI manslaughter charges, every moment counts. Law enforcement and prosecutors begin building their case right away. You need a defense team that acts quickly and is prepared to challenge their case from the very beginning.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we’re available 24/7. You’ll speak directly with an attorney, and we’ll get to work right away. Whether you’ve been charged or think charges may be coming, we can help. Contact us now for a confidential consultation and put our experience on your side. Let us protect your rights and fight for your future.