Southern Maryland Criminal Defense attorney Jeremy Widder was recently featured in The Baltimore Sun’s coverage of a high-profile criminal case involving a Havre de Grace man sentenced to 12 years for depraved-heart murder in a fatal fentanyl overdose. The March 4, 2025 article provided in-depth coverage of the legal implications surrounding Maryland’s handling of overdose-related homicide charges—an increasingly controversial area of law—and prominently featured Attorney Widder’s legal insight.
Most of the time, Widder said, drug users and dealers are not concerned with new laws and legal precedent and do not pay attention to headlines that could deter them from selling drugs.
“You’re prosecuting the last guy who touches the drugs who is almost always the poorest person in the chain and the most likely to be addicted to the drugs themselves,” Widder said. “These prosecutions are going after the people who are the least culpable for how the drugs got into someone’s body, who also make the least amount of money in the operation.”
With years of experience as a prosecutor and now as a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Southern Maryland, Jeremy Widder’s legal perspective was sought out by one of the state’s most respected news outlets. His commentary helped clarify the complexities of Maryland’s approach to so-called drug-induced homicide prosecutions—a legal strategy that seeks to hold drug suppliers criminally responsible for fatal overdoses under second-degree murder theories like depraved-heart murder.
What Is Depraved-Heart Murder in Maryland?
Depraved-heart murder is a form of second-degree murder under Maryland law. It applies when a person causes a death through conduct that demonstrates a “reckless disregard for human life”—even without an intent to kill. While historically used in cases like reckless shootings or extreme acts of endangerment, prosecutors in Maryland have recently begun applying this doctrine to drug overdose deaths.
That means someone who supplies or shares drugs could potentially be charged with murder—even without physically administering the dose or knowing the person would die. It’s a legally aggressive and ethically debated tactic that many defense attorneys, including Jeremy Widder, believe stretches the limits of criminal liability.
Why This Matters for Anyone Facing Drug Charges
This new prosecutorial approach raises serious concerns for people accused of drug-related offenses. What used to be treated as possession with intent to distribute or distribution charges could now carry the possibility of a murder conviction. In the Havre de Grace case, the defendant was not accused of force, violence, or direct administration—yet still received a lengthy prison sentence for depraved-heart murder.
Cases like these underscore the need for experienced legal counsel when facing any type of drug charge in Maryland. The consequences are higher than ever—and the legal theories used by the State are more aggressive than many realize.
Southern Maryland Criminal Defense: The Experience You Need
Jeremy Widder brings a unique perspective to these complex cases. As a former Assistant State’s Attorney, he understands how prosecutors build these charges—and how to dismantle them. Now, as a trusted criminal defense lawyer serving clients in Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties, he is committed to protecting the rights of individuals caught in the crosshairs of overly broad prosecutions.
His feature in The Baltimore Sun highlights the trust placed in him by both the media and the legal community. But for Jeremy, the real work happens every day—helping clients fight back against charges that threaten their freedom and their future.
If you or a loved one has been charged in connection with a drug-related incident, don’t wait.
Contact Southern Maryland Criminal Defense today for a free consultation with Jeremy Widder—an experienced Southern Maryland criminal lawyer who’s not afraid to challenge the State’s narrative.
