Murder laws in Texas can be complicated, especially because different types of murder charges come with varying consequences. If you have been charged with murder, you know that the stakes are high, especially in Texas, where prosecutors have a reputation for aggressively pursuing cases against homicide defendants.
Texas criminal defense attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent defendants who have been accused of murder. The penalties for murder convictions are severe, sometimes resulting in life sentences or the death penalty. With an experienced attorney and a good defense strategy, murder charges do not always have to result in murder convictions. Keep reading for everything you need to know about murder charges in Texas.
Types Of Murder Charges
In Texas, there are two types of murder charges. Capital murder is the most serious homicide offense with the most severe consequences. In general, capital murder involves knowingly or intentionally causing another person’s death, accompanied by certain aggravating circumstances.
For example, knowingly or intentionally causing the death of a peace officer, firefighter, or child under ten years old may lead to capital murder charges. Capital murder is the only crime in Texas that may result in the death penalty. A capital murder conviction may also result in a life sentence without parole.
Murder charges are less serious than capital murder charges, but the consequences can still be severe. Murder involves knowingly or intentionally causing another person’s death or causing someone’s death during the commission of a felony. You can be charged with murder for intending to cause serious bodily injury that results in someone’s death.
The consequences for a first-degree felony murder conviction include 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In some cases, murder can be reduced to second-degree felony sentencing with 2 – 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Defending Your Charges
It is important to remember that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, even when you are facing murder charges. A skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney will review your case and go over all available evidence to help you build your defense.
Common murder defenses include self-defense, lack of intent to inflict fatal injuries, and someone else was responsible for the fatal injuries. Additionally, if the police violated your constitutional rights, you may have grounds to argue that the evidence against you should be inadmissible at trial.
Prosecutors are usually open to plea negotiations, especially when your attorney presents them with a strong defense. To avoid a trial and a potential not guilty verdict, prosecutors will often agree to reduce their charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
Texas Murder Charges Attorney
If you are facing murder or another homicide crime in Texas, contact Vinas & Graham, PLLC at 713-229-9992 or online to speak with a Texas murder charges attorney. We know that your future is on the line when you are facing homicide charges, and we will aggressively advocate for your freedom.
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