Homicide Lawyer in New Braunfels, Texas

Representing Clients Charged With Murder

Texas ranks second in the nation in terms of number of homicides. The FBI reports there were 2,993 homicides in the Lone Star State, making the homicide rate in the state as high as 10.3 per 100,000 people. Being charged with homicide is one of the most severe offenses you may face in Texas, as certain crimes may result in life in prison or even the death sentence. Learn how homicide cases are prosecuted in Texas and see how a criminal defense attorney may be able to help you defend against a homicide charge.

Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter, and it requires immediate and focused action. At Seymour & Vaughn, we understand the high stakes of these cases and work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. A solid defense strategy begins with thoroughly analyzing the prosecution’s case, identifying weaknesses, and building a strong argument on your behalf. Whether the charges involve manslaughter, second-degree murder, or first-degree murder, our legal team carefully evaluates every detail to craft a defense tailored to your situation.

We stand by your side throughout the legal process, ensuring you understand your options and the potential outcomes. Homicide cases often involve complex evidence, witness testimony, and intricate legal procedures, all of which can significantly impact the results. Our team works diligently to challenge the prosecution’s case and present compelling evidence to support your defense.

Contact our New Braunfels criminal defense team for a free consultation to get started on your case.

What Types of Crimes Are Considered Homicide in Texas?

Homicide is a term used to describe the killing of one person by another, regardless of cause or intent. Several crimes are classified as homicide. More specifically, Texas lists four offenses that can be considered homicide: murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.

Murder

A murder happens when a person kills another person intentionally or knowingly or engages in dangerous behaviors and actions that are dangerous to human life and result in the death of another person. In other words, you can be dealing with a murder charge if you killed someone on purpose or did not intend to kill, but your actions were so reckless and dangerous that you ended up killing someone.

Capital Murder

Capital murder happens when a person kills a law enforcement officer on duty or a child under the age of 10. You may also be charged with capital murder if you kill someone in the process of committing or attempting to commit another felony, such as kidnapping, robbery, arson, or aggravated sexual assault. Capital murder is one of the most publicized types of homicide because it can lead to the death penalty in Texas.

Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide

Manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide happen when a person is killed by another person who did not necessarily have the intention to kill. Both offenses involve deaths caused by reckless behavior. While murder and capital murder are definitely the most severe types of homicide in Texas, being charged with manslaughter or even criminally negligent homicide are also really serious matters that could still result in harsh penalties and prison time.

Are There Different Degrees of Murder in Texas?

When facing murder charges in Texas, understanding how the law defines and classifies homicide is crucial. Unlike some states, Texas does not recognize third-degree murder. Instead, the Texas Penal Code categorizes murder offenses into specific classifications with varying penalties based on the severity of the crime and the circumstances involved.

Second-Degree Murder in Texas

What other states might call second-degree murder is typically charged as “murder” in Texas, which is treated as a first-degree felony. However, a murder charge can be reduced to a second-degree felony if the defendant demonstrates that the act occurred during a “sudden heat of passion.” This means the crime resulted from a provoked emotional response that caused a temporary loss of control. Such cases carry reduced penalties, though they still involve significant consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.

First-Degree Murder and Capital Murder

In Texas, what is commonly referred to as first-degree murder is charged as capital murder. Capital murder involves the most severe allegations, such as killing a child, a police officer, or committing murder during the commission of another felony like kidnapping or robbery. Convictions for capital murder can result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances and evidence presented in court.

At Seymour & Vaughn, we work diligently to examine the prosecution’s case, identify possible defenses, and build a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. Facing murder charges is overwhelming, but understanding Texas’s classification system can help you navigate the legal process and make informed decisions about your defense.

Can Self-Defense Be a Valid Defense Strategy Against Murder Charges?

Self-defense is just one of a few different possible defenses against murder charges. Claiming the defendant killed another person because they feared for their life is a common defense strategy in family violence cases involving abusive relationships, but could potentially be used in other instances as long as the defendant did not instigate the situation that led them to fear for their own life. If you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you used lethal force because you believed your life was in danger, you may be able to justify your actions.

Other potential defense strategies can include mistaken identity (when the wrong person is charged with murder), lack of intent (when the defendant did not intend to kill someone and the death was accidental), accident or misfortune (when the victim dies while performing a lawful activity and the accident was not the result of another individual’s deliberate or negligent actions), and insanity (when the defendant lacks the capability to understand what they are doing). It is worth noting that pleading insanity often means the defendant may be sent for treatment at a maximum security facility.

What Can an Attorney Do to Help Me if I Am Facing Homicide Charges?

It is imperative to retain strong legal representation if you are facing charges of murder or any other type of homicide. Your criminal defense lawyer can conduct their own investigation of your case, examine the evidence the prosecution is presenting against you, and question the charges brought by the state.

Besides devising an appropriate defense strategy, as discussed above, your attorney can also work to get your charges dropped or reduced. For example, your homicide defense lawyer may question the legality of the evidence presented against you and weaken the prosecution’s case by proving that the evidence is inadmissible because it was a result of an illegal search. They can also negotiate a more lenient sentence and provide invaluable advice if you are offered a plea bargain deal. In some cases, accepting a plea deal may be the best choice for your homicide case, but in other situations, your attorney may advise you to take your case to trial if you have any chance of securing a better outcome in that manner. Without firm legal representation, you may end up accepting an unfair plea deal or receive an excessively harsh penalty that will put your life on hold for years or even decades.

Book a Free Consultation

At Seymour & Vaughn, we understand the gravity of facing homicide charges and the impact they have on your life and future. Our legal team stands ready to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and build a defense strategy aimed at achieving the most favorable outcome. Homicide cases require thorough investigation, attention to detail, and relentless advocacy to ensure your voice is heard in court.

Our firm represents clients facing homicide charges in New Braunfels, Texas, and surrounding areas. Our legal team is dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and fighting to beat your charges.

Don’t navigate these charges alone—your freedom and future deserve committed legal representation. Together, we will work to defend your name, uphold your rights, and guide you through this challenging time with determination and skill.

Contact our law firm at 830-282-8751 to learn more and discuss your case.