Texas Murder Lawyer
Murder is among the most serious charges an individual can face. It comes with steep consequences, up to and including the death penalty here in Texas. This is not the moment to mess around. This is the moment to speak with a firm you know you can trust in your defense.
At Adamo & Adamo Law Firm, we understand what is at stake for you, and we’re committed to helping you. We’ll defend you in and out of court, and also keep you informed of all the developments in your case. We will also provide you with as much clarity as possible about your charges. We’ve put together a great deal of information on this page to help you understand these charges and what to do next.
What You Need To Know About Murder Charges In Texas
In general, four different types of criminal homicide or murder exist:
- Capital Murder
- Felony Murder)Manslaughter
- Criminally Negligent Homicide
We will look closely at the circumstances of each charge.
Capital Murder
A person commits capital murder if he or she intentionally or knowingly.
- Murders a peace officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and whom the person knows is a peace officer or fireman;
- Commits murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat;
- Commits a murder for hire;
- Murders more than one person:
- During the same criminal transaction; or
- During different criminal transactions but the murders are committed pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct; or
- Murders an individual under six years of age.
The punishment for capital murder can be life in prison or the death penalty.
Felony Murder
A person commits murder if he or she:
- Intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
- Intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual; or
- Commits or attempts to commit a felony, other than manslaughter, and in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, or in immediate flight from the commission or attempt, he commits or attempts to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual.
In subsections (1) and (2), the person must have “intent to kill.” Subsection (3) refers to the Felony Murder Doctrine, where “intent to kill” is not required. If you have two prior DWI convictions, are driving while intoxicated and cause death, you can be charged with felony murder.
Punishment (First-Degree Felony): 5 – 99 years, or life in prison.
Manslaughter
According to Section 19.04 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of an individual. Recklessness involves an awareness and conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that results in the death of another person. Manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony in Texas. The potential sentence for a conviction can range from 2 to 20 years in prison, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Defined under Section 19.05 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits criminally negligent homicide if they cause the death of an individual by criminal negligence. Criminal negligence involves failing to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that results in the death of another person, where the failure to perceive the risk is a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise. Criminally negligent homicide is classified as a state jail felony in Texas. The potential sentence for a conviction can range from 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000.
Get A Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you know has been arrested for or is being investigated for an offense associated with organized criminal activity, contact our attorneys at 713-237-8380 or online to learn why the Adamo & Adamo Law Firm is recognized across the country as an elite criminal defense team.
