Houston, Texas Homicide Defense Attorneys

Homicide Charges Lawyers in Houston, TX

Homicide is one of the most serious crimes under Texas law. It involves the unlawful killing of another person, and it carries severe penalties that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are facing homicide charges in Texas, it is crucial to understand the different types of charges and their potential consequences. At Bennett & Bennett, our experienced criminal-defense attorneys are dedicated to providing effective representation for individuals charged with homicide offenses in Houston and throughout Texas.

Manslaughter

In Texas, manslaughter refers to the unintentional killing of another person through reckless actions or without premeditation. While some states distinguish between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, Texas does not differentiate between these two offenses. Manslaughter charges may apply in any situation where someone engaged in behavior that they knew put someone else at risk of death, and another person was killed as a result.

The penalties for manslaughter may depend on various factors, including a person's prior criminal history. In most cases, manslaughter is charged as a second-degree felony; a person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.

Negligent Homicide

Criminally negligent homicide is an offense similar to manslaughter. However, it does not require recklessness; rather, it focuses on negligent conduct leading to deadly consequences. If a person failed to act with reasonable care, while understanding that their conduct could cause harm or death to another person, and someone else was killed as a result, they may be charged with criminally negligent homicide.

Negligent homicide is classified as a state jail felony. A person who is convicted may face a sentence of between 180 days and two years in state jail, as well as fines reaching $10,000.

Murder

Murder is the most serious category of homicide charge in Texas. It refers to intentionally and knowingly causing someone's death without legal justification or excuse. In Texas, there are two degrees of murder:

• First-degree felony murder: Intentionally killing someone with premeditation and planning will usually result in first-degree felony charges. To be convicted, there must usually be evidence showing a clear intent to cause serious bodily harm or kill a person. A conviction for first-degree murder carries penalties up to 99 years of imprisonment and a maximum $10,000 fine.
• Second-degree felony murder: If a person killed someone without premeditation, murder may be charged as a second-degree felony. In these cases, a defendant will need to demonstrate that they killed someone because they experienced "sudden passion" because they were provoked or there was another reason that they were unable to control themselves. In general, this offense will involve a spur-of-the-moment decision rather than planned actions. The penalties for a second-degree felony conviction include a sentence up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Capital Murder

In some cases, defendants accused of murder may face heightened penalties due to aggravating factors such as murdering certain protected individuals (e.g., police officers, firefighters), killing multiple victims during a single course of conduct, committing other crimes during the offense (e.g., kidnapping, sexual assault), murdering someone in return for money or other forms of compensation, or intentionally killing a child who was under 15 years old. If convicted of capital murder in Texas, a defendant may face the death penalty, or they may be sentenced to prison for life without the possibility of parole.

Contact Our Harris County Homicide Defense Attorneys

If you are facing homicide charges in Texas, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and mount a strong defense. At Bennett & Bennett, our attorneys have extensive experience defending individuals charged with all levels of homicide offenses, from manslaughter to capital murder. We will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge any weak evidence or procedural errors, and work diligently to build the strongest possible defense strategy on your behalf.

Contact Bennett & Bennett at 713-224-1747 today for a confidential consultation. We understand the seriousness of homicide charges, and we will fight for your rights throughout every stage of the legal process.