Many clients believe all murder charges are indefensible, but this is far from true. For example, if the defense proves you lacked premeditation, prosecutors could drop your case or lessen the charges. Self-defense or defense of another person can be considered justifiable homicide in Texas. Finally, your defense attorney may be able to prove insanity or decreased mental capacity, which would hamper the prosecution’s ability to claim malice aforethought and planning. This could lessen your charges or get them dropped.
Murder / Manslaughter
Murder Defense Lawyer
Murder is one of the worst crimes a person can commit. Also one of the oldest, societies have penalized this act for millennia. Thus, accusations of murder or attempted murder can effectively ruin someone’s life. However, it does not have to. If you are accused of murdering or attempting to murder someone, it is crucial to know your rights and what you could be facing. Speak to a San Antonio murder defense attorney as soon as possible to prepare a skilled defense.
- First-degree murder. To prove first-degree murder, a prosecutor must prove the defendant acted with express or implied malice aforethought. Express malice includes any physical act that proves the intent to kill such as planning the attack or murder. Implied malice includes circumstances that show the defendant killed with “an abandoned and malignant heart.”
- Second-degree murder. Crimes of passion often fall into this category of murder. The law recognizes second-degree murder as intentional acts of killing that occur without pre-meditation. Bar fights and unexpected encounters may result in the second most severe type of murder charges.
- Third-degree murder. Also referred to as manslaughter charges, third-degree murder involves any negligent action that results in someone’s death. For example, someone might face manslaughter charges for speeding in a boat, not requiring passengers to wear life vests, wrecking, and causing a loss of life. A person could also face manslaughter charges for firing a weapon into the air and accidentally killing someone.
- Murder is an extremely serious crime. Punishment can include imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole or a sentence to death.
Murder Defense Lawyer FAQs
Here are some common questions that our firm receives from clients involved in murder and attempted murder cases
-
Do I Have a Defense?
-
What’s the Difference Between Murder and Homicide?All murders are homicides, but not all homicides are murders. Although people use the words interchangeably, homicide is actually a broader term that includes every purposeful act of killing including both murder and self-defense. The difference between murder and homicide could mean the difference between a lifetime in prison and freedom.
GEt A Free
Consultation
Our Legal Practice Areas
Assault / Battery
Assault and battery can be a devastating crime, and accusations of assault can result in ...
Domestic Violence
Are you facing charges of domestic abuse or violence in San Antonio, TX? These allegations ...
Drug Crimes
Drug possession charges can arise from traffic violations, being caught in the wrong place at ...
