Murder—an action that causes loss of life—is the most serious crime in every state. Texas law has several different types of murder charges:
- Criminally Negligent Homicide – Punishable by 6 months to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.
- Manslaughter – Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- Intoxication Manslaughter – Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- Murder – Punishable in most cases by 5 to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Causing a death while committing or fleeing from a felony is sometimes called Felony Murder.
- Capital Murder – Punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
What To Do If You’re Charged With Causing the Death of Another Person
If you are charged with an action causing loss of life, you need to hire an attorney as quickly as possible. You may be presented with questions or choices that have serious consequences. Do not try to make important legal decisions alone in a crisis. You need thoughtful, reasoned advice from a good criminal defense attorney.
If you have been charged with murder, felony murder, or capital murder, you must speak with an experienced, qualified criminal defense attorney at once. You will need a skilled lawyer who knows how to present a strong defense to a murder case. Not every lawyer is qualified to do this.
In capital murder, the stakes are especially high. Texas has one of the most active execution chambers in the country, and Harris County is a top county for death penalty verdicts. Prosecutors in a capital murder case must carefully describe the circumstances and present the case to the District Attorney to decide if they will pursue the death penalty. If they decline to seek the death penalty, punishment for conviction is life in prison. These decisions happen before the case even goes to trial. A qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference by shepherding the case before it enters the courtroom.
About Brian Roberts
A murder charge is hard, but it does not have to be a no-win situation. You need the right lawyer who can help you through a difficult and complicated process and push back hard against the State. Brian Roberts has handled a number of murder cases and is certified by the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas as counsel for death penalty cases. With his experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, Brian understands the Texas judicial system well. If you are facing a murder charge, please contact Robert Criminal Law at (713) 237-8888 right away to have Brian Roberts represent you.