Murder Charges in Dallas, Texas
When you or a loved one is charged with murder, the stakes literally couldn’t be higher. Texas police, prosecutors, and courts take murder cases very seriously and prosecute them aggressively. You absolutely need an experienced, aggressive Dallas murder attorney in your corner. You need someone with the experience and legal knowledge it takes to get you the best result possible. First, the best murder defense attorneys in Dallas have experience handling the highest-level criminal cases. Secondly, they also have an excellent reputation inside and outside the courtroom. Third (and perhaps most importantly), they investigate their cases thoroughly. Finally, they aren’t afraid to fight for their clients.
At the Law Office of Mike Howard, we understand that being accused of continuous murder can be frightening and frustrating, to say the least. It is extremely common to feel alone and isolated, not knowing who you can trust. You need to be able to turn to someone you know you can trust. You need an experienced and compassionate Dallas murder attorney on your side.
Defining Murder in Texas
A person commits murder (Texas Penal Code § 19.02) if they:
- intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person. OR
- intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of the individual. OR
- commit or attempt to commit a felony, and in the course of and in furtherance of the commission of that felony, commit or attempt to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual. Deaths caused while trying to get away after the commission of the felony also count under this section.
Charges Related to Murder
Murder charges in Texas encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity based on intent, circumstances, and legal definitions. Understanding the different types of murder-related charges can provide crucial insight into how prosecutors build their cases and what defenses may be available.
Capital Murder
Capital murder is the most serious homicide charge in Texas and is punishable by life in prison without parole or the death penalty. A murder charge can be elevated to capital murder if certain aggravating factors are present, such as killing a police officer, committing murder during a robbery or kidnapping, or murdering multiple people in the same incident.
Felony Murder
Felony murder occurs when someone unintentionally causes a death while committing or attempting to commit a felony. Under Texas law, even if the death was accidental, the accused can still face first-degree felony charges with penalties ranging from 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is charged when a person recklessly causes another person’s death. Unlike murder, manslaughter does not require intent to kill but instead focuses on reckless behavior that led to someone’s death. This charge is a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Intoxication Manslaughter
Intoxication manslaughter occurs when a person operates a vehicle while intoxicated and causes a fatal accident. Even if there was no intent to harm anyone, Texas law treats these cases as second-degree felonies, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally negligent homicide applies when someone causes a death through criminal negligence, meaning they acted with a disregard for an obvious risk that led to a fatal outcome. This charge is a state jail felony, with penalties ranging from 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and fines of up to $10,000.
By understanding the distinctions between these charges, a skilled Dallas murder defense attorney can craft a defense strategy that challenges the prosecution’s claims and fights for a reduction or dismissal of charges. If you or a loved one is facing any type of murder or homicide charge, securing experienced legal representation is essential to protecting your rights and future.
Penalties for Murder in Texas
Murder is a first-degree felony. As a result, you could face 5 – 99 years or life imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.
Sudden passion not necessarily a defense to murder, but it does lessen the punishment. This can be a very effective way to mitigate the sentence if the case cannot be completely defeated in court. Sudden passion means passion directly caused by or arising out of provocation by the person killed or another acting with the person killed. The reaction to this passion must be immediate for sudden passion to apply.
Sudden passion reduces the offense to a second-degree felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Defenses to Murder Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas defense attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information from Dallas murder attorney Mike Howard on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Contact a Dallas Murder Attorney Now
If you or someone you love has been accused of murder in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas murder attorney Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
We listen to our clients so that we can understand their needs, especially in serious cases involving violent crimes like murder. These are sensitive subjects, and we work to ensure our clients understand what they’re facing. We are always available to communicate and explain the progress of your case, and we are ready to fight for your justice and freedom.
Call Howard Law to Start Your Defense
When you or a loved one are facing heavy allegations like murder or manslaughter charges, speed is of utmost importance. You need a Dallas criminal defense attorney who understands what’s at stake and has the trial experience to fight your charges.
The Law Office of Mike Howard is ready to get started on your case. Call (214) 296-2221 or fill out our form to schedule your free consultation.
