Murder, one of the most serious criminal offenses, carries the most severe punishments and ramifications on your life. Texas is a state that still has the death penalty, and depending on the type of murder alleged, a person can be sentenced and put to death.
Because the consequences of being convicted of murder are so severe, do not put your life in the hands of just any attorney. At Walter J. Pink & Associates, we have a team of trial-tested Houston criminal defense attorneys who understand how to defend serious charges.
If you are facing murder, homicide, or related charges, it is essential that you hire an experienced law firm. At Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, our attorneys will fight for your rights and your life. The sooner we get on the case, the faster we can begin to work for you and the better outcome we can achieve! Call (713) 664-6651 for a free consultation.
How Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, Will Help
There are many law firms in the Houston metropolitan area from which to choose. How can you tell which one is right for your case? That is a decision that only you can make. However, our Texas murder defense attorneys in Houston would like to make our case to you.
Clients continue to choose the expert team at Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC for our:
- Experience—our legal team has collectively represented clients across 25,000+ cases. Chances are, we have seen your situation at some point, and if we have not, we have a solid foundation to build.
- Local knowledge—we navigate the local legal ecosystem efficiently and effectively. From judges to expert witnesses, our Texas murder and homicide defense attorneys know with whom to speak while following local rules.
- Tenacity—murder and homicide charges are among the most serious that anyone can face; in some matters, a person’s life is on the line. We treat every case as such.
Do not face the courtroom with legal representation that makes you uncomfortable. Our Houston murder defense attorneys will spend the requisite time investigating, defending, and arguing for your freedom. We will leave no stone unturned so you get the outcome and results you deserve.
Get a Free Consultation for Answers
What could Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, do for your situation? We have decades of experience and a deep bench of resources to put behind your case. Schedule your free consultation with our legal team by calling (713) 664-6651 today.
Defining Murder in Houston, Texas
When someone is killed, the prosecution will work endlessly to ensure a conviction. A homicide in the State of Texas can be found in Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.01, which states, in part:
- A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual
- Criminal homicide is murder, capital murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide
Murder is in Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.02, which states, in part:
- A person commits an offense if he:
- Intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
- Intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act 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 furtherance of the commission or attempt, or immediate flight from the commission or attempt, he commits or attempts to commit an act dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual
Types of Murder in Houston, Texas
Our Texas murder & homicide defense attorneys in Houston will defend the following types of capital and felony offenses:
Capital Murder
Capital Murder is the most severe crime in the state of Texas. If you are convicted of Capital Murder, then you are either sentenced to life without parole or death. There are no other outcomes. Capital Murder can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.03 and includes the circumstances where someone can be charged with capital murder.
In essence, you can understand capital murder to mean “murder plus.” You receive capital murder if you murder someone plus another felony if you murder someone plus that person you murdered is a peace officer if you murder someone plus the victim is younger than ten years old.
You can also be charged with capital murder if you kill an officer/firefighter, murder for hire, murder more than one person, and murder during the act of committing a serious felony. In essence, to be charged with capital murder, an individual must murder a set of circumstances. These circumstances can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.03.
Murder in Houston, Texas
Murder can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.02 and states in part:
- A person commits an offense if the person:
- Intentionally or knowing causes the death of an individual
- Intents to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act that causes the death of an individual
Based on Texas Law, you can be charged with murder even if the intent was not to murder another individual. If a person just intends to cause serious bodily injury and the person dies from that injury, the individual can be charged with murder.
The penalty for murder is five years to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and a fine of up to $10,000.
Our team will also assist you with a wrongful assault charge, contact one of our Houston assault defense lawyers today.
Felony Murder in Houston, Texas
Felony Murder can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.02 and states in part:
- A person commits an offense if the person:
- Commits or attempts to commit a felony… that causes the death of an individual
With felony murder, you do not have to intend to commit murder to be charged. If, through the course of a felony, someone dies, and the cause can be linked to your actions, then you can be charged with felony murder. Just committing a felony is sometimes sufficient for felony murder.
You can also be charged with felony murder if a person you are committing a felony with kills someone even though it was not part of the scheme; you can even be charged if the partner in crime is killed by an individual or even the police. The penalty for felony murder is five years to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and a fine of up to $10,000.
Manslaughter in Texas
Manslaughter in Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.04 states, in part:
- A person commits an offense if he recklessly causes the death of an individual
Standard charges of manslaughter come from deaths caused by accidental gun discharge, mishandling of dangerous tools, and deaths from vehicle accidents. Manslaughter is a felony of the second (2nd) degree. It carries a punishment range of 2-20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and up to a $10,000 fine.
Intoxicated Manslaughter
Manslaughter in Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 49.04 states, in part:
- A person commits an offense if the person:
- Operates a motor vehicle in a public place; operates an aircraft, a watercraft, or an amusement ride. Or assembles a mobile amusement ride and
- is intoxicated and, because of that intoxication, causes the death of another by accident or mistake.
This crime is a second-degree felony with a punishment range of 2-20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), up to a $10,000 fine, and with the addition of House Bill 393, pay restitution for the support of a child whose parent or guardian is a victim of intoxication manslaughter.
The consequences of Drinking and Driving have never been hirer, so contact one of our expert Houston DWI lawyers today.
Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas
Criminally negligent Homicide in Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 19.05 states, in part:
- A person commits an offense if he causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence.
The law does not entirely define criminal negligence; however, cases in which criminally negligent homicide is usually applied are sober car accidents. This crime is a State jail felony with a punishment range of up to 2 years in the county jail.
Potential Consequences of a Murder Conviction
Texas, like all US states, penalizes a murder conviction severely. Depending upon the grading of your charges, you could spend the rest of your life in prison and tens of thousands in criminal fines. However, you can prevent a conviction from happening while it is in the courts.
The penalties for murder in Texas are among the harshest in the criminal justice system:
- Capital Murder: Life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
- First-Degree Murder is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment, along with a potential fine of up to $10,000.
- Manslaughter: Considered a second-degree felony, it can lead to a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Criminally Negligent Homicide: Classified as a state jail felony, penalties can include 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
The Role of a Houston, Texas Murder Defense Attorney
Facing murder charges in Texas necessitates the mastery of a seasoned defense attorney. At Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, our legal champions offer comprehensive services and attention to detail when defending murder and homicide charges in Houston.
From the initial investigation to jury trial, we will hold prosecutors accountable for your rights and their burden of proof standards.
You can also rely on our Texas murder defense attorney in Houston to provide:
- Case Assessments: An experienced attorney can evaluate the case’s specifics, identifying potential defense strategies. Our firm starts the case assessment during your free consultation.
- Evidence Analysis: Scrutinizing every piece of evidence, from crime scene reports to witness testimonies, is crucial in building a robust defense. If it reveals new findings or is determined to be inadmissible, we will point this information out at the right time.
- Legal Defense Strategy: Crafting a compelling defense strategy, whether it involves arguing self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent, can significantly influence the case outcome. Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, will offer all the details regarding potential defensive strategies that you have the information you need.
- Court Representation: In the courtroom, a defense attorney advocates for the accused, challenging the prosecution’s narrative and presenting counterarguments. We will stand by your side from hearings to conferences throughout the legal process.
- Trial Presentations: You might take your case to a jury trial. Our Houston murder lawyers have decades of experience presenting defenses at trial favorably and with client-appreciated results.
If our legal team sees a viable defensive strategy, we will not hesitate to share this information with you promptly. From there, you are in the driver’s seat regarding your case. Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, will only act on directions and tactics at your discretion and with confidence.
Speak with Our Houston Murder and Homicide Attorneys
Do not pay with your life if you face murder or homicide charges in Texas. Start by at least finding out what options you have available if you want to protect your freedom, rights, and future. Schedule a free consultation with our Houston murder and homicide attorneys at Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, today by calling (713) 664-6651.