Murder Charges

The act of murder, or unlawful homicide, can lead to a conviction of 5 to 99 years in prison, depending on various circumstances. Even a negligent homicide is punishable with up to 2 years in prison.

Texas is one of the first states in the world to re-introduce capital punishment as a sentence for murder, which is the most severe conviction a person can get in this day in age. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Texas has executed a total of 570 prisoners between 1976- 2021, with 114 executions carried out since 2010.

From reckless conduct that leads to someone’s death to intentionally causing the death of another person – and finally, capital murder – Texas has very strict laws for dealing with these cases. In fact, the Texas Penal Code prescribes higher sentences for homicide than almost any other crime.

If found guilty of a murder charge, it can result in heavy fines and years or even life in prison, all of which can have serious consequences for not only you but also those you love. Your best hope is to find a highly seasoned homicide attorney or capital murder defense attorney who can represent your truth in court and fight to preserve your rights at all costs.

Types of Murder Charges in Texas

Depending on the circumstances around the event, Texas law differentiates between several types of homicide charges. Due to this, the circumstances could mean all the difference when it comes to defending a case in court. There are several types of murder charges in Texas, including:

Murder, Capital Murder, Manslaughter (Voluntary, Involuntary, and Vehicular), and Criminally Negligent Homicide. Depending on the circumstances of the murder, the prescribed charges and penalties can differ. However, in most cases, a person will face first or second-degree felony charges, including but not limited to:

Second-degree charges: the accused will likely face penalties that are otherwise prescribed for manslaughter: up to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $10,000.
First-degree felony charges: the accused will likely face penalties with life-changing consequences, including between 5 and 99 years at a correctional institution or life in prison and up to $10,000.

Difference Between Murder
Manslaughter and Homicide

The state penal code addresses multiple types of murder charges in Texas, and the penalties are higher than almost any other prosecutable crime. Therefore, the circumstances of the crime could mean all the difference when defending a murder charge in Texas.

We have clarified the differences between murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide crimes in Texas, including associated penalties, which you can read about in this blog post: The Difference Between Murder, Manslaughter, And Homicide Under Texas Law.

Penalties

The penalties are higher than almost any other prosecutable crime

Experienced Austin Murder Defense Attorneys

If you are facing a murder or capital murder charge in Texas, do not speak to anyone before consulting a murder defense attorney you can trust, like the professionals at GHC Law Firm. Our team of highly experienced and aggressive murder attorneys will fight with commitment and perseverance for your rights and your freedom.

Contact GHC Law Firm now.

Reach Out Today

The legal experts at GHC Law Firm represent the people of Travis County in all areas of criminal defense. Contact us for a free consultation today, so we can determine how to help you protect your legal and constitutional rights – and find the justice you deserve.