Murder is considered one of the most serious crimes in Texas, and it is punishable by up to life in prison. If you have been charged with murder, it is important to understand the severity of the charge and the possible defenses that may be available to you.
Criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, however, individuals accused of murder are often treated as if they committed the crime. If you have been accused of murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide, you need a lawyer who will fight for you.
Know What You Are Up Against
There are four main categories of criminal homicide in Texas. Murder refers to intentionally causing the death of another person. In Texas, capital murder is a first-degree felony. Killing someone during the commission of another crime such as kidnapping or sexual assault, killing a peace officer, or killing a child under ten years of age are examples of capital murder. Murder is a second-degree offense. If a murder took place in the "heat of passion" and was not planned in advance, murder is considered a second-degree felony.
...