Houston Murder Defense Lawyer

Skilled Murder Defense Attorney Proudly Serving the Houston, TX Area

In broad terms, Texas law recognizes four distinct categories of criminal murder or homicide, which vary in severity. It is crucial to engage a knowledgeable and experienced murder defense attorney in Houston, such as Paul Darrow, for each of these charges. The categories include:

• Capital murder
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Criminally negligent homicide.

Homicide of the Highest Degree in Houston, Texas

Capital murder is considered the gravest offense an individual can face, with the ultimate penalty being death. An individual is charged with capital murder if they knowingly or intentionally take the life of a child under six years old, kill a law enforcement officer or firefighter, commit murder for financial gain, or cause death while engaged in a robbery, arson, kidnapping, assault, or making a terrorist threat. Additionally, if multiple individuals are killed, the charge escalates to capital murder, leading to a potential sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or death. In such cases, the necessity for a criminal defense attorney in Houston becomes critical.

Under Texas law, individuals can also be held criminally liable for the actions of another if they assist, encourage, or conspire with the perpetrator. This means that being an accessory to the crime can result in the same legal consequences, including eligibility for the death penalty, as if one had committed the murder themselves.

Murder/Homicide

A murder occurs when an individual deliberately or knowingly causes the death of another person. Even if the accused only aimed to inflict physical harm, if their actions recklessly endangered another individual and resulted in death, they can still be charged with murder.

Furthermore, if a death occurs while the accused is engaged in the commission of a felony, any action that jeopardizes human life and leads to another’s death will also be classified as murder. In such instances, a convicted murderer may face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years, or potentially life imprisonment.

Manslaughter

A person is deemed guilty of manslaughter if they recklessly cause another individual’s death. Recklessness is defined as being aware of a significant and unjustifiable risk yet consciously choosing to disregard it, resulting in the death of another person. Such a risk, which neglects the safety and welfare of others, represents a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances.

In cases of reckless behavior, the prosecution is only required to demonstrate that recklessness occurred, rather than proving intent to commit murder. A manslaughter conviction is classified as a second-degree felony, potentially leading to a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years. It is essential to seek assistance from a Houston murder defense attorney.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

An individual may be charged with criminally negligent homicide if their actions, characterized by criminal negligence, lead to another person’s death. Criminal negligence occurs when a person fails to recognize a significant risk to another individual that they should have been aware of. Essentially, this reflects a severe departure from the level of care that a reasonable person would demonstrate in similar situations. This crime is classified as a state jail felony, carrying a penalty of no less than 180 days and no more than 2 years in a state jail facility.

Call Houston Murder Defense Lawyer Paul Darrow Today

If you or a loved one is confronted with a situation similar to the ones mentioned, it is crucial to take prompt action. Our office is dedicated to gathering all relevant information and assisting you in formulating the most effective defense strategy. Paul Darrow, a criminal defense attorney based in Houston, has a background as a former prosecutor, which enriches his practice as a murder defense lawyer in the area. He leverages this extensive experience to advocate vigorously for his clients. When it comes to defending individuals against the severe repercussions of a criminal conviction, Paul Darrow is committed to fighting for your rights.