Plano Murder Defense Attorney

Homicide Lawyer in Plano and Surrounding Areas

A murder or homicide charge comes with the potential for the most severe consequences. That is especially true in the state of Texas. Texas judges and prosecutors pride themselves on being “tough on crime” and Texas has more inmates on death row than any other state in the country. Regardless of whether you or a loved on is a suspect in a murder, capital murder, or manslaughter, you understand what is at stake. Protecting yourself or a family member during this difficult time is critical. Don’t wait another instant to schedule a consultation with criminal defense attorney Sarah Fox to discuss your situation and defend yourself from these serious charges.

Homicide Definition and Penalties

Section 19.01 of the Texas Penal Code outlines the different types of criminal homicide. Criminal homicides occur when a person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual. Categories of criminal homicide can include murder, capital murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide.

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Murder

A person will be charged with murder when they

  • intentionally cause the death of another,

  • intend to cause serious bodily injury and causes the death of another, or

  • causes the death of another in the attempt or commission of another felony offense.

An adequate cause for an act of sudden passion can reduce the range of punishment for a murder conviction to that of a second degree felony, otherwise, murder charges are prosecuted as a first-degree felony. The consequence of a first degree felony in Texas is 5 to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence as well as an optional fine up to $10,000.00.

Capital Murder

Capital murder, a capital felony that can be subject to the death penalty, can be charged in several situations. A person can face a capital murder charge when they

  • cause the death of another while incarcerated,

  • when the victim is under the age of 10,

  • when they murder more than one person,

  • hiring or being hired to commit murder, or

  • when they cause the death of a law enforcement officer, fireman, or employee of the court.

Capital murder may also be charged when an individual causes the death of another in the commission of a kidnapping, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, arson, or terrorist activity.

Manslaughter & Criminally Negligent Homicide

If a person recklessly causes the death of another, they can be prosecuted for manslaughter. Whether it is voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or intoxication manslaughter, these charges are all felonies which can result in severe punishments and lengthy imprisonment.

Criminally negligent homicide is a homicide charge that involves the death of another caused by a person who should have been aware of the dangers and risks their actions created.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Manslaughter or Murder

The burden of proof for any criminal conviction, including any homicide, is beyond a reasonable doubt. Sarah Fox will work exhaustively to examine every shred of evidence. Her job as your criminal defense attorney is to find evidence that can be used in your favor and weaken the prosecution’s homicide case against you. For a murder accusation, defenses can typically include self-defense, defense of another person, accidental death, or a solid alibi. Among these, self-defense under the Castle Doctrine may be the most common. The Castle Doctrine allows you to act with reasonable force against someone who unlawfully and forcefully enters your habitation, vehicle, or workplace.

Any homicide charge, like a first-degree murder, or second-degree murder, involves incredibly complex legal elements and should always be handled by an experienced defense attorney. Having the best lawyer in your corner can be the difference between a reduced sentence, life in prison, or even death. Sarah Fox is a former felony prosecutor that has handled these cases from the point of view of the District Attorney’s Office. She now uses all of that experience and inside knowledge to help her clients. Let her help you with a consultation to discuss your situation and defend yourself from these serious charges.