What Are Some More Ways to Defend a Homicide Case?

 Posted on October 22, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Murder is perhaps the most serious crime a person can be charged with in Texas. Sentencing can go all the way up to life in prison or even the death penalty. Anyone facing homicide charges needs an experienced and capable criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of facing these harsh penalties - whether you are guilty or not.

If you have been accused of murder, finding good representation should be your top priority. A defense attorney will look at all the facts and circumstances surrounding the crime and see if there are any applicable defenses, then decide on a defense strategy. In some cases, a murder charge can be reduced to a lesser crime.

What Is Manslaughter in Texas?

Manslaughter is still a serious crime, but it is not quite as serious as homicide. Rather than a first-degree felony, manslaughter is a second-degree felony and carries less severe penalties. Defense attorneys may sometimes fight to have a murder charge reduced to manslaughter in cases where the defendant caused another person’s death, but did so as a result of recklessness rather than intent to kill. In Texas, there are two types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary manslaughter refers to “heat of the moment” killings, where the defendant did not form the intent to commit murder before carrying out the act that caused a death. This is often the case if the defendant was acting under strong provocation. The victim must have done something that caused the defendant to be flooded with rage and act impulsively.

Involuntary manslaughter is when a person is acting recklessly and causes another person’s death, but had no real intent to do serious harm to the victim. Intense provocation can be a factor here as well. Terrified or furious people can sometimes kill the person who is provoking them without meaning to - this is why the charge of involuntary manslaughter exists.

Both forms of manslaughter are serious felonies, but they are much less serious than homicide. After your attorney reviews the facts of your case, he may decide that fighting for your charge to be reduced to one of these is in your best interest if you cannot establish a complete defense.

Call a Wilson County Murder Defense Lawyer

Facing a murder charge is a terrifying and potentially life-altering experience. If you are charged with murder in Texas, you will need a knowledgeable Floresville murder defense attorney with experience defending homicide cases. BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys are skilled in developing murder defense strategies that work for our clients. Call 830-769-1010 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/pe/htm/pe.19.htm