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Law Offices of James Alston
914 Preston St., Suite 3N,
Houston, Texas 77002

(713) 228-1400
(713) 228-1401 (fax)

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Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Texas Murder Lawyer

Under Texas law, there are five different categories of homicide charges: capital murder, murder, manslaughter, intoxication manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Each of these crimes is defined and punished in a distinct manner. The most serious of these, capital murder, is so named because it qualifies for capital punishment. Anyone facing these charges should immediately contact an experienced Houston criminal attorney.

Capital murder charges are the most difficult to defend against because they always incorporate another heinous crime as well. Murder charges that are punishable by death include those that took the life of a police officer, child or fire fighter, as well as those murders that occurred during a robbery, sexual assault, prison escape, kidnapping or an attempt to commit treason. A murder may also be a capital offense if the prosecution can prove it involved forethought before the incident.

Murder charges that are not punishable by the death penalty are generally performed in the spur of the moment, but still with the intent to kill. People convicted of murder face life imprisonment and massive fines. The lesser charge of manslaughter is applied in homicide cases where the person did not intentionally kill. Intoxication manslaughter is usually used when a drunk driver hit and killed another person. Both types of manslaughter can result in between 2 and 20 years in the state penitentiary.

When someone dies as a result of carelessness, the negligent party may be charged with criminally negligent homicide. For example, if a mother allowed her unlicensed, pre-teen daughter to borrow the car and the girl killed someone while driving, the mother may be charged with criminally negligent homicide. These charges are punishable with a prison sentence between 180 days and 2 years.

It Is Crucial To Speak With An Experienced Murder Defense Lawyer

If you are facing murder or homicide charges, it is crucial you speak with an experienced Houston criminal attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of James Alston, our team will do everything possible to prove your innocence. If evidence against you was obtained illegally, we will have it suppressed from trial. If there is forensic evidence against you, we will work to show that it is inconclusive. We will investigate witnesses against you and work to discredit them. We will work to find evidence to back up everything claimed by witnesses in your favor. When it suits your case, a Houston criminal lawyer will negotiate a winning plea bargain with the prosecutors.

When you are accused of murder, there is nothing more important than finding the right criminal defense in Houston. Don’t take chances with your freedom. Call our offices today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Mr. Alston represents clients facing criminal charges in every federal and state court across our nation and throughout the state of Texas, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, Montgomery County, Galveston County, Waller County, Polk County, Jefferson County, and Liberty County.

Houston Criminal Attorney James Alston is committed to protecting and defending his client’s legal rights. His goal is to pursue a favorable outcome by reducing or, in some cases, complete dismissal of the charges.

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