Houston Murder Lawyer
Houston Murder & Homicide Defense Attorney
Defending those Charged with Homicide in Texas
Criminal homicide or “murder” is defined under Section 19.01 of the Texas Penal Code. According to Texas law, “A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual.”
Murder is a first-degree felony and carries a punishment range of 5 years to life in prison. A conviction for criminal homicide can destroy your family, your career, and your life. You need an attorney who believes in your rights and will aggressively defend your case.
Attorney James Alston is a committed advocate for his clients, always fighting to get the most favorable result in their cases. He is an experienced trial attorney who is not afraid to litigate and take a case to trial against the toughest prosecutors.
When your life is at stake, you need an attorney with experience you can trust. Contact Criminal Defense Attorney James Alston today for a consultation.
Types of Murder Charges in Houston
Murder: Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 19.02, murder occurs when a person:
- intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
- intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual or;
- causes death during the commission of a felony or an act clearly dangerous to human life.
Manslaughter: Pursuant to Section 19.04 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits the offense of manslaughter when they “recklessly causes the death of an individual.” Manslaughter is charged as a second-degree felony under Texas law.
Capital Murder: Murder: Chargeable as a capital felony, capital murder depends on the circumstances of the homicide. Pursuant to Section 19.03 of the Texas Penal Code, Prosecutors can seek
capital murder charges if: the victim is a police officer within the course of duty, the homicide is intentional and committed during a felony, the person is incarcerated and murders an employee
or another individual of the penal institution, the murder is done in retaliation of the service as a judge, or the person murders an individual under 10 years or age.
Criminally Negligent Homicide: According to Section 19.05 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits a criminally negligent homicide “if he causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence.” Criminally negligent homicide is charged as a state jail felony.
Defending Murder Charges in Houston
There are several defenses that can arise in a Houston Criminal Homicide case, including adequate cause and sudden passion. Even if you are charged with manslaughter, your entire life can be ruined if you are convicted. You need to act fast to protect your rights and your future.
Attorney James Alston is a former state and federal prosecutor, who will fight for you. He is board-certified in criminal law and represents clients in both state and federal courts. Over the
course of his 30-year legal career, he has been recognized as one of the most respected and experienced criminal defense attorneys in Houston. Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer James Alston today at (713) 228-1400 to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need.
