Denton Homicide Lawyer

Denton Homicide Attorney

If you have been accused of violating the law, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and concerned about your future. This becomes exponentially truer if you are facing a charge as serious as homicide. Protecting your interests must be your first action once you are aware you are a person of interest in a homicide case. Connecting with an experienced Denton homicide lawyer is a crucial component of a comprehensive defense strategy.

Supportive Homicide Lawyer in Denton, Texas

Once you become aware that law enforcement believes you killed another person, or if you have concerns about a situation that you were recently in, speaking with an experienced homicide attorney is recommended. Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, understands the severity of a homicide charge and can help you reach a favorable outcome for your situation. We can explain your rights, craft an effective defense strategy, and stand between you and the prosecution.

Homicide in Denton, Texas

Homicide in Texas is defined in Penal Code 19.01. It states that a person has committed homicide if they intentionally, recklessly, knowingly, or with criminal negligence caused the death of another individual. Under the homicide umbrella are four different types of charges:

• Criminally negligent homicide. Negligent homicide occurs when a person causes another’s death through dangerous acts, but the death was not an intended result. Proving negligent homicide requires the prosecution to show that, although the death was not an intended consequence, the person should have known that their actions were dangerous. Examples include leaving a child in a hot car, reckless driving, or firing a gun into the air.
• Manslaughter. More serious than negligent homicide, a manslaughter charge applies when recklessness without premeditation results in a death. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another without malice or intent to cause serious harm. Examples include driving under the influence, desperation, and provoked rage. Voluntary manslaughter occurs as a result of intentional, non-premeditated harm, such as a “crime of passion” killing.
• Murder. Intent and premeditation differentiate manslaughter and murder. Murder occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally causes the death of another, intends to cause serious bodily injury that results in another’s death, commits a felony, and a person dies as a result, or manufactures or delivers a controlled substance, and a person dies as a result of using the substance.
• Capital murder. As the most serious of homicide charges, capital murder is charged under specific circumstances. It can be charged when the victim is a police officer, a fireman, under the age of 10, killed because they are a judge, or when there are multiple victims. It can also be charged if the murder was committed for payment, during an escape from a penal institute, while incarcerated for committing certain crimes, or during the course of specific crimes.

Between 2023 and 2024, the violent crime rate in Denton, Texas decreased from 25.90 to 24.4 per 100,000 people. Though the violent crime rate has decreased, violent crimes are still aggressively pursued and prosecuted, and homicide charges are no exception. An experienced criminal defense lawyer at Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, can defend you against a homicide charge.

Hire a Homicide Lawyer With Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC

Adequately creating a defense for a homicide charge requires thorough legal knowledge and an in-depth understanding of how to apply it to the client’s advantage. Our team has many years of experience defending hundreds of clients. We can explore possible resolutions for your case, including a dismissal of charges, a reduction in the severity of the homicide charge, a favorable plea deal, or lenient sentencing options if your case results in a guilty finding.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney if I Have Been Charged With Homicide?

A: It is always recommended that you retain a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a crime, especially one as serious as homicide. The criminal justice system can be confusing and challenging to navigate, especially while dealing with any emotions attached to the alleged crime. A skilled defense attorney can help you explore your options and determine the most favorable route to take for your defense.

Q: What Are the Types of Homicide Crimes in Texas?

A: There are four types of homicide crimes in Texas: criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, murder, and capital murder. These different crimes are separated from each other by the severity of the negligent or reckless actions and intent. Criminally negligent homicide is the least severe and can be charged when a person acts negligently but without intent. Capital murder is the most severe and is charged under specific, grave circumstances.

Q: What Is the Punishment for a Homicide Conviction in Texas?

A: The punishment for a homicide conviction in Texas depends on the severity of the charge and the circumstances of the crime. All homicides are felonies, but they are charged in different degrees, ranging from state jail felonies (least severe) to capital felonies (most severe). A state jail felony could result in as little as 180 days in state jail, but a capital felony conviction could result in the death penalty.

Q: What Are Potential Defenses Against a Homicide Charge in Texas?

A: The most effective defenses against a homicide charge in Texas are tailored specifically to the circumstances of the case. Potential defenses also depend on the severity of the crime you have been charged with, as criminally negligent homicide will have a different defense strategy than murder or capital murder. In general, duress, self-defense, lack of intent, and crime of passion are potential routes to use in a homicide defense.

Comprehensive Defense Strategies Against Homicide Charges

If you are in need of a homicide defense attorney in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, can help. Our compassionate and experienced team can listen to your needs, explore your case, and build a defense strategy that works toward a positive outcome. We have a close relationship with local prosecuting teams and can negotiate on your behalf for a favorable plea deal.

Facing criminal charges as serious as homicide can be overwhelming. Let the Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, step in to support you through this challenging period. Contact our office to speak with a team member to see how we can help.