Denton Homicide Lawyer

Denton Homicide Attorney

Being accused of homicide is a terrifying, life-changing event. Homicide charges of any form can affect your life for years and decades afterward. If you are facing homicide charges, a Denton homicide lawyer can represent your interests in the case. No matter if you feel guilty or not, you deserve legal counsel for this serious matter.

About Our Murder Defense Law Firm

Our team at Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, has spent years representing the people of Denton in criminal cases. Our lead attorneys, Spencer Robuck and Gina Morgan, both have extensive backgrounds working in the district attorney’s office. This experience gives us a unique insight into the prosecution when defending our clients against homicide charges.

Denton Homicide Laws

Criminal homicide in Texas is defined in Penal Code Title 5, Chapter 19. It occurs when a person’s actions, whether intentional, reckless, or negligent, result in someone else’s death. Not all killings are categorized as homicide; for the killing not to be charged as a crime, it must be in defense or an accident without responsibility.

Texas has an above-average murder rate, with 2023 seeing a ratio of 7.1 homicides per 100,000 people. That same year, the national average was 5.9 per 100,000 people. Denton homicides occur on various levels of notoriety, scaling from a tragic drunk driving accident to the nationally reported murder of Fred Mitchell, the husband of Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell.

Types of Homicide Cases We Represent

Texas state law defines four distinct categories of criminal homicide, each with its own penalties. The following are the different types of homicide that we at Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, can represent:

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is one of the two lesser homicide types. It is characterized as a death caused by someone acting recklessly, knowingly engaging in dangerous behavior while ignoring the risks. A manslaughter charge does not rely on any intent to harm. It is a second-degree felony, which carries a penalty of two to 20 years in prison and a fine worth up to $10,000.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

This type of homicide is similar to manslaughter, as there is also no intent to harm. Criminally negligent homicide differs by focusing on a substantial risk that the accused ought to have been aware of that resulted in death. The penalty for criminally negligent homicide is classified as a state jail felony, with a jail sentence of between 180 days and two years, along with a fine of up to $10,000.

Murder

Murder is one of the more intense homicide charges where there is intent. A murder conviction relies on one of the following three elements to be present:

• The accused intentionally caused someone’s death.
• The accused intended to cause serious bodily harm, which ended in death.
• The accused was committing or attempting a felony during which someone died.

Murder is a first-degree felony, with potential jail time of between five and 99 years or life. The potential fine for murder has no minimum, with a maximum amount of $10,000.

Capital Murder

Capital murder is a capital felony, the highest degree of homicide in Texas. Under Texas homicide laws, this charge carries the potential for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. If the accused was under eighteen, life with parole is the alternative. Capital murder charges require a few qualifiers, including:

• The victim was an on-duty police officer or firefighter.
• The victim was 10 or younger.
• A defendant committed multiple murders in the same instance or scheme.
• The murder occurred during a serious felony, such as arson or kidnapping.
• The murder was either committed in prison or during an escape attempt.

Hire a Homicide Lawyer

Any homicide charge, from criminal negligence to capital murder, can be difficult to defend on your own. While it is possible, the serious nature of a homicide charge makes it highly recommended to hire a homicide lawyer.

Your Denton homicide attorney can represent you throughout your case and determine the most appropriate defense. If a guilty verdict seems certain, a Denton homicide lawyer can negotiate a plea deal that lessens the impact on your life.

FAQs

What Should You Do When Accused of Homicide in Texas?

There are several key actions to keep in mind when accused of any type of homicide. The first is to never speak with the police alone. You may be convinced of your innocence, but anything said to law enforcement can later be used by the prosecution against you. The next important step is to seek out a lawyer. They can be present for any questioning and discuss your defense options.

Is Manslaughter More Severe Than Negligent Homicide in Texas?

The distinction between manslaughter and negligent homicide may be confusing for some accused of homicide. Manslaughter is considered a worse offense than criminally negligent homicide. Manslaughter relies on the knowledge and dismissal of risks, whereas criminal negligence is the failure to recognize a risk. This can be seen in the penalties, where manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony and negligent homicide a state jail felony.

Are All Killings Considered Homicide in Texas?

Whether the killing you are accused of is considered homicide or not can be a defining factor in your case. Texas law allows for defensive actions that result in death. These can be defending yourself, someone else, or your home against invaders. In addition, Texas is a stand-your-ground state, allowing for lethal action in an altercation if you were not the one to initiate violence.

How Long Do Homicide Cases Take in Texas?

The duration of your homicide case in Texas depends on the specific details of your situation. Homicide cases can last anywhere from months to years. Factors such as investigation complexities, pretrial motions from either side, and expert witness testimonies can all lengthen the proceedings. Your Denton homicide attorney can give you an estimate for how long your particular case may last.

Meet With a Homicide Lawyer Today

Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, can guide you through your daunting homicide case. Contact us today for an initial consultation so we can learn your story and discuss your options. You may also visit our Denton office, located on North Woodrow Lane, a block from the Denton County Courts Building.