Dallas Homicide Defense Attorney

Fighting Charges of Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter

As defined by Chapter 19 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits homicide when they knowingly, intentionally, and recklessly cause the death of another. As perhaps the most serious criminal charge, homicide can be prosecuted in various ways. Regardless of the exact charge you or your loved one may be currently facing, the need for experienced legal representation is of the utmost importance.

With decades of criminal defense experience and an unwavering level of dedication to our clients and their families, our Dallas homicide defense attorneys are here to provide the skilled, aggressive representation you need. We are prepared to defend against any of the following homicide charges.

Types of Homicide Charges in Texas

Murder 
According to § 19.02 of the Texas Penal Code, a person will be charged with murder when they (1) intentionally cause the death of another, (2) intend to cause serious bodily injury and causes the death of another, or (3) causes the death of another in the attempt or commission of another felony offense. Unless it can be proven that an individual committed the murder as an act of sudden passion, murder charges are prosecuted as a first-degree felony, which is punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence

Capital Murder 
Capital murder, the most serious homicide offense, can occur in several ways. A person will be charged with capital murder when they cause the death of another while incarcerated, when the victim is under the age of 10, when they murder more than one person, or when they cause the death of a law enforcement officer, fireman, or employee of the court. Capital murder may also be charged when an individual causes the death of another in the commission of a kidnapping, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, arson, or terrorist activity. As a capital felony, this charge may subject a defendant to the death penalty.

Manslaughter & Criminally Negligent Homicide 
If a person recklessly causes the death of another, they can be prosecuted for manslaughter. Whether it is voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or intoxication manslaughter, these charges are felony offenses that pose lengthy terms of imprisonment.

Criminally negligent homicide is a homicide charge that involves the death of another caused by a person who should have been aware of the dangers and risks their actions created. Manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide are charges that involve complex legal elements and should always be handled by seasoned criminal defense attorneys.

Potential Defenses for Murder

In order to prove murder, the prosecutor must show evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that all the elements of murder apply. We work tirelessly to reveal weaknesses in the prosecutor's case and build the most effective defense possible.

Some of the common defenses for murder charges can include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of another person
• Mistaken identity
• Accidental death
• Solid alibi
• Fulfilling a duty (if the individual charged is a law enforcement officer)

Crafting a defense for a murder charge can be complex. Given the severity of such charges, defense attorneys must carefully examine every detail of the allegations and explore all potential options. Our team at Mathur Law Offices, P.C. has experience handling some of the most serious charges and defending our clients from the toughest of punishments.

Work with Our Defense Lawyers to Protect Your Future

Having represented numerous clients since our firm was first established in 1999, we know that murder cases put our clients' lives on the line. This being the case, we leave nothing behind when tapping into our extensive experience, resources, and dedication in order to provide our clients with the aggressive and passionate representation they need. As homicide charges can vary on an individual basis, we know that our focus on providing custom counsel and legal solutions can benefit our clients immensely.

We strongly urge individuals and families throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area to request a case evaluation to learn more about homicide charges and the ways in which the Mathur Law Offices, P.C. can help.