Skip to Content
Call for a Free Consultation 512-359-3743
Top
Murder Boldly Defending Your Best Interests

Austin Murder Defense Lawyer

Preserving the Presumption of Innocence in All Criminal Defense Cases

Texas is known for harshly penalizing criminal offenders to the full extent of the law. Murder charges are predictably no exception. If you are accused of the serious violent crime of murder, the entirety of your future hangs in the balance. You need to take action to defend yourself and your rights.

To convict you for a degree or form of murder in Texas, it must be proven that:

  • You intentionally and knowingly caused the death of another;
  • You intended to cause egregious bodily harm to another through an action that was clearly capable of causing death; or
  • You committed or carried out a felony, excluding manslaughter, and another person lost their life due to that felony being performed.

The prosecution will jump at the chance to secure a murder conviction because it looks positive on their professional records. You need a defense team that acts with just as much zeal and even more focus. Call (512) 359-3743 to talk to Smith & Vinson Law Firm today. Our Austin murder defense lawyers never back down from a legal challenge. We are passionate about the protection of your constitutional rights, no matter the details of the charges and accusations.

There is no time to lose. Call the Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (512) 359-3743 or Contact us online to speak to our Austin murder defense attorneys and get a free consultation today! 

Types of Murder Charges in Texas

There is no “second degree murder” charge in Texas, but instead just a “murder” charge. As a first degree felony, murder can be penalized with up to 20 years in state prison with no chance of parole, or many years of minimum incarceration before parole becomes an option. A murder conviction can also lead to up to $10,000 in fines paid to the state.

What Is Capital Murder?

“First degree murder” is called “capital murder” in Texas. The key difference is that capital punishment, or the death sentence, becomes an option in sentencing. As long as you are 17 years or older, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder are egregious, your murder charges could be escalated to capital murder. You must protect yourself from this most severe of penalties.

Potential Defense Strategies for Murder Charges

Every criminal violation on the books is capable of being defended, even murder, which many argue is the most serious of all crimes. The evidential burden falls on the state, and it must be able to prove your actions meet all legal definitions of a “murder” before it can approve a conviction. Our Austin murder defense attorneys use this steep hill before the opposition to your advantage. Many murder cases are rushed to trial, creating holes in the arguments against the defendant. We find those weaknesses and exploit them.

Your murder defense strategy might involve proving you acted:

  • Without the intent to cause serious harm or death.
  • Without the knowledge of your own actions, perhaps due to insanity.
  • Due to heavy intoxication or impairment.
  • In self-defense, or the defense of another in immediate, real danger.
  • In the “heat of passion,” such as after being intentionally provoked.

Choosing The Right Murder Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas

You cannot lose time when you are being investigated for, accused of, or charged with murder in Texas. You have to act quickly because the prosecution is already at work. Get Smith & Vinson Law Firm and our esteemed Austin murder defense lawyers in your corner. We will fight on your behalf, just as everyone deserves.

Call us at (512) 359-3743 or Contact us online to speak to our Austin murder defense lawyers and get your free consultation today!

Our Client Reviews

Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
  • Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.
    - Linda W.
  • What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.
    - Former Client
  • When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.
    - Nikki C.
  • After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.
    - Former Client

    A Proven Track Record

    Check Out Our Recent Case Results
    • Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Five counts of Sex Assault of a Child & Eight Counts of Indecency w/ a Child

      Our client was accused of being in a relationship with an underage teen. He was charged with six counts of sexual assault of a child and eight counts of indecency with a child. The evidence was overwhelming. He thought his life was over.

    • Case Dismissed/Charges Reduced DWI With Child Passenger - Felony
    • Case Dismissed Felony DWI w/ Child Passenger

      After spending Thanksgiving Day with her family, our client drove home with her daughter in the backseat of her car. She was pulled over for speeding and given a warning. At that point, she should have been free to leave. Instead, a backup officer arrived on scene and demanded that the client step out of the car so he could perform an “investigation.”

    • Allowed to Remain on Parole Parole Revocation Hearing

      Our client had been released on parole and was a model parolee, when one day he fell asleep and his nephew tampered with his ankle monitor. The client’s parole officer was furious and applied for a warrant for his arrest on a parole violation. The parole officer made a big show of his belief that our client was a danger to society and was attempting to cut his ankle monitor and run.

    • Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence

      During a dispute with her boyfriend, our client threw a brass statue against a wall, which ended up bouncing and hitting him. He called the police and our client was arrested for Assault Family Violence.

    Free Consultation

    Let Us Defend You Against Your Criminal Charge
    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy