Austin Murder Lawyers
Experienced Defense Against Murder Charges in Central Texas
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 be convicted 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.
When you need serious representation for serious charges, call Smith & Vinson Law Firm. Our Austin murder attorneys never back down from a legal challenge. We are passionate about the protection of your constitutional rights, no matter the details of the charges or accusations.
There is no time to lose. Call us now at (512) 359-3743 or contact us online to speak to our defense attorneys during a free and confidential consultation.
Types of Murder Charges in Texas
In Texas, murder charges are referred to slightly differently than in other places. Below, we outline the types of murder charges in Texas and what they mean.
Murder
Technically, 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.
Capital Murder
In Texas, “first-degree murder” is called “capital murder.” The key difference is that capital punishment, or the death sentence, becomes an option in sentencing. If 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.
Understanding the Legal Process for Murder Charges
Being charged with murder is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. It is crucial to understand the legal process and your rights when facing murder charges in Travis County or anywhere in Central Texas. Our experienced Austin murder defense lawyers at Smith & Vinson Law Firm can guide you through each step of the legal process and provide aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights.
Below is an overview of some of the key aspects of the legal process following murder charges:
- Arraignment: The arraignment is the formal reading of the charges against you in court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: These are legal arguments made before trial to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Discovery: Discover refers to the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense prior to trial.
- Trial: At trial, both sides present evidence and arguments in court to prove their separate cases, either against or in defense of the accused.
- Sentencing: Sentencing refers to deciding the punishment if the defendant is convicted, which can range from up to 20 years to life imprisonment or even death.
It is essential to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side to navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Our team uses all available defense strategies to not only protect your rights but also defend your future.
Potential Defense Strategies for Murder Charges
Every criminal violation on the books is capable of being defended, even murder. The burden of proof falls on the state, meaning the prosecution must be able to prove your actions meet all legal definitions of a “murder” before it can achieve a conviction. Our Austin murder attorneys know how to 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. As your legal team, we work to 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 in the defense of another in immediate, real danger
- In the “heat of passion,” such as after being intentionally provoked
Other options may include pursuing alternative sentencing, plea bargains, or reduced charges, depending on the specific details of your case. No matter the circumstances, you can count on our team to advocate tirelessly for you and your rights throughout the legal process.
Contact Our Austin Murder Defense Attorney Today
You cannot lose time when you are being investigated for, accused of, or charged with murder in Texas. You must act quickly, as the prosecution is likely already at work. Get our esteemed Austin murder lawyers in your corner today. We are ready to fight on your behalf, just as everyone deserves.
Call us at (512) 359-3743 or contact us online to request a FREE and confidential consultation now.
Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault & Tampering with Evidence
Our client was involved in a verbal dispute that turned into an altercation where a firearm was discharged into the ground. The round ricocheted and grazed a party to the dispute. Our client was facing multiple felony convictions and a prison sentence.
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault Family Violence w/ Serious Bodily Injury
Our client was involved in a domestic altercation that resulted in one of the parties sustaining a very serious life -altering injury that required serious medical intervention. We took the case and approached our defense with heavy strong willed negotiations with the State.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation