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Homicide Defense

Updated: Jul 8, 2023 @ 7:52 am

A criminal charge involving “loss of human life” is the most serious type of felony a person can be accused of in Texas.

Houston criminal defense lawyers Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock have extensive experience defending Houstonians who find themselves accused of murder or other actions that have resulted in a homicide declaration.

Our legal team is well trained to carefully approach jurors during demonstrations of why “reasonable doubt is apparent” in the event we have to take your case to the lengths of a full-blown jury trial.

If you’ve been accused of murder and you’re guilty, you’ll need to hire the best criminal defense attorney you can find. If you’ve been accused of murder and you’re innocent, you’ll need a better one.

Texas Homicide Offenses

The Murder Charge

Murder charges apply when a person intentionally or “knowingly” causes the death of another human being, commits an act clearly dangerous to human life resulting in the death of a person, or is involved in another felonious offense and a person is “unintentionally killed” during the process of said crime. Murder charges are serious, can result in life sentences, and the pursuit of the death penalty.

If you know you’re under investigation for murder YOU NEED to retain legal counsel immediately. Your life depends on it.

To learn more about Texas Criminal Law, murder, and homicide related crimes, review Title 5 “Offenses Against The Person” Chapter 19. Criminal Homicide, or call our law offices.

Capital Murder Cases

Capital murder is charged when a person murders a police officer, a child under 10, multiple people, murders to satisfy a contract, or kills someone during the commission of another felony. Capital Murder is a very serious criminal offense in the State of Texas. If you’re charged with a Capital Crime in Texas in all likelihood a Death Sentence will be pursued by the attorneys who represent the state.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

Homicides which occur due to criminal negligence are generally charged as 2nd degree State Jail Felonies. Unfortunately, these are the same forms of homicide offenses that are often pursued as manslaughter by over-zealous “shoot from the hip” Texas prosecutors. Although the distinction between the two homicide offenses are subtle, criminally negligent homicide is a lesser charge when considering the potential penalty which tops out at two years (180D – 2Y).

A great example of criminally negligent homicide could be speeding through a residential neighborhood at 70+mph and accidentally killing someone as a result.

Criminal Negligence is defined by Title 2 of the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 6., and is highly subjective.

Manslaughter

The criminal charge of manslaughter applies when a person is killed as a result of reckless activity. Manslaughter charges are classified as second degree felonies punishable by a prison sentence of 2-20 years which also carries fines not to exceed 10,000.00.

As with criminally negligent homicide, a classification of manslaughter versus that of criminally negligent homicide is subjective; meaning that it can depend on the prosecutor, the D.A., prior criminal history of the accused, circumstances of the homicide, and for the sake of being honest, it depends. This is where having experienced legal counsel can come in handy.

Professionally speaking; the definition and distinction of these related homicide offenses are subjective at best.

The articulation & thoughtful communication of your position by your attorney to a “well informed jury” can mean the difference between facing 2 years or 20 years in incarcerated.

Again, a great example of manslaughter could be speeding through a residential neighborhood at 70+mph and accidentally killing someone as a result.

Call Houston Criminal Attorney Tad Nelson A.S.A.P.

Houston criminal attorney Tad Nelson
Attorney Tad Nelson

Houston Criminal Attorney Tad Nelson, Board Certified® in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has the resources needed to conduct an investigation on par with that of law enforcement, the talent to meticulously demonstrate the facets of our defense strategy to a jury, and the experience to make it work.

If you’ve been accused of any of the following crimes in Houston, contact our law firm as soon as possible.

  • Murder
  • Murder For Hire
  • Attempted Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Multiple Murder/Homicide
  • Accidental Deaths
  • 1st Degree Murder
  • 2nd Degree Murder
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide
  • Capital Murder
  • Intoxicated Manslaughter
  • Criminally negligent manslaughter.

Whether you want to fight the homicide allegations because you’re innocent, or you intend to admit guilt & want to limit your criminal liability/potential penalty, contact Houston criminal attorney Tad Nelson of the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates at 713-659-0909 to schedule a time for to meet and review your case.

We offer affordable legal solutions for all of our clients.

Houston Criminal Homicide Lawyers

Attorney Tad A. Nelson

Homicide Defense

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