Round Rock Murder Defense Lawyer

Murder Charges in Texas

Texas law recognizes several classifications of homicide, each carrying severe penalties.

Capital Murder

Capital murder involves specific aggravating circumstances, such as:

• Murdering a peace officer or firefighter on duty.
• Committing murder during the commission of certain felonies like kidnapping, burglary, or sexual assault.
• Murder for hire or the promise thereof.
• Multiple murders.
• Murder of a child under ten years old.

Conviction can result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Murder

This charge applies when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another person or commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that results in death during the commission of a felony. It is typically prosecuted as a first-degree felony.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter involves recklessly causing the death of another person. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony. 

The key factor is recklessness, meaning the person knew the risk but acted without regard for the consequences. For example, a driver who lost control at high speed and killed a pedestrian.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

This occurs when an individual causes death through criminal negligence, constituting a state jail felony. Criminal negligence is when a person fails to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a reasonable person would have noticed. For example, a caregiver who left a child unattended in a hot car, leading to death.

Penalties for Murder in Texas

The penalties for homicide offenses in Texas are severe and vary based on the charge:

Consequences of a Murder Conviction

A murder conviction carries more than just a prison sentence — it results in life-altering collateral consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom, such as potentially decades in prison or even life in prison. There are other serious consequences of having a murder conviction on your record:

Loss of Employment

Many employers refuse to hire individuals with a felony conviction, making it difficult to maintain or find a job.

Higher Education Barriers

A felony record can disqualify individuals from scholarships, financial aid, and university admissions.

Financial Hardships

Difficulty obtaining loans for housing, cars, and other significant expenses due to a criminal history.

Loss of Civil Rights

A felony conviction can result in the loss of voting rights, the ability to serve on a jury, and restrictions on holding certain professional licenses.

Firearm Restrictions

Under state and federal law, convicted felons permanently lose the right to own or carry a firearm.

These consequences last a lifetime, making it essential to fight murder charges aggressively from the start. Board-certified attorney Ryan H. Deck is committed to providing a relentless and strategic defense to protect your future and freedom.

Defense Strategies Against Murder Charges

Every murder case is different, and the best defense depends on the facts, evidence, and legal circumstances surrounding the accusation. Common defense strategies include:

Self-Defense

Arguing that using force was necessary to protect oneself from imminent danger or serious bodily harm.

Defense of Others

Establishing that the accused acted to protect another person from threatened or actual violence.

Lack of Intent

Demonstrating that the death resulted from an accident or reckless actions rather than a deliberate act of murder.

Mistaken Identity

Challenging the credibility of eyewitnesses, forensic evidence, or surveillance footage that incorrectly identifies the defendant.

Alibi Defense

Providing proof that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the alleged crime through witnesses, phone records, or surveillance footage.

Justifiable Homicide

Arguing that the act was legally justified under Texas law, such as in cases of home defense or preventing a violent felony.

Insanity Defense

Demonstrating that the accused lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish between right and wrong.

Insufficient Evidence

Challenging the prosecution’s case by exposing weaknesses in forensic reports, police procedures, witness statements, and other evidence.

Constitutional Violations

Suppressing evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced confessions, or violations of the accused’s rights during the investigation or arrest.

Each case requires a meticulous defense strategy built on strong legal arguments, expert testimony, and aggressive representation. Ryan H. Deck is prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

How Do You Beat Murder Charges in Williamson County?

Successfully defending against murder charges in Williamson County requires immediate and decisive action:

Aggressive Legal Representation

Contact Ryan H. Deck, an experienced Round Rock criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of defending people in Williamson County.

Preserve Evidence

Collect and safeguard any evidence that may support your defense.

Maintain Silence

Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney to prevent self-incrimination.

Attorney Deck offers a confidential free consultation to evaluate your case and discuss potential defense strategies. His commitment to protecting your rights and future is unwavering.