No charge is more serious than a homicide. When everything is at stake, your defense must be powerful, precise, and relentless to protect your future.

Houston Legal Help

JLG Law and Associates will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation

Murder Defense Lawyer Houston

Facing murder charges in Houston is a life-altering situation with severe consequences, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Under the Texas Penal Code, murder is defined as the intentional or knowing killing of another person. In 2023, Houston recorded over 450 homicides, underscoring the gravity and intense scrutiny of these cases. At Juan L. Guerra Jr. & Associates, our skilled Houston murder defense attorneys specialize exclusively in murder defense. We vigorously protect our clients by challenging the prosecution’s evidence, scrutinizing witness credibility, and safeguarding constitutional rights from arrest through trial, leaving no legal strategy unexplored.

Se Habla Español
713-489-6839

What to Do After a Murder Charge in Houston?

Facing a murder charge in Houston is an extremely serious legal matter requiring immediate and careful action to protect your rights and future:

A Houston murder defense attorney can promptly begin investigating, gathering evidence, and developing a strong defense strategy.

Anything you say can be used against you; let your attorney manage all communications with law enforcement.

Share any potential evidence, records, or witness information with your lawyer that may support your defense.

Know the specific murder charge you face, such as capital or first-degree murder, and the possible penalties under Texas law.

Comply fully with bail conditions, attend all court hearings, and avoid any behavior that could negatively affect your case.

When Murder Becomes Federal vs. State Offenses

Most murder cases in Houston are prosecuted under Texas state law, but certain circumstances bring them under federal jurisdiction. This distinction is important because federal murder charges often involve harsher penalties and more extensive prosecution.

01/

Under Texas law, nearly all murder cases are tried at the state level. Penalties vary from long prison sentences to life without parole or the death penalty, depending on the specific charge and details of the crime.

02/

Cases involving killings on federal property, offenses against federal officers, or crimes linked to organized crime or terrorism fall under federal jurisdiction. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases vigorously, often seeking the most severe sentences available.

Types of Murder Charges We Defend in Houston

Texas law classifies several degrees of homicide, each carrying severe penalties. Our Houston murder attorneys are equipped to defend against all types of murder charges, including:

Capital Murder: The most serious charge, often involving multiple victims, killing a peace officer, or murder during the commission of another felony. Punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
First-Degree Murder: Murder without premeditation but with intent to cause serious harm or reckless disregard for human life.
Second-Degree Murder: Less frequent but devastating; occurs when impaired or distracted drivers veer into oncoming lanes, often on undivided roads.
Voluntary Manslaughter: Killing committed in the “heat of passion” due to sudden provocation, carrying significant but lesser penalties than murder.
Involuntary Manslaughter: Unintentional killing caused by reckless or negligent actions, such as drunk driving.
Criminally Negligent Homicide: Death resulting from gross negligence or failure to recognize a substantial risk.

Understanding Murder Crime Laws and Penalties in Houston

Murder is one of the most serious criminal charges in Texas, carrying penalties that can profoundly impact your life. Under the Texas Penal Code, murder charges are categorized by intent and circumstances:

The most serious offense, punishable by life without parole or the death penalty.

Intentional killing or causing death during the commission of a felony; punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.

When the defendant acted under sudden passion, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

Possible Defenses in a Murder Case

Facing murder charges is overwhelming, but skilled attorneys can use various defenses to protect your rights or reduce charges by disproving intent or justifying actions:

Self-Defense and Defense of Others – Texas law permits reasonable force, including deadly force, to prevent serious harm or death. Defense shows the accused acted out of necessity, not malice.
Lack of Intent or Mistaken Identity – Murder requires proof of intent. Demonstrating no intent to kill or proving mistaken identity through alibis, surveillance, or forensic evidence can reduce or dismiss charges.
Mental Health or Diminished Capacity – Mental health issues or diminished capacity may reduce criminal responsibility. Psychiatric experts can testify that the accused lacked intent or understanding, potentially lowering charges or guiding treatment-focused outcomes.

Deadline for Filing Murder Cases in Houston

In Texas, the statute of limitations for homicide offenses varies based on the charge’s severity, with many murder charges having no time limit for prosecution:

Murder and Capital Murder

No statute of limitations; charges can be filed at any time, even many years after the offense.

Manslaughter

Generally, subject to a three-year statute of limitations from the date the crime occurred.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

Also carries a three-year statute of limitations under Texas law.

What to Expect After a Murder Arrest in Houston?

Being arrested for murder in Houston is an intense and serious process. Understanding what comes next can help you protect your rights:

Police will question suspects, collect witness statements, and gather forensic evidence at the scene

Charges are formally presented, and bail may be denied depending on the case severity.

Your attorney may challenge unlawful interrogation, Miranda rights violations, or due process errors to defend your case.

A Houston murder defense lawyer will scrutinize forensic reports, eyewitness accounts, and police procedures to identify weaknesses.

You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the criminal database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask everything you need to know about our services.

Is there bail for murder charges in Houston?

Bail is often denied in murder cases due to the seriousness of the charges. However, for some manslaughter or negligent homicide charges, attorneys may argue for bail or a reduced bond.

Can murder charges be reduced to manslaughter?

Yes. Depending on intent, evidence, and circumstances, a skilled defense lawyer can negotiate a reduction from murder to manslaughter, which carries lighter penalties.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Texas?

Murder typically requires intent to kill, while manslaughter involves reckless behavior without intent. Criminally negligent homicide applies when death results from gross negligence.

Houston Legal Help

JLG Law and Associates will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation

What Our Clients Say About Us

Our team has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts across personal injury and criminal defense matters. Whether it’s protecting your future or rebuilding after trauma, we deliver results that matter.

Consult an Experienced Murder Attorney in Houston

Being charged with murder in Houston carries the potential for life imprisonment or the death penalty. Without experienced legal representation, your rights and future are at great risk. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, we thoroughly investigate your case, analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong defense to protect your life and liberty.

We offer a free, confidential consultation to review your case and explain your legal options. Whether the charge is intentional homicide or criminal negligence, we develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. From negotiating reduced charges to aggressively defending you in court, our goal is to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome, guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Let's Get Started

Call or fill out our online form today to get a free and confidential consultation. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, every client is treated like family—and every case is handled with fierce dedication.

Prefer to get in touch directly?