Helping Individuals in Austin, Texas, Defend against a Pending Murder Charge
Murder is the most serious criminal offense that a person can be charged with and convicted of in the State of Texas. The potential penalties imposed upon conviction include jail time, probation, fines, and other harsh consequences that can impact you for many years into the future.
If you or a loved one is facing a charge for murder, the Austin criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller, PC, can help defend you in your case. Preparing a thorough defense in a murder case begins with undertaking an investigation and determining what happened – and what if any potential legal defenses might be available.
Generally speaking, the earlier you seek out legal representation, the better chance of success you have in your criminal matter. Please contact us online today to learn more about how we could assist you with your criminal legal matter.
Elements of Murder
In a murder case – as with all criminal cases - the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution cannot obtain a conviction unless he or she satisfies each and every legal element of the underlying criminal offense. In the case of murder, the prosecutor must be able to demonstrate one or more of the following:
- That the accused both knowingly and intentionally brought about another person’s death
- That the accused either committed or attempted to commit some other felony, and in the commission or attempted commission thereof (or while fleeing from the offense), the accused brought about another person’s death (otherwise known as felony-murder)
- That the accused both intentionally and knowingly wished to cause the alleged victim bodily injury, and that as a result, the accused brought about the other person’s death
Potential Penalties for a Murder Conviction
As would be expected, the potential penalties for a murder conviction in Texas are severe, and one such penalty includes capital punishment. Moreover, in the State of Texas, all murder charges are first-degree felony charges. Depending upon the actual murder classification, a person convicted of murder in Texas could receive between five and 99 years of incarceration in a state detention center and/or a maximum monetary fine of $10,000.
In some instances, at sentencing, the accused may be able to provide a basis for committing the offense in the “heat of passion.” In that instance, the murder charge could be reduced to a second-degree felony. The accused could then be sentenced to between two and 20 years of incarceration in a state detention facility, along with a maximum monetary fine of $10,000, or a combination of the two.
Speak with an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer about Defending against Your Murder Charge Today
If you or someone you love is facing a murder charge in Austin, a skilled attorney at Granger and Mueller, PC, may be able to raise a strong defense on your behalf, such as lack of criminal intent, self-defense, intoxication, or lack of knowledge, for example. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney, please contact us online today to learn more about how we can assist you.