Dallas Murder Defense Attorneys

We Do What It Takes to Seek Results

Murder is one of Texas's four criminal homicide offenses. It is one of the most serious crimes, and a conviction can result in imprisonment for decades to life. In severe cases, the penalty can be death. If you've been charged, speak with a Dallas murder defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. A criminal charge does not mean you're guilty, and avenues may be available to seek a favorable outcome, such as dropped charges or lesser sentences.

Regardless of how complex your matter seems or what evidence the prosecutor may have against you, the criminal defense attorneys at Deandra Grant Law can provide the legal representation you need. We have defended those accused of crimes for over 20 years and have obtained victories for past clients. Our Dallas murder defense lawyers examine every detail to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments and strengthen our clients' defenses. We know the long-term effects of a conviction, especially one for murder, and give our all to ensure we are doing everything necessary to protect our clients' rights and best interests. When you choose our murder defense attorneys in Dallas, you can be confident that you will have a zealous advocate on your side, fighting aggressively for you.

Schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (214) 225-7117 or contacting us online today.

What Is Texas's Murder Law?

Under Texas Penal Code 19.01, a person can be charged with murder in the following ways:

1. They caused someone else's death, and they did so knowingly or intentionally. These states of mind mean that the alleged offender's objective was to kill another or they were aware that their actions would lead to death;
2. They intended to seriously injure someone, and when carrying out the conduct to affect such a result, they engaged in an act so dangerous, they caused that person's death; or
3. They were committing or attempting to commit a felony, and while doing so (or while fleeing the scene after doing so), they engaged in dangerous conduct that caused someone's death.

What Is Texas's Capital Murder Law?

The Texas Penal Code also has a law concerning capital murder. This offense is considered more serious than murder. What increases the severity of the crime is how it was committed or who it was committed against.

There are 10 ways a person could be accused of capital murder:

1. They killed an on-duty police officer or fireman;
2. They intentionally murdered someone while committing or attempting to commit any of the following:
   • Kidnapping,
   • Burglary,
   • Robbery,
   • Aggravated sexual assault,
   • Arson,
   • Obstruction or retaliation, or
   • Terroristic threat;
3. The person was hired to kill another, or they hired someone to commit the murder;
4. The offender was escaping or attempting to escape a penal institution;
5. They were incarcerated and killed an employee of the facility;
6. They were incarcerated and murdered an inmate;
7. They killed two or more people either during the same crime or different but related offenses
8. They murdered a minor under 10 years of age;
9. They murdered someone between 10 and 14 years of age; or
10. They killed a judge or justice in retaliation for their service

What Are the Penalties for Murder in Texas?

The punishments a judge can levy upon a conviction depend on the nature of the offense and whether the defendant was accused of murder or capital murder.

Generally, murder is charged as a first-degree felony. The minimum term of imprisonment is 5 years, and the maximum is 99 years.

If the defendant can prove that they caused the other's death because they were provoked, they could be convicted of a second-degree felony. Potential penalties include between 2 and 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Capital murder is a capital felony. A defendant can be sentenced to imprisonment for life without parole or to death.

Murder Defense Attorneys in Texas

At Deandra Grant Law, we know that defenses can be raised in a murder case. That is why we will invest the time and resources necessary to build a compelling legal strategy on your behalf. Our team of Dallas murder defense attorneys is ready to fight for you in and out of court to work toward obtaining the best possible result.

Related Reading: Manslaughter v. Criminally Negligent Homicide: Which is More Serious?

Speak with our Dallas murder defense attorneys about your case by contacting us at (214) 225-7117.