Homicide, whether murder or manslaughter, is an incredibly serious charge that can come with the most severe legal penalties a person can face in the U.S. If you’re facing manslaughter or murder charges, you need an exceptional criminal defense law firm by your side to defend your rights, your freedom, and your life.
Under the U.S. criminal justice system, criminal defense cases involving homicide can have serious repercussions. If you’ve been charged with homicide, you need a strong manslaughter or murder defense to protect your rights and reduce your penalties. Getting help from capable criminal lawyers with an experienced legal team can ensure a favorable outcome for your case if it involves one of these heinous crimes.
As a homicide defense lawyer serving Bexar County, John has experience helping those accused of violent crimes and serious bodily injury, and he would be proud to stand by your side during this difficult time. You can rely on The Law Office of John G. Perez to fight for you from start to finish of the legal process, even in federal court. We fight for dismissal in every case, and we will go the distance for your future.
Criminal law recognizes several different types of offenses related to the unlawful killing of another person. Each comes with its own severity of punishment.
First, the least severe is criminally negligent homicide, which involves killing a person through inaction or negligence leading to unjustifiable risk, without the intention to kill. Next, manslaughter charges are similar to criminally negligent homicide with the addition of reckless disregard for human life on the part of the perpetrator. The next most severe offense, murder, is the intentional and premeditated killing of another person. Finally, capital murder, the most severe, includes murders with special circumstances, such as killing for pay, killing more than one person in a single episode, and killing a police officer.
When a person commits murder or manslaughter, they’re opening themselves up to extreme penalties under state and federal law. In Texas, murder can bring with it first-degree felony charges with penalties of up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Manslaughter charges might result in a second-degree felony with a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Criminally negligent homicide can lead to a state jail felony with a prison sentence of up to 2 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Finally, capital murder, the most severe form of homicide charge, can result in a capital felony with fines of up to $10,000 as well as life in prison or even the death penalty.
If you’re facing homicide charges, don’t panic. John is here to help you navigate the legal system and build a strong, strategic defense. Getting help from an experienced attorney can enable you to achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
Homicide charges, no matter which type you’re facing, can bring with them life-changing penalties. Because of that, it’s important that you seek guidance from a capable San Antonio criminal defense attorney if you’re facing these sorts of criminal charges. An attorney may utilize any of the following tactics to attempt to get your charges dropped or reduced:
Keep in mind that the vast majority of murder cases will go to trial, with “not guilty” verdicts being rare. That’s why you need an attorney by your side who will keep your best interests at heart. If you want to learn more about what to do after a murder or homicide charge, act quickly by reaching out for a free case evaluation. Remember to remain silent until you can speak with an attorney present.
Roughly half of the states making up the USA have the death penalty in their laws. Texas is one of these states. In Texas, you may face the death penalty for capital murder charges. Criminal cases involving capital murder are often incredibly complex, with many steps in the legal process. Having a strong defense against the prosecution’s case will be essential for protecting your life in the long term. Keep in mind that cases involving the death penalty generally take a considerable amount of time to go through the entire process, with most death-sentenced prisoners spending more than 10 years in jail. Some inmates have been on death row for multiple decades.
If you are facing capital murder charges, it is extremely important that you seek assistance from a highly knowledgeable San Antonio criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience handling murder client cases and a deep understanding of your constitutional rights. A capable attorney can begin building your defense right away, increasing the likelihood that you could see your charges reduced or your case dismissed. You can take advantage of a free initial consultation to get a sense of our services and communication style.
Under Texas criminal law, children aged 14 to 17 may potentially be tried as adults for murder or homicide charges, depending on the circumstances of their case. Generally speaking, children under the age of 14 are tried under Texas juvenile law. The juvenile system is primarily focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Under the criminal system, children tried as adults may face up to a life prison sentence or even the death penalty. If tried under the juvenile system, child offenders may face penalties of up to 40 years in detention. If your child has been charged with murder or homicide, don’t wait to reach out for your free confidential consultation. We’re proud to serve the greater San Antonio area.
