San Marcos Murder and Homicide Attorneys

Proactive Legal Strategies for Murder and Homicide Charges in Hays County

When facing a criminal charge as serious as one involving murder or homicide, it is essential to have an experienced and knowledgeable defense lawyer on your side. The uncertainty and stress can be overwhelming, but with capable legal counsel, you can rest assured that all possible defense options will be explored to secure the best outcome for your case.

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we pride ourselves on our aggressive, results-oriented defense representation built on trust, communication, and trial experience. Our San Marcos murder and homicide lawyers will work closely with you to assess the charges brought and what we can do to protect your future and freedom. We understand how to strategically advocate for our clients in these high-stakes scenarios and will leverage the full extent of our skills and resources as we seek an optimal result. You will also have direct, continuous access to our attorney, who will always return phone calls within 24 hours and provide you with honest, compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Do not wait to call (512) 846-9966 or contact us online if you or someone you love has been charged with murder or homicide. Se habla español.

Understanding the Differences Between Murder, Homicide, and Manslaughter in Texas

Under Texas law, “criminal homicide” is an umbrella term referring to any act where an individual deliberate conduct, reckless behavior, or criminal negligence results in the death of another person. There are four distinct types of “criminal homicide,” and the type you are charged with will determine the penalties you will face if convicted. Unlike many states, Texas does not have “degrees” of these offenses, though some types are more severe than others.

Our San Marcos murder and homicide attorneys are prepared to represent you if you have been charged with any of the following offenses:

• Capital murder. Capital murder is the most serious criminal homicide offense. These charges only apply in very specific scenarios, which include (but are not limited to) murdering a child under 10 years of age; knowingly murdering a policeman or fireman while they are doing their jobs; murdering someone in connection with a robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, or one of several other serious crimes; murdering someone while incarcerated; murdering a person while escaping or attempting to escape from prison; and murdering multiple people in a single incident. The penalty for capital murder is death by lethal injection or life in prison without parole.
• Murder. Murder charges apply in situations where someone allegedly killed another person deliberately, someone intends to cause serious bodily injury and consequently commits a dangerous act that kills another person, or someone commits a dangerous act in connection with committing or attempting to commit another felony (other than manslaughter) that results in the death of another person. In Texas, murder is a first-degree felony that can result in life imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. The only scenario where murder can become a second-degree felony is if, following a conviction, the jury decides the act arose from “sudden passion.” 
• Manslaughter. This offense refers to situations where someone’s reckless behavior leads to the death of another person. Someone’s behavior is reckless if they do something they know to be potentially lethal to another person. For example, killing someone as a result of driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually trigger manslaughter charges. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, and penalties include up to 20 years of incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Criminally negligent homicide. It is important to understand that there is a distinction between ordinary negligence and criminal negligence. Someone can be charged with criminal negligence if they allegedly committed an act that they knew had a reasonable chance of killing someone and that act ultimately led to the death of another person. Whether negligence that results in the death of another person is considered "criminal" is often decided by prosecutors and juries on a case-by-case basis. Criminal negligence is a state jail felony. Penalties include up to two years of jail time and up to $10,000 in fines. If a deadly weapon is used in connection with the criminally negligent act, this offense can be charged as a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

No matter the charges, The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway can help you explore your options and work to build the best possible defense. If we are unable to get the charges dropped or reduced, our San Marcos murder and homicide lawyers have considerable trial experience and is ready to zealously make your case to a jury. 

We represent clients charged with violent crimes in many areas throughout the region, including but not limited to Seguin, San Antonio, Comal, Caldwell, Wilson, Medina, Blanco, Bexar, Bastrop, Guadalupe, and Gonzales Counties. Call (512) 846-9966 or contact us online to discuss your case today.