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San Marcos Criminal Defense Lawyer / Hays County Murder & Homicide Lawyer

Hays County Murder & Homicide Lawyer

Few charges are more serious—or potentially more life-altering—than being accused of murder or homicide. Texas prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and the penalties can include decades in prison, life sentences, or even the death penalty.

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we understand what’s at stake. When you face homicide charges, you need a defense lawyer who won’t back down, who will fully investigate your case, and who will fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. We provide strategic, relentless defense for clients facing homicide-related charges throughout San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and beyond.

We know that every story has two sides, and we’re here to make sure your side is heard. Contact our Hays County murder & homicide defense lawyers for immediate assistance in crafting a strategy to get the best result possible in the most challenging of circumstances.

Types of Homicide Charges in Texas

In Texas, homicide offenses are broken down into several categories under the Texas Penal Code § 19.01 and related statutes. Each type of charge carries its own legal standards and potential penalties.

Murder – Texas Penal Code § 19.02

A person can be charged with murder if they:

  • Intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person;
  • Intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death; or
  • Cause death during the commission of another felony (known as felony murder).

Murder is typically a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. In some cases, the charge may be reduced to second-degree felony murder if the accused acted under sudden passion arising from adequate provocation.

Capital Murder – Texas Penal Code § 19.03

Capital murder is the most serious homicide charge in Texas. It includes murder under specific circumstances, such as:

  • The victim is a police officer, firefighter, or child under the age of 10
  • The murder occurs during the commission of a felony like robbery or kidnapping
  • The accused is paid to commit the murder (murder for hire)
  • Multiple victims are killed in the same incident

Penalties for capital murder include life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty in certain cases.

Manslaughter – Texas Penal Code § 19.04

Manslaughter involves recklessly causing another person’s death without intent. It is typically charged when someone’s actions were grossly irresponsible, but not premeditated. Punishment if convicted of this second-degree felony includes 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Criminally Negligent Homicide – Texas Penal Code § 19.05

This charge applies when death is caused by criminal negligence, such as a failure to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk. Criminally negligent homicide is a state jail felony, punishable by 6 months to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.

Possible Defenses in Hays County Murder & Homicide Cases

When your freedom—and possibly your life—is at risk, you need a defense that is aggressive, creative, and built specifically for you. Every case has potential defenses that should be carefully examined. Effective defenses to murder and homicide charges may include, for example:

  • Self-defense or defense of others
  • Accidental death with no criminal intent
  • Mistaken identity
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Violation of your constitutional rights (illegal search and seizure, lack of due process, coerced confession)
  • Sudden passion that may reduce a murder charge to a lesser offense

At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we thoroughly investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy that puts your best interests first.

How Our Firm Can Help You Fight a Homicide Charge in Hays County

Homicide cases require quick action and skilled legal guidance. When you hire our firm, we immediately begin reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements, and consult with forensic experts and investigators as needed. We’ll challenge weak or improperly obtained evidence before or during trial and act diligently to protect your rights during every step of the legal process.

We are strategic negotiators and relentless trial attorneys. If there’s a path to dismissal, reduction of charges, or a not-guilty verdict, we will find it and pursue it aggressively.

When Everything Is at Stake, You Need the Right Advocate

Facing a homicide charge can feel hopeless or overwhelming—but you are not alone. The team at The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway has successfully defended clients in the most serious criminal cases and is ready to stand by your side with honesty, skill, and determination.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide in Hays County, call us today or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. Your life is too important to leave in the hands of chance. Let’s fight for it together.