Homicide

Homicide

Many people hold the misconception that homicide and murder are the same thing; but from a legal standpoint, these terms should not be used interchangeably.  There are different types of homicide depending on several factors, such as how the homicide was committed, whether it was intended or not, and the circumstances under which it occurred.  The most severe punishments for homicide charges include life imprisonment and the death penalty.

The potential loss of Life and Liberty should not be left in the hands of inexperienced legal representation.

Brent Mayr is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, who, over the course of his legal career, has handled every type of homicide.  These cases require an enormous amount of knowledge related both to scientific, factual issues, such as cause and manner of death, and other investigation techniques, as well as legal issues such as defenses, justifications, and mitigating circumstances.  Let Brent Mayr put his experience and knowledge to work for you in these difficult situations.  His unmatched experience at both the state and federal courts can make all the difference when it comes to protecting you from losing your freedom or life.

Being investigated for a homicide offense is an issue that cannot wait.

Do not ignore the problem and jeopardize your Liberty or even your Life.  Contact Brent Mayr today to obtain competent legal advice and representation by calling the Texas office number (713) 808-9613 or contact us online.

Types of Homicide in Texas

There are various types of homicide under Texas Law depending on a great array of elements, including how the homicide occurred and whether it was intentional or not. The state of Texas recognizes four different categories of homicide that can result in criminal charges:  capital murder, murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.

Capital Murder

Capital Murder is the most serious of homicides. An individual charged with this offense faces either life in prison without the possibility of parole or, even worse, the death penalty.  It requires more than “regular” Murder.  Murder, as discussed below, involves (1) intentionally and/or knowingly causing the death of another, (2) intending to cause serious bodily injury (as opposed to death), or committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that results in death, or (3) intentionally and/or knowingly committing or attempting to commit a felony (other than manslaughter) and, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, committing or attempting to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual.  With capital murder, you typically have one of these three scenarios and some “aggravating” factor.  For instance, a person commits capital murder if they murder (as described above) a peace officer or fireman acting in their respective capacities, more than one person during the same criminal transaction, or a child (under 10 years of age).  Other factors include if the person commits murder for hire or hires another to commit a murder.

Capital Murder Litigation is one of the most complex areas of the law. It requires a considerable amount of experience and, most importantly, knowledge of the law. Brent Mayr, a Board Certified Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has experience in handling these types of cases at all levels — trial, appeal, and post-conviction — and can put this experience to work for you.

Murder

In Texas, there is no “first degree” or “second degree” murder.  As the saying goes, “In Texas, it’s just good, ol’ fashioned Murder.”  Under Texas law, a person commits murder in one of three ways:  (1) intentionally and/or knowingly causing the death of another, (2) intending to cause serious bodily injury (as opposed to death), and committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that results in death, or (3) intentionally and/or knowingly committing or attempting to commit a felony (other than manslaughter) and, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, committing or attempting to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual.  A person convicted of Murder can be punished with imprisonment anywhere from 5 to 99 years, life in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Manslaughter

A person commits Manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of another.  In other words, unlike Murder, there is no intent to cause death.  These types of cases could vary from a case where someone accidentally discharges a gun and kills another person, to cases involving killing another person in a serious car accident where reckless driving or intoxication plays a role.  A person convicted of Manslaughter could be punished by imprisonment anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

A person commits Criminally Negligent Homicide if they cause the death of another by criminal negligence.  These cases are much like Manslaughter in that they involve accidentally killing another (as opposed to intentionally or knowingly) but do not involve the same degree of behavior as Manslaughter.  These cases most commonly involve motor vehicle accidents where someone is killed.  A person convicted of Criminally Negligent Homicide could be punished with imprisonment anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in a state jail or, under certain circumstances, from 2 to 10 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

What Brent Mayr Can Do in a Homicide-related Case

As a Board Certified attorney specialized in criminal law, Brent Mayr brings to the table an unmatched level of expertise in homicide-related offenses.  Brent Mayr aggressively fights to defend individuals charged with all types of homicide, including Capital Murder, Murder, Manslaughter, and Criminally Negligent Homicide.  Brent Mayr utilizes defenses appropriate for your particular case, such as lack of intent, lack of knowledge, insanity, self-defense, and “heat of passion” defense.  Brent Mayr will work zealously to discard evidence against you that was obtained illegally, and will work to prove any forensic evidence inconclusive.

If you or a loved one is being investigated for a homicide-related crime, both your Liberty and your Life are in jeopardy.  Do not wait until tomorrow to obtain competent legal representation that can save your life. Contact the criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, Brent Mayr, by calling (713) 808-9613 or contact us online.

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