Who needs a Brownsville homicide lawyer?
One of the most serious charges you can face in Texas is homicide. It is a mistake to think that homicide charges will go away if you ignore them. By the time law enforcement contacts or arrests you, they may have already built a case against you.
You should immediately seek legal advice from Kenny Perez Law if:
- Police arrest you on homicide charges
- Officers want to interview you about a homicide
- Law enforcement serves you with a search warrant related to a homicide investigation
- You suspect that police will investigate you regarding a homicide
The Brownsville homicide defense attorneys at Kenny Perez Law know how to protect your legal rights. Contact today for your free consultation.
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Three Ways a Brownsville Homicide Lawyer Can Help You
To defend your legal rights and build a strong defense, hire a Brownsville homicide defense lawyer like the attorneys at Kenny Perez Law. We fight hard for our clients. Below are three ways our law firm defends our clients:
By Posting Bail Bond
In Texas, attorneys can post bonds for their clients. However, not all criminal defense law firms offer this service.
At Kenny Perez Law, we do offer bail bond services. One phone call to us allows you to obtain legal counsel and may secure your release.
By Upholding Your Legal Rights
T protect our clients’ rights, our attorneys:
- Ensure that police secure valid search warrants and conduct searches in a proper manner
- Help clients invoke the right to remain silent
- Advise clients of their options during case proceedings
- Ask to suppress any illegally obtained evidence
Our Brownsville criminal defense lawyers ensure that clients get a fair trial.
By Establishing a Homicide Defense
Texas law allows accused people to present affirmative defenses against criminal charges. An affirmative defense could reduce or eliminate punishment.
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 9 lists allowable affirmative defenses, which include:
- Self-defense
- Deadly force in defense of a person
- Defense of a third person
- Protection of life or health
- Protection of one’s property
- Deadly force to protect property
- Protection of third person’s property
If any of these situations apply to your case, our legal team will make it known to the court.
Brownsville Homicide Charges
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 19 states, “A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual.”
The state recognizes four types of criminal homicide:
- Murder
- Capital murder
- Manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
These crimes are all felonies. Here is more information about each:
Murder (§ 19.02)
In Texas, prosecutors can bring murder charges against a person if they:
- Intentionally or knowingly kill a person
- Intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that kills a person
- Kill a person while committing, attempting to commit, or fleeing from committing a felony other than manslaughter, and in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt act in a way that clearly endangers human life
If there are other aggravating circumstances, the state may pursue the more serious charge of capital murder.
Capital murder (§ 19.03)
Capital murder is the most serious homicide charge in Texas. A conviction carries the possibility of the death penalty.
There are numerous circumstances when capital murder charges may be brought forth, including:
- The murder of a peace officer or fireman acting in the lawful discharge of official duty and who the person knows is a peace officer or fireman
- Intentional murder that occurs in the course of committing or attempting to commit other crimes like kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and robbery
- Any murder committed while escaping or attempting to escape from a penal institution
- The murder of a person under the age of 15
This is not an exhaustive list. Texas Penal Code §19.03 contains the comprehensive list of capital murder charges.
Manslaughter (§19.04)
Prosecutors charge individuals with manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of a person.
Criminally negligent homicide (§19.05)
Criminally negligent homicide occurs when someone causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence. In terms of punishment, criminally negligent homicide is the least serious homicide charge and is a state jail felony.
What happens after a Texas homicide conviction?
A homicide conviction is devastating for you and your loved ones.
Capital murder conviction
The state may pursue the death penalty for capital murder. If the state chooses not to do so, the punishment is life without parole. For defendants under 18 at the time of the crime, it is a life sentence.
Other homicide convictions
All homicide charges are felonies in Texas, and a conviction means a prison sentence. The exception is criminally negligent homicide, which is a state jail felony.
Monetary fines
In Texas, felonies carry a fine as high as $10,000.
What NOT to do during a Brownsville homicide investigation?
If you are the defendant in a homicide investigation:
Do not talk to law enforcement without a lawyer present.
Police are skilled interrogators. They may seem like they want to help you and are on your side. Don’t fall for this tactic. Even the most innocuous statement can be turned against you and used as evidence in court.
Do not speak to the media.
Homicide investigations often cause a media frenzy. Reporters may camp out by your home or attempt to contact your family.
Do not speak with the media because whatever you say will be recorded and documented. If your criminal defense lawyer thinks a public statement is appropriate, they can address the media on your behalf with your consent.
Do not ignore the conditions of your bail.
An arrest for a bail violation will only complicate your case. Bail conditions may seem harsh. But until your lawyer resolves your case, your only alternative is a jail cell. If you feel that a bail condition is unfair or causes a hardship, your lawyer can petition the judge for you.
Speak With Our Brownsville Homicide Lawyers
As a defendant in a homicide case, you need someone to protect your legal rights. Do not wait to seek legal advice. Contact our Brownsville homicide lawyers online or at (956) 544-9292 to discuss your options.
Kenny Perez Law
1900 N Exp 77. Suite A,
Brownsville, Texas 78521
(956) 544-9292
“Definitely a law firm that you can trust! Professional, reasonable, and knowledgeable. The legal team has great customer service skills. They were able to help and guide us every step of the way after our accident.” – Cynthia Barrera
Rating: 5/5
03/14/2021
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