Weatherford Homicide Defense Attorney

There are very few things that are more intense than facing a homicide allegation. No matter how you find yourself in this position, it is imperative that you do not take on a case of this magnitude of your own. If you are facing a homicide charge in Weatherford, you need to retain a Weatherford homicide defense lawyer and law firm as soon as you can. By teaming up with an adept defense lawyer, you can better understand your rights and what steps you should take next.

The Law Firm of William A. Walsh is a Christian law firm that embraces Christian values while fighting for our clients' rights. We believe everyone is entitled to a powerful, thorough defense. Facing a criminal charge in Texas can be a life-altering moment for you, and without an experienced homicide defense lawyer, you run a much higher risk of losing your case. Do not wait to reach out to our firm to discuss your case and start building a defense today.

While many people think of homicide as a harsh yet simple charge, the term “homicide” is a broad term used to describe a variety of offenses in Texas. There are several different levels and circumstances that define each level of homicide. The following are the varying types of homicide charges used in Texas:

First-Degree Murder: First-degree murder, also called “capital murder” in Texas, is the most severe murder charge a person can face. First-degree murder is the planned, premeditated, and methodical killing of another human being. It is not seen as an accident or a crime of passion. The penalties for a crime like this range anywhere from life in prison without parole to the death penalty, depending on the case.

In Texas, a homicide is automatically considered first-degree murder under any of the following circumstances:

• The victim was a police officer or a firefighter in the line of duty.
• The murder was committed in the midst of another crime, such as burglary, sexual assault, kidnapping, or arson.
• The murder was committed in the midst of a prison break.
• The murder was committed on the promise of payment from another party.
• A prison employee was murdered by an inmate.
• The victim is a child under ten years old.
• The victim is a judge.
• More than one person is murdered in a violent rage or criminal episode.

Second-Degree Murder: Second-degree murder is still intentional, but it was not planned. It still resulted in the death of another human being, but these crimes typically occur in the heat of the moment and are often referred to as “crimes of passion.” In these situations, someone’s temper gets the better of them, and in a moment of weakness, they do something they shouldn’t. The penalties for second-degree murder are similar to the penalties for first-degree murder.

Voluntary Manslaughter: Manslaughter is the unintentional act of killing another person. The difference between murder and manslaughter largely revolves around the intent involved. In an act of voluntary manslaughter, someone’s actions led to the accidental death of someone else, but it was not done on purpose.

For example, if you are angry at someone for whatever reason and you punch them in the face, but the resulting fall causes them to hit their head and die, you are responsible for their death. If you are convicted of voluntary manslaughter, you may face up to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of around $10,000.

Involuntary Manslaughter: In an act of involuntary manslaughter, someone accidentally kills another person through an act of negligence, even though no physical harm was intended. This can include accidentally fatally knocking someone over, dropping construction equipment on their head, and many other scenarios in between. The penalties for involuntary manslaughter depend largely on the context of each individual case but can result in 20 years in prison.

Vehicular Manslaughter: Vehicular manslaughter is largely reserved for cases where someone kills another person behind the wheel, usually as a result of driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you are driving negligently and your actions result in the death of another driver or pedestrian, the penalties can be severe and can even include prison time.

If you are arrested in the state of Texas, regardless of the charges that are being brought against you, you have certain rights that cannot be infringed upon. Always pay attention to how you are being arrested and the order in which procedures are being implemented. This can always be useful later if your attorney finds that misconduct occurred. Here is a rundown of your rights:

• Unlawful Search & Seizure: In Texas, the police are not allowed to search you or your property without a warrant or probable cause. If they do not have either of those very important things, then they cannot search you legally. If they try to do so anyway, you may have grounds for a civil rights violation.
• Excessive Force: As long as you are calm when you are arrested, the police cannot legally hurt you while they are arresting you. Police officers have the right to use any force necessary to apprehend a suspect, but only if you are resisting arrest. Even then, they cannot just injure you for no reason. If an officer hurts you without provocation, that is a rights violation.
• Don’t Say a Word: You do not have to speak to the police, regardless of why you were arrested. The most memorable part of the Miranda warning is the beginning, in which the police inform you of your right to remain silent. You do have to tell the arresting officer that you are planning to stay silent. If, at that point, the officer tries to get you to talk through force or with false promises of release, this is coercion and is unlawful.
• Lawyer Up: At some point during the arrest, you should tell the arresting officer that you want to talk to a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you will be appointed a public defender to represent you. The police cannot stop you from retaining legal counsel, and if they do, that is a blatant rights violation. You do not have to answer any questions without your lawyer present.
• Phone Call: You are allowed one local phone call upon arrest. You may want to use this opportunity to call your lawyer and let them know what has happened. The police cannot legally listen in to this conversation, and if they do, it is a rights violation.

Q: What Should You Do If You Are Arrested in Weatherford, Texas?

A: If you are arrested in Weatherford, Texas, do not panic. Comply with the officers who are arresting you, and do not say a word until you have contacted your lawyer and notified them of the situation. You will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to conduct your case and provide you with the proper counsel. You are in a tough spot, and you will need your lawyer’s help to get out of it. Keep in mind any possible civil rights violations that may have occurred.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?

A: The biggest difference between murder and manslaughter is intent. Murder is intentional, while manslaughter is not, for the most part. Manslaughter carries a significantly smaller weight, even though it can still result in prison time. In order to prove a murder charge, it must be proven that the alleged killer was aware of their actions and followed through anyway with zero regard for the consequences to themselves or to the victim.

Q: Is It Legal to Kill in Self-Defense in Texas?

A: Yes, it is technically legal to kill someone if it was an act of self-defense in Texas, but only if very specific criteria are met to justify such action. The use of deadly force to protect one’s self is justifiable only if there is an immediate threat to someone else’s life or if the action will prevent a serious crime like kidnapping, sexual assault, or robbery. There is nothing wrong with protecting yourself from a credible threat. This is also known as justifiable homicide.

Q: Can You Be Found Liable for Being Near Someone Who Commits a Homicide?

A: No, you will not automatically be found liable if you are near someone who commits a homicide, but the circumstances will certainly be investigated. If you were standing next to someone who suddenly pulled out a gun and shot another person, only the shooter is guilty. But if you are an accomplice to a crime that got ugly and someone was killed, you would still be liable even if you were not responsible for the murder.

Facing a homicide charge is a terrifying ordeal that nobody should go through alone. While you may feel like your life is spiraling, help from a skilled defense lawyer and law firm can make an immense difference. The legal team at The Law Firm of William A. Walsh is devoted to providing you with sound legal defense and powerful representation. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights in a homicide case.