SOUTHERN BORN
TEXAS RAISED
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© 2023 by Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Atascosa Office:
216 N Bryant St
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE
NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE
CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE
BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW
OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW
WHY HIRE THORNTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE?
Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.
Homicide Crimes
San Antonio Murder Defense Attorney
Homicide Crimes in Texas
Under Texas law, homicide crimes are the most serious of offenses and could lead to life-changing consequences if you’re convicted. San Antonio & South Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has the experience and knowledge to help individuals facing these charges get the best possible outcome for their case.
At Thornton Criminal Defense, we understand how stressful it can be to be charged with a homicide crime. That’s why we provide dedicated legal representation for clients facing any type of homicide charge including Capital Murder, Murder, Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide. Attorney Brad Thornton will work hard to find every available avenue of defense in your case so you have the best possible outcome.
Accusations of these types of offenses can often lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and even capital punishment. That is why it is crucial for individuals charged with homicide to understand the potential penalties and available defenses
Call Brad Thornton, a top homicide attorney in San Antonio for a free consultation. 210-439-5627
Type of Homicide Crimes in Texas
Homicide crimes in Texas include capital murder, murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.
Capital Murder
In Texas, capital murder occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another person, or intentionally or knowingly causes someone’s death while in the process of committing certain other felonies such as kidnapping or burglary. Capital murder is the most serious crime in the state and carries the harshest penalties; if convicted, those found guilty could face life in prison without parole – or even death in some circumstances.
Murder
Murder (sometimes referred to as first-degree murder) occurs when a person purposely causes the death of another individual without legal justification or excuse. It is also classified as murder if someone causes a death while recklessly engaging in conduct that poses an extreme risk to human life. If convicted of this crime, an individual could face up to 99 years (or life) in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is typically considered a lesser offense than murder; it occurs when someone recklessly (not necessarily intentionally) kills another person due to negligence or recklessness. This type of homicide does not require intent on part of the perpetrator like other forms do; instead it involves culpable mental states amounting to gross negligence such as “culpable carelessness” or “culpable ineptitude” - basically meaning that they should have known their actions posed a great risk but proceeded anyway without concern for potential consequences. Depending on circumstances surrounding case at hand, conviction could result in anywhere between 2-20 years behind bars and/or fines up to $10K.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally Negligent Homicide is committed when someone causes another person’s death through criminal negligence – which generally means failure to exercise reasonable care towards others that results directly from accused party’s obliviousness towards risks he/she was aware were present. In Texas this offense can be punished with up to two years incarceration as well as fines reaching $10K upon conviction .
Defenses to Homicide in Texas
When it comes to defending clients against homicide charges, Attorney Brad Thornton recognizes the seriousness and severity of the consequences that come with such allegations. He works with his clients to build a strong defense that challenges the prosecution’s case.
In Texas, there are several defenses to homicide crimes which include self-defense, insanity, and accidental death. In some cases, the prosecution may be unable to establish intent or premeditation as part of their case against the accused.
Self-defense is one of the most common defenses used in criminal defense cases involving homicides. If a defendant can prove they acted in self-defense due to fear of unreasonable harm or fear of death, then they may be able to have charges dismissed or reduced. The defendant must show that their actions were both necessary and reasonable for the situation at hand.
The insanity defense is another option available for those accused of homicide crimes in Texas. It is based on the idea that a person’s mental illness prevented them from understanding that their actions were wrong when committing an act resulting in another person’s death. However, this type of defense can be difficult to prove since it requires extensive testing by mental health professionals and often requires specialized testimony from experts during trial proceedings.
Accidental death can also be a valid defense in certain murder cases if it can be proven that no premeditated intent was involved nor any acts intending harm against another individual took place prior to the incident leading up to death occurred. Accidental deaths can involve situations where someone was killed unintentionally such as due to a negligent action or mistake made by either party involved in an altercation.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a homicide crime within San Antonio or anywhere else throughout South Texas, do not hesitate to consult experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton at Thornton Criminal Defense today; Attorney Thornton will provide aggressive legal representation while ensuring your rights remain protected through every step along your way towards justice so you can rest assured knowing you are being taken care well with your best interest at heart throughout every stage in your legal proceedings.
Call Brad Thornton, one of the best homicide attorneys in San Antonio for a free consultation. 210-439-5627
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court room fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the "other side" and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense
Potential Incarceration
Potential Fine
First-degree Felony
Second-degree Felony
Third-degree Felony
State Jail Felony
Class A Misdemeanor
Class B Misdemeanor
2 - 10 years in prison
180 days - 2 years in jail
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to 180 days in jail
2 - 20 years in prison
5 - 99 years in prison
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $4,000
Up to $2,000
David I.
Seguin, Texas
Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.
Brian F.
San Antonio, Texas
I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.
Elaine B.
San Antonio, Texas
Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has deep knowledge and understanding how to navigate the law to support his clients. He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. He was able to support in getting my case dismissed in less than 2 months and was attentive and personable during the whole process. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!
Kevin E.
Jourdanton, Texas
[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.