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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
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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.
Murder
Texas Penal Code § 19.02 - Murder
Defense Attorney for Murder in San Antonio, Texas
Homicide is the act of killing another person, and it is a crime that is punishable under the law. In the state of Texas, there are four different types of homicide that are recognized under the penal code: murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.
Murder: Under Texas law, murder is defined as intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person. Murder is punishable as a first-degree felony.
Capital Murder: Capital murder is a type of murder that is punishable by the death penalty. In Texas, there are several circumstances that can qualify a murder as capital murder, such as killing a law enforcement officer, killing more than one person in a single criminal transaction, or killing a witness to prevent them from testifying in a criminal case.
Manslaughter: Manslaughter is a type of homicide that is committed. It is less serious than murder, and it is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Criminally Negligent Homicide: Criminally negligent homicide is a type of homicide that is committed through criminal negligence. It is punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
It is important to note that the severity of the punishment for each type of homicide depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the offender's criminal history. If you have been charged with any type of homicide in Texas, it is crucial that you seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges.
Defenses to Murder in Texas
There are several defenses that a person charged with murder in Texas may raise to try to avoid a conviction. Some of the most successful defenses to murder include:
Self-defense: Self-defense is a common defense to murder charges in Texas. To claim self-defense, the defendant must show that they believed that they were in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death and that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent the harm.
Defense of others: Like self-defense, a person may claim that they were defending another person from harm when they killed the victim.
Lack of intent: To be convicted of murder in Texas, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant intended to kill the victim. If the defendant can show that they did not have the required intent, they may be able to avoid a murder conviction, although they may also be convicted on a lesser charge such as manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide.
Insanity: If the defendant was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the crime, they may be able to use the insanity defense to avoid a murder conviction. To use this defense, the defendant must show that they did not understand the nature of their actions or that they were unable to distinguish right from wrong.
It is important to note that these defenses may not be successful in every case, and the success of a defense will depend on the specific facts of the case and the evidence that is available. If you have been charged with murder in Texas, it is essential that you seek legal representation as soon as possible to explore your defense options and protect your rights.
