San Antonio Homicide Crimes Attorney
Excellent Homicide Crimes Attorneys in San Antonio, 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 homicide crimes attorney, 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
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms 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.
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Type of Homicide Crimes in San Antonio, 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.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
Defenses to Homicide in Texas
When it comes to defending clients against homicide charges, San Antonio homicide crimes lawyer, 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 San Antonio, 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.
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.
Contact the San Antonio Homicide Crimes Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
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. Rest assured knowing you are being taken care well with your best interest at heart throughout every stage in your legal proceedings. Contact us today.
Call Brad Thornton, one of the best homicide attorneys in San Antonio for a free consultation. 210-439-5627