Murder Lawyer in Friendswood

Facing Serious Charges? Speak with a Murder Lawyer in Friendswood Today

Facing a murder charge requires immediate action from a reliable and experienced legal team. At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we bring a wealth of experience and personalized strategies to the table. Our dedicated team, led by Steve Gonzalez and Kristina King, focuses on securing your rights and crafting defenses that cater specifically to your circumstances. With over 32 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to challenge the evidence and scrutinize testimonies. As the best murder lawyer in Friendswood, we understand the local judicial terrain and tailor our strategies accordingly.

Being prompt in engaging legal counsel can play a pivotal role in the trajectory of your case. Early intervention allows us to meticulously gather and preserve crucial evidence, explore a vast array of defenses, and recognize procedural missteps that could benefit your position. Friendswood's unique community and legal landscapes necessitate a nuanced approach, and Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez is uniquely qualified to deliver it. Our expertise in navigating the specificities of the local court system aligns us as your strongest ally in such critical times.

As former prosecutors, we understand how the system works—and how to defend you against it. Contact a skilled murder lawyer in Friendswood now for a confidential consultation by calling (832) 900-9867 or reaching out online. Bilingual services available in English and Spanish.

Understanding Murder Laws in Texas

Texas law categorizes criminal homicide into several distinct offenses, each with different elements that the prosecution must prove and a different range of punishment. The severity of the charge is directly tied to the intent and circumstances surrounding the death. 

Our deep understanding of the Texas Penal Code and case law is a significant advantage when building a defense. A crucial first step for any murder lawyer in Friendswood is to thoroughly analyze the charges and the evidence to determine the specific legal challenges we will face.

Murder

This is the most common homicide charge. A person commits murder if they intentionally or knowingly cause the death of an individual. It also applies if a person intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death, or if a death occurs during the commission of a felony. 

This charge is typically a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For anyone charged with this offense, a skilled Friendswood murder attorney is essential.

Capital Murder

This is the most severe form of homicide in Texas. The elements of capital murder go beyond a simple killing and include specific aggravating factors. A person can be charged with capital murder if they murder a peace officer or firefighter, murder a child under the age of 15, murder a person for hire, or commit a murder during the course of another felony, such as kidnapping, burglary, or robbery. 

A conviction for capital murder can result in a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Due to the extreme penalties, anyone facing a capital murder charge needs an aggressive and experienced murder lawyer in Friendswood.

Potential Defenses Against Murder Charges in Friendswood

There are numerous defense strategies available, and the best approach depends on the unique details of the case. A comprehensive investigation and analysis of all available evidence is the first step toward building a successful defense. This is what we provide as a premier Friendswood murder attorney.

Potential defense strategies for a murder charge include:

• Self-Defense: Texas law allows for the use of deadly force in self-defense when a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect themselves from another person's use or attempted use of deadly force. This defense requires a careful presentation of the facts and an argument that the accused's actions were justified under the circumstances. The prosecution must disprove the claim of self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Sudden Passion: This is a mitigating factor that can reduce a first-degree murder charge to a second-degree felony, which carries a much shorter prison sentence. The defense must prove that the accused acted under the immediate influence of "sudden passion" arising from an "adequate cause." This is a highly nuanced legal argument, but a successful Friendswood murder attorney can use it to achieve a significantly better outcome.
• Mistaken Identity or Alibi: If the prosecution’s case relies on witness identification, we can challenge the reliability of that identification. We will present evidence to show that the accused was not at the scene of the crime or was otherwise incapable of committing the offense. An alibi defense can be one of the most effective ways to dismantle a prosecution’s case.
• Accident or Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove a specific mental state for a murder conviction. We can argue that the death was an unintended and unforeseeable accident, or that the accused lacked the requisite intent to cause death or serious bodily injury. This is where an experienced murder lawyer in Friendswood can make a critical difference.