Top Missouri City, TX First Degree Murder Lawyers Near You
Our experienced & qualified Houston Criminal defense lawyer takes an aggressive approach toward defending clients & is ready to fight for you. ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist
Rated Top 100 Attorney in Texas by Super Lawyers 2019 - 2022. Triple Board Certified, DWI Specialist. We Do Not Back Down!
Board Certified in both DWI and Criminal Defense. Hire a proven trial lawyer that will will aggressively & professionally advocate on your behalf. Call us for a free consultation.
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When It's All on The Line, You Want the Best Criminal Lawyer to Defend You.
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Our Goal Is Dismissal Or Reduced Sentences For All Of Our Clients. Call For Help With Any Criminal Related Charges! South Texas’ Dwi & Criminal Defense Lawyer-Scientist.
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We strive to get you the best possible outcome, and we’ll fight to secure a result that will have minimal-to-nonexistent impact on your life.
6302 W. Broadway St, Ste. 250, Pearland, TX 77581
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Getting legal representation for your First Degree Murder issue is easier than you think. Let Scott M. Brown & Associates in Missouri City, Texas help you today.
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108 E Magnolia St, Angleton, TX 77515
Jeff Gilbert Law Office, serving clients in the Missouri City, Texas area, a reputable legal practice for First Degree Murder issues.
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2814 Hamilton St, Houston, TX 77004
Contact The Downey Law Firm in Missouri City, Texas for experienced legal assistance in First Degree Murder.
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1201 Fannin Street, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77002
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Bulldog Law has experience helping clients with their First Degree Murder needs in Missouri City, Texas.
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811 Main Street, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77002
8441 Gulf Fwy, Ste 210, Houston, TX 77017
917 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Houston, TX 77002
1111 North Loop W, Ste 1118, Houston, TX 77008
1100 Louisiana Street, Suite 4000, Houston, TX 77002
2211 Norfolk Street, Suite 735, Houston, TX 77098
1415 N Loop W Fwy, Suite 905, Houston, TX 77008
2180 North Loop West, Suite 310, Houston, TX 77018
The Kirby Mansion, 2000 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
7151 Office City Drive, Houston, TX 77087
600 Travis St, Suite 2350, Houston, TX 77002
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3200, Houston, TX 77027
2616 S Loop W, Suite 218, Houston, TX 77054
909 Fannin St., Ste. 3300, Houston, TX 77010
819 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006
6575 West Loop South, Suite 500, Bellaire, TX 77401
717 Texas Ave, Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77002
4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 2850, Houston, TX 77027
6200 Chase Tower, 600 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 750, Houston, TX 77007
1330 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77056-3166
Missouri City First Degree Murder Information
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What Is First Degree Murder?
First-degree murder, ranked among the most serious criminal offenses, is a crime where the perpetrator kills a victim, having planned the act out in advance. There are several enhancements that can be brought against such an offender, such as if the killing is considered to be the result of a hate crime (biases against the victim’s race, sex, sexuality, etc.) or if the victim is a law enforcement officer or public servant.
Elements of First Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious charge you can get for killing another person. While the specific definition will differ by state, it typically requires premeditation and planning. Often first-degree murder charges occur when the killer was lying in wait or was committing a felony, such as rape or burglary.
What Is the Difference Between First, Second, and Third Degree Murder?
From a federal perspective, murder charges only apply in the first and second degree, with what many state courts refer to as third-degree murder being replaced with the charge of manslaughter.
First-degree murder, federally, refers to premeditated murder with “malice aforethought.” The statute includes poisoning and laying in wait, and also makes it clear that a killing that takes place during the commission of another felony offense such as sexual assault, arson, espionage or kidnapping also constitutes first-degree murder. All other murders are classified as second-degree murders.
Federal statutes also detail that manslaughter (both voluntary and involuntary) are the result of a killing without malice aforethought, lining up — in general — with state-level considerations of both manslaughter and third degree murder.
Second-degree murder at the state level typically refers to an unplanned killing that could be the result of extremely reckless behavior without concern for human life (firing a gun into a crowd on impulse), or a “depraved heart” murder. In some states, you can be charged with second degree murder if you acted in the role of an accomplice or accessory to a murder.
Third-degree murder, or manslaughter, is frequently charged as a killing set off by a quarrel or a fit of passion (for example, an enraged spouse attacking another individual while discovering an adulterous affair, killing them in a rage), in this case, an example of voluntary manslaughter. The crime can also cover involuntary killings made with a reckless mind or intent.
What Is Capital Murder vs. First Degree Murder?
Capital murder differs from first degree murder in that it involves aggravating circumstances that elevate the crime as well as the sentencing resulting from a conviction. The most common reasons capital murder may be charged include: the killing of a police officer or first responder, the killing took place during the commission of another felony act, the victim is tortured or raped prior to the murder, the murder is the result of hate, the murder was conducted in exchange for money or the murder was an act of terrorism.
Capital murder is a term only used in eight states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Texas and Virginia) while other states prefer “aggravated murder” or “malice murder.” However, the end result is the same — capital murder can result in the death penalty in jurisdictions that allow for it, and prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life in states which do not.
Can You Get the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder in Texas?
In states that allow for the death penalty, first degree murder charges — or capital murder charges, more particularly — could result in the death penalty for those convicted of the most serious offenses. Both the United States government as well as the United States military currently allow for the death penalty to be handed down.
How Long Is a First Degree Murder Sentence?
A first degree murder conviction could lead to a life sentence or even the death penalty. In broad terms, a conviction of first degree murder charges could lead to a first-time offender serving between 15 years to life, with a chance of parole (and subsequent probation) for eligible offenders.
Are You Facing First Degree Murder Charges?
Have you been charged with first degree murder? First degree murder is a felony-level homicide, and if convicted, you could be imprisoned for years, life or face the death penalty. Contact an attorney skilled in defending first degree murder cases to protect your legal rights.