Homicide Defense in Tarrant County

Understanding the Penalties for Murder in Texas

Murder is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. Murder can be defined as causing the death of another with the intent to kill that person, or recklessly acting in such a way that creates an extreme risk of death to another, and thereby causes their death.

The Alband Law Firm was started by a former Tarrant County Felony Prosecutor, Mr. Alband, who has tried over 100 cases in front of a jury. As a murder attorney in Fort Worth, he has the knowledge and the skill to put together the strong defense you will need if you have been accused of murder.

If you're facing murder charges, don't hesitate to contact our murder attorneys in Fort Worth so that we can help you get the best possible resolution for your case. Contact us online or call us at (817) 997-4366.

Comprehensive Representation for Homicide Charges

• Capital murder (carries the death penalty)
• Manslaughter
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Intoxication Manslaughter
• Negligent homicide

If you are convicted of murder, you are likely to be looking at a very long sentence, life in prison, or even death. Since 1819, Texas has executed more people than any other state, with 1212 executions as of July 2010.

Understanding The Types of Murder Charges You May Face in Texas With Our Murder Attorney in Fort Worth

Contrary to many other states, Texas does not make a distinction between first and second-degree murder but rather classifies it as capital murder and murder. Capital murder is the most serious homicide offense a person can be accused of. It occurs when a person commits murder and:

• Murders a police officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and who the person knows is a peace police or fireman
• Intentionally commits murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat
• Commits murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration or employs another to commit murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration
• Commits murder while escaping or attempting to escape from a penal institution
• While incarcerated in a penal institution, murders another:
  • Who is employed in the operation of the penal institution
  • With the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination
• The person murders another while:
  • Incarcerated for an offense Section 19.01 or 19.02
  • Serving a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of 99 years for an offense under Section 20.04, 22.021, or 29.03
• Murders more than one person during the same criminal transaction or different criminal transactions but the murders are committed pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct
• Murders an individual under 10 years of age or older than 10 but younger than 15 years of age
• Murders another person in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of the other person as a judge or justice of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional county court, a statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court

By definition, a person commits murder, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, if they:

• Intentionally or knowingly cause the death of an individual
• intend to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual
• Commit or attempt to commit a felony other than manslaughter, and during and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, or in immediate flight from the commission or attempt, they commit or attempt to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual

However, a person may get a second-degree felony charge if, at the punishment stage of their trial, they prove that the death was caused under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. If successful, a defendant will face two to 20 years in prison and/or $10,000 fines. Learn more with the support of our murder attorney in Fort Worth.

Building a Strong Defense Against Murder Charges

When you have been charged with murder, it is crucial to your case that the investigation is done quickly and thoroughly. Our criminal defense team has the know-how and resources to swiftly revisit the crime scene, interview witnesses and review evidence. Our murder attorneys in Fort Worth understand the possible defenses that may be used in your case: self-defense, mistaken identity, duress, defense of a third person, necessity, and insanity.

Call us at (817) 997-4366 to schedule a consultation with our murder lawyers in Fort Worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Murder Cases Take to Resolve in Tarrant County?

Murder cases in Tarrant County can take several months or even years to resolve, depending on the complexity, the amount of evidence, and the court's scheduling. Each phase, from initial hearings to trial, requires careful preparation and time for legal review from your murder attorney in Fort Worth.

Can I Get Bail After Being Charged With Murder in Fort Worth?

Judges in Fort Worth may set high bail for murder charges, but whether you can secure release on bail depends on the facts of the case and the arguments made during the first hearings.

Why Does Having a Lawyer With Local Courtroom Experience Matter?

Attorneys familiar with Fort Worth courts know the expectations of local judges, the tendencies of the district attorney’s office, and how the jury pool is chosen. This knowledge helps shape legal strategies and manage the case process.

What Rights Do I Have After a Murder Arrest in Tarrant County?

You have the right to remain silent, to have a murder attorney in Fort Worth present before answering questions, and to challenge evidence in court. Acting quickly to understand and assert these rights is crucial.

Will I Always Go to Trial for a Murder Accusation in Fort Worth?

Not all murder cases go to trial. Some resolve during pretrial hearings or through negotiation, but every situation depends on its circumstances and legal advice.

Does Tarrant County Have Unique Procedures for Murder Cases?

Court rules and local practices in Tarrant County may impact timelines and the structure of hearings. Working with someone who knows these local procedures helps you prepare for each stage.

What if The Accused Claims Self-Defense?

Texas law allows self-defense as a legal argument in murder cases if evidence supports the claim. The specifics of the incident, witness statements, and legal motions all play a role in how a self-defense claim progresses in court.

Building a Strong Defense Against Murder Charges

When you face murder charges, a thorough and prompt investigation is critical. Our criminal defense team knows how to revisit crime scenes, interview witnesses, and examine evidence efficiently. We explore defenses available in your case, such as self-defense, mistaken identity, duress, defending a third person, necessity, or insanity.

Securing legal help early matters, especially in Tarrant County, where prosecutors handle homicide cases aggressively and cases can move quickly. We review your rights before questioning or hearings and provide clear direction at every step. Familiarity with Fort Worth court procedures and likely prosecution strategies helps us identify challenges and adjust our defense for your unique situation. We guide you through every stage, protecting your future and your rights throughout the legal process.

If you have been charged with murder, you should secure the services of an attorney as soon as possible. Our firm is committed to aggressively defending your legal rights.