Midland Murder Defense Lawyer

Defending Against Murder Charges in Texas

At Wolf, Stallings & Mayo, we understand that facing murder charges can be a harrowing experience with the potential for life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one are facing murder charges in Texas, you need a committed and skilled legal team. Our firm is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape while safeguarding your rights and future.

Call Wolf, Stallings & Mayo today at (432) 237-3530 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our murder defense attorney in Midland.

What is Murder?

Murder is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses involving intentionally killing another person. In Texas, the law recognizes different degrees of murder based on the circumstances surrounding the crime. These degrees include:

• Capital Murder: This is the most serious form of murder, usually involving intentionally killing a specific group of individuals, such as law enforcement officers, multiple victims, or during the commission of certain felonies.
• First-Degree Murder: This category involves intentional killings that do not fall under the criteria of capital murder. It carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
• Second-Degree Murder: This involves intentional killings that do not meet the criteria for capital or first-degree murder. While less severe than the previous categories, it can still lead to substantial prison sentences.
• Manslaughter: In some cases, individuals may be charged with manslaughter instead of murder. Manslaughter typically involves causing the death of another person through recklessness, negligence, or in the heat of the moment. It carries less severe penalties than murder charges.

What are the Penalties for Murder in Texas?

The penalties for murder convictions in Texas are severe and can have lifelong consequences. The penalties may differ depending on the degree of murder and other factors.

• Capital murder convictions could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
• First-degree murder convictions can lead to prison sentences varying from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment.
• Second-degree murder convictions carry sentences of 2 to 20 years in prison.
• Manslaughter convictions can lead to 2 to 20 years in prison as well.

It is essential to understand that Texas has stringent laws and a strong commitment to prosecuting murder cases rigorously. An experienced and dedicated murder defense attorney is crucial to safeguarding your rights, building a solid defense, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Defenses Against Murder Charges

Being accused of murder does not necessarily mean guilt, and every accused individual deserves a fair defense. Our murder defense attorneys at Wolf, Stallings & Mayo are well-versed in developing comprehensive defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. Some potential defenses against murder charges include:

• Self-Defense: Self-defense may be a viable defense strategy if the accused acted to protect themselves from immediate danger.
• Lack of Intent: Murder charges require proving intent to kill. If there is doubt about the accused's intent, this could weaken the prosecution's case.
• Alibi: Providing a credible alibi that places the accused at a different location during the time of the crime can challenge the prosecution's timeline.
• Mental State: If the accused was not in the right mental state at the time of the crime, it could impact their culpability.
• Evidence Suppression: If evidence was obtained unlawfully or violated the accused's rights, it may be possible to have that evidence suppressed, weakening the prosecution's case.