Facing a Murder or Homicide Charge in Texas?

Defense for Capital Murder, Manslaughter, and Homicide Offenses in Harris County

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Defense for Murder and Homicide Charges in Houston

Being accused of taking someone’s life is one of the most serious charges a person can face in the state of Texas. These cases are complex, high-stakes, and heavily prosecuted. A conviction could result in life in prison or, in the most serious cases, the death penalty. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder, manslaughter, or any form of criminal homicide in Harris County, the time to act is now.


At Parrish Law Firm, we represent individuals charged with all levels of homicide. These are not cases that can be handled passively. Investigators will move quickly, prosecutors will begin building their case immediately, and the court process will unfold with or without a proper defense in place. Our role is to slow that process down, assess what actually happened, and begin protecting the client from the first day we are involved.


Each homicide case is different. Some involve self-defense. Others involve false accusations, shaky forensics, or emotionally driven decisions made in the heat of the moment. The way the facts are presented matters. We examine every element of the case—including law enforcement procedures, witness reliability, and any forensic errors—to provide the client with a complete and strategic defense.

Types of Homicide Charges in Texas

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Murder

A person may be charged with murder for intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another individual. Texas law also allows murder charges when someone intends to cause serious bodily injury and death results, or when a person commits a felony and a death occurs in the course of that offense. These are first-degree felonies, punishable by five years to life in prison.

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Manslaughter

Manslaughter is charged when a person causes the death of another individual through reckless conduct, meaning they were aware their actions could cause serious harm but chose to proceed anyway. Unlike murder, no intent to kill is required. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony under Texas law. If convicted, the punishment can range from two to twenty years in prison, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000.

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Criminally Negligent Homicide

Criminally negligent homicide applies when a person causes the death of another by failing to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their conduct could be deadly. This charge involves a lower level of mental awareness than manslaughter and does not require intent or recklessness. It is classified as a state jail felony in Texas, carrying a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and an optional fine of up to $10,000.

Capital Murder in Texas

Capital murder is the most severe homicide charge under Texas law. A person may be charged with capital murder under specific circumstances, including:

  • Killing a peace officer or firefighter acting in their official duty
  • Committing a murder during the commission of another felony, such as kidnapping, robbery, sexual assault, or arson
  • Murder for hire or payment
  • Killing more than one person during the same event or as part of a related series of events
  • Killing a child under the age of ten
  • Committing murder while incarcerated or attempting to escape from a penal institution


Capital murder is punishable by either life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or death by lethal injection. These cases are tried with different procedures, including a bifurcated trial where guilt and punishment are handled separately. The state must notify the defense if it intends to seek the death penalty, and the jury must make specific findings before such a sentence can be imposed.


Given the stakes, capital murder cases require aggressive defense, comprehensive investigation, and complete preparation. Mistakes made early in the case can limit the available outcomes later. Our team works to examine every detail and present the full context of the situation to challenge the state’s theory.

Our Approach to Homicide Defense

We begin every case with a detailed review of the facts, including witness statements, police reports, forensic evidence, and any video or audio recordings. We do not rely on summaries or conclusions written by officers or prosecutors. We look at the raw material and draw our own analysis.


Many homicide charges stem from fast-moving events, poor communication, or exaggerated claims. We identify whether the use of force was justified, whether the death was preventable, and whether the charge itself fits the actual conduct. In cases where the evidence is strong, we help clients pursue the best available resolution to protect them from the harshest penalties allowed under law.


This is not a process that can be rushed. We work closely with our clients and their families to ensure they understand what is happening, what is at risk, and how we are preparing to defend them.

Speak with a Houston Homicide Defense Lawyer

If you are being investigated or have already been charged with murder, manslaughter, or capital murder, contact Parrish Law Firm immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your future.