Texas severely punishes assault, murder, and other violent offenses. If you or someone close to you has been accused of murder or assault, our law firm can help. The Dallas murder and assault lawyers at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provide legal representation to people accused of violent offenses.
We can craft an evidence-based defense and fight for an acquittal or even a dismissal of the charges. If the circumstances warrant it, we can also negotiate with the prosecution and work to get the charges or penalties reduced.
Our Dallas Murder and Assault Defense Lawyer Will Fight for You
Murder is arguably one of the most egregious offenses someone can face. A murder conviction will surely affect you for the rest of your life. In addition to prison, it will limit your career, housing, and educational opportunities. Texas also has the death penalty for murder in certain cases, making the matter literally life-or-death.
Attorney Randall Isenberg is a former prosecutor and a former judge. Now, he spends his time fighting for the rights of the accused. Because he knows what it is like on the other side of the courtroom, he deeply understands the Texas criminal justice system. He knows what it takes to win a murder or assault case and how to defend against these serious charges.
When you choose the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you get a firm dedicated to protecting our clients and their futures. Our team could provide you with a powerful legal defense.
Criminal Penalties for Murder in Texas
Intentionally killing another person is murder. However, anyone accused of murder can tell you it is not always this simple. Some people find themselves facing murder charges because they acted in self-defense. For others, it is a case of mistaken identity.
Whatever situation led you to this point, our Dallas murder defense lawyers are not here to judge. Instead, we are here to build the strongest case possible in your defense and provide sound legal advice.
In Texas, murder is a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years behind bars. In other words, murder is punishable by life in prison. There is also a maximum fine of $10,000 for a murder conviction. (Texas Penal Code Sec. 19.02) However, it may be possible to get the offense reduced to a second-degree felony if “sudden passion” caused the death.
Criminal Penalties for Capital Murder in Texas
Capital murder is a more severe offense than murder. Murder becomes capital murder if:
- The victim is a police officer, penal institution employee, or firefighter
- There are multiple deceased victims
- The victim is 9 years old or younger
- The death occurred during a robbery or kidnapping
- The death occurred during the commission of a burglary, aggravated sexual assault, obstruction of a terrorist threat, or arson
- Someone paid the defendant to murder the victim
Capital murder is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Criminal Penalties for Assault in Texas
There are several types of assault in Texas. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor. It involves causing or threatening bodily injury to another individual. If your case involves simple assault, you face penalties, including up to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines. If the assault did not involve actual injury, it is a Class C misdemeanor.
Certain aggravating factors can change a simple assault to an aggravated assault. For example, if you are accused of using a weapon during the alleged assault, you face a second-degree felony offense punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Aggravated assault may also be a first-degree felony offense in certain situations. (Texas Penal Code Sec. 22.02)
Defense Strategies our Dallas Murder and Assault Lawyer May Use
When you are accused of harming or killing another person, you need the best defense possible. Of course, each case is unique, but our Dallas murder and assault lawyer may use defense strategies such as:
- Arguing that you acted in self-defense: People have the right to defend themselves when someone else is threatening them. Self-defense is an affirmative defense, meaning you agree you committed the act but argue there was justification for the act. To prove self-defense, we must prove you were justified in using force and that the amount you used was appropriate for the situation.
- Arguing that you acted in defense of others or defense of property: If you did what you did because you were protecting your loved ones or your property, this may justify your actions. Defense of others and defense of property are also affirmative defense strategies against murder or assault charges.
- Arguing that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof: The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If its case is filled with holes, involves contradictory information, or includes untrustworthy witnesses, we will argue that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof. This could result in a “not guilty” verdict or even a dismissal of the case.
Plea Bargaining for Murder and Assault Charges
Another option to consider in a murder or assault case is plea bargaining. A Dallas criminal defense lawyer from our law firm may be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecution. For example, if you are accused of aggravated assault, we may be able to get the charges reduced to simple assault. If you are accused of murder, we may be able to get the charges reduced to manslaughter.
There is also sentence bargaining. This involves pleading guilty to the offense in exchange for a shorter prison or jail sentence. Our legal team knows how to negotiate well and advocate for the lowest charges and penalties possible. We will fight to get you the best deal possible.
Let Our Dallas Murder and Assault Lawyer Represent You
If you are facing charges in an assault, aggravated assault, or murder case, contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today. Attorney Isenberg is a former prosecutor and district judge with special insight into criminal law matters. He and the rest of our team can help you navigate your case and advocate for the best outcome possible. Call our office today to get started.
