Murder Defense Attorneys in Corpus Christi, Texas

Overcoming obstacles surrounding murder charges can become difficult to overcome. At the Torres Law Firm, we understand what charged individuals face. Our experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys are here to answer any questions that you have if you are facing a criminal charge of murder. 

According to the Department of Public Safety in Texas, in 2020, there were 1927 total murder cases reported in the state, an increase of 37% from 2019. That is why Texas takes murder charges extremely seriously.  

The entire process of understanding the penalties for murder may seem daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. You have various options to consider, and working with a murder defense team is essential to attain the best possible results. When you work with us at The Torres Law firm, you can count on a team who will stand by your side throughout the entire process of your trial in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including Dallas and Fort Worth.

Murder Charges in Texas  

Murder charges are any charges that are pressed upon an individual who intentionally kills another individual. To be considered murder, the killing must have been completed without a legal justification. The killing also had to happen with malice.    

Types of Murder Charges  

There are different types of murder charges depending on various factors, including whether the killing was planned or unplanned.      

First-Degree Murder  

First-degree murder is defined as a killing that was deliberate and premeditated. Deliberate means that something is done intentionally and premeditated means that something was planned and thought out.   

Depending on the evidence, prosecutors might have a difficult time proving that the killing was planned, but in some cases, the evidence presented can suggest premeditation and that the killer waited until the perfect moment to commit the crime.   

Second-Degree Murder  

Second-degree murder is defined as a killing that was deliberate but not premeditated. The killing is done without worry or concern and with the intent to take the life of the individual.   

Possible Penalties  

The penalty that you receive will vary for every case. For first-degree murder, you can expect to receive a sentence that ranges between 5 and 99 years in prison and fines to a maximum of $10,000. In capital murder cases, you can serve life without the possibility of parole and sometimes even be sentenced to the death penalty.     

Possible Defenses   

Every case is different, but there are plenty of defenses that an experienced team of attorneys can put together to help get you the best sentence possible. We can consider a lack of intent to kill or a lack of knowledge if we find that we can prove those in your particular case. Depending on your history, we may even be able to use a defense of insanity, which explains that you were mentally ill at the time of the killing. Other possible defenses include intoxication and self-defense. Talk to The Torres attorneys to better understand your possible defenses.