Oct 29 2025 16:00
Chris Tritico
Facing a homicide charge in Texas is one of the most serious legal challenges anyone can experience. Texas law treats homicide—whether it’s murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide—with the harshest possible consequences, including potential life sentences or even the death penalty in capital cases. If you or a loved one has been accused, understanding your rights, the charges, and how an experienced defense attorney like Tritico Law can help is critical.
Understanding Homicide Charges in Texas
Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 19, homicide refers to the unlawful killing of another person and includes several categories:
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Murder – intentionally or knowingly causing someone’s death.
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Capital Murder – the most severe homicide charge in Texas, which can include killing a child under 10, killing multiple people, or killing a police officer; it may carry the death penalty.
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Manslaughter – recklessly causing the death of another.
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Criminally Negligent Homicide – causing death through criminal negligence.
Each type of homicide charge carries very different penalties, but all can change your life forever.
The Prosecution’s Burden in Texas Homicide Cases
To convict you of homicide in Texas, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt key elements such as:
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Intent – Did you mean to cause death or serious injury?
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Recklessness – Were your actions so dangerous that you consciously disregarded the risk?
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Negligence – Did your failure to act responsibly cause someone’s death?
Knowing these elements is critical because they shape the defense strategy your Texas criminal defense lawyer will use.
Possible Defenses in Texas Homicide Cases
At Tritico Law, we carefully examine every aspect of your case to identify powerful defenses, including:
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Self-Defense – Texas law allows you to defend yourself or others from imminent harm.
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Mistaken Identity – eyewitness testimony can be unreliable.
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Lack of Intent – if the prosecution cannot prove intent, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
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Constitutional Violations – illegal searches, coerced confessions, or improper evidence handling can weaken the state’s case.
Penalties for Homicide in Texas
The penalties for homicide in Texas vary by charge but can include:
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Murder – 5 years to life in prison, with possible fines up to $10,000.
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Capital Murder – life without parole or the death penalty.
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Manslaughter – up to 20 years in prison.
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Criminally Negligent Homicide – up to 2 years in state jail.
Given these life-altering consequences, you need the support of an experienced Houston homicide lawyer.
Why Choose Tritico Law?
When you’re facing homicide charges in Texas, the attorney you choose can make the difference between freedom and decades behind bars. Tritico Law, based in Houston, has a proven track record of defending clients in the most serious Texas homicide cases. Our team knows how prosecutors build cases—and we know how to fight back.
We combine deep knowledge of Texas criminal law with aggressive defense strategies tailored to each client’s situation. Whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or anywhere in Texas, Tritico Law stands ready to defend your rights.
Take Action Immediately
If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide in Texas, time is critical. Do not talk to police or investigators without legal counsel. Contact Tritico Law today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated Texas criminal defense attorney who will fight for you.
