When you or a loved one faces homicide charges in Austin, Texas, your world can come crashing down. The weight of this situation feels crushing, and your mind is racing with questions, fears, and uncertainty about the future.

In this moment of crisis, you need more than just legal representation – you need an advocate who understands the gravity of your situation and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.

Austin homicide defense attorney Lance Kennedy knows that this may be the most challenging and frightening time of your life. The criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when the stakes are this high. You’re not just facing potential prison time; you’re fighting for your very future and the lives of those who depend on you.

Lance has dedicated his career to defending individuals accused of serious crimes, including homicide. He understands the complexities of Texas law and the specific challenges you’ll face in Travis County courts.

More importantly, Lance recognizes you’re a human being who deserves compassionate and aggressive representation.

Don’t let another moment pass without getting the help you need. Contact Lance Kennedy Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Your future may depend on the actions you take right now.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Table of Contents

• Understanding Homicide Charges in Texas
• Common Scenarios That Lead to Homicide Charges
• Potential Consequences of a Homicide Conviction in Texas
• How an Austin Homicide Defense Attorney Can Help
• Common Defense Strategies for Homicide or Murder 
• What’s the Legal Process for Homicide in Texas?
• When Does Homicide or Murder Become a Federal Charge?
• Why Choose Lance Kennedy Law for Aggravated Assault Defense
• Frequently Asked Questions About Homicide Charges in Austin
• Contact an Austin Homicide Lawyer Today

Understanding Homicide Charges in Texas

Texas law recognizes several different types of homicide offenses, each carrying its own set of potential consequences. Here’s a general overview:

Legal Definition of Homicide

Texas defines homicide as someone who “intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual.”

The statute also lists the following acts as criminal homicide:

• Murder: Intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person, or causing death while committing a felony.
• Capital Murder: The most serious homicide charge, involving specific aggravating factors like killing a police officer or multiple victims.
• Manslaughter: Recklessly causing the death of another person.
• Criminally Negligent Homicide: Causing someone’s death through criminal negligence.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Homicide Charges

Homicide charges can arise from:

• Domestic disputes that escalate to violence
• Bar fights or other altercations that result in fatal injuries
• Drug-related incidents
• Vehicular accidents involving alcohol or reckless driving
• Cases of mistaken self-defense

Each case is unique, and the specific alleged circumstances will determine the appropriate charges and potential defenses.

Potential Consequences of a Homicide Conviction in Texas

The aftermath of a homicide conviction can be devastating, affecting every aspect of your life. You need to understand the potential consequences as you navigate your defense:

Prison Sentences

Texas takes homicide charges extremely seriously. Depending on the specific charge and circumstances, you could face:

• Capital Murder: Death penalty or life in prison without parole
• Murder: 5 to 99 years or life in prison
• Manslaughter: 2 to 20 years in prison
• Criminally Negligent Homicide: 180 days to 2 years in state jail

Fines

In addition to prison time, convictions often come with hefty fines:

• Murder and Capital Murder: Up to $10,000
• Manslaughter: Up to $10,000
• Criminally Negligent Homicide: Up to $10,000

Long-Term Impacts

The consequences of a homicide conviction extend far beyond your prison sentence:

• Employment: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with violent felony convictions.
• Housing: Finding housing can be challenging, as many landlords conduct background checks.
• Personal relationships: The strain of incarceration and the stigma of a conviction can damage family ties and friendships.
• Voting rights: In Texas, you cannot vote while incarcerated or on parole for a felony conviction.
• Firearm ownership: Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms.
• Professional licenses: Many professional licensing boards may revoke or deny licenses to those with felony convictions.

These long-lasting effects underscore the importance of mounting a strong defense from the very beginning of your case.

How an Austin Homicide Defense Attorney Can Help

When facing homicide charges, an experienced attorney like Lance Kennedy can make all the difference.

Here’s how he can assist you throughout the legal process:

Evaluating Your Case

Kennedy will conduct a thorough review of your case, including:

• Examining police reports and witness statements
• Reviewing physical evidence and forensic reports
• Identifying potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Assessing the strength of possible defenses

This comprehensive evaluation forms the foundation of your defense strategy.

Gathering and Analyzing Evidence

A strong defense often hinges on uncovering evidence the prosecution may have overlooked or misinterpreted. Lance will:

• Conduct independent investigations
• Consult with forensic experts
• Interview witnesses
• Analyze surveillance footage or other digital evidence
• Seek out exculpatory evidence that supports your innocence

Negotiating with Prosecutors

In some cases, negotiating with prosecutors can lead to reduced charges or more favorable plea agreements. Lance’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into this process. He’ll work to:

• Present mitigating factors that may influence the prosecution’s stance
• Challenge weak evidence or procedural mistakes
• Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options when appropriate

Developing Defense Strategies

Based on the specifics of your case, Lance will craft a tailored defense strategy. This may involve:

• Challenging the admissibility of certain evidence
• Questioning the credibility of prosecution witnesses
• Presenting alternative theories of the crime
• Demonstrating lack of intent or other mitigating factors

Lance will work closely with you to develop a strategy that best fits your specific situation and goals.

Common Defense Strategies for Homicide or Murder

When facing homicide charges, the right defense strategy can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case. Lance Kennedy will carefully evaluate the circumstances surrounding your charges to determine the most effective approach. Here are some common defense strategies he may explore:

Self-Defense

Texas recognizes the right to use force, including deadly force, to protect yourself in certain situations. Lance will examine factors such as:

• The threat level you perceived
• Whether you had a duty to retreat
• How appropriate your response was to the threat

Defense of Others

If you were acting to defend another person from imminent danger, this could be a viable defense strategy.

Lack of Intent

For certain homicide charges, the prosecution must prove that you intended to cause death or serious bodily harm. If your actions were accidental or you lacked the required mental state, Lance could use this as grounds for reducing or dismissing charges.

Mistaken Identity

In some cases, eyewitness testimony or circumstantial evidence may have led to a wrongful accusation. Lance will scrutinize the evidence to ensure authorities aren’t falsely accusing you due to misidentification.

Challenging Evidence or Witnesses

A crucial part of any defense is critically examining the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses. This may involve:

• Questioning the reliability of eyewitness testimony
• Challenging the validity of forensic evidence
• Exposing inconsistencies in witness statements
• Demonstrating potential bias in prosecution witnesses

Other Possible Defenses

Depending on the specifics of your case, other defense strategies might include:

• Insanity defense
• Coercion or duress
• Alibi
• Statute of limitations (for lesser included offenses)

Lance will explore every possible avenue to build the strongest defense for your situation.

What’s the Legal Process for Homicide in Texas?

While each case is unique, the legal process for homicide in Texas is generally:

• Arrest and Booking: Police will take you into custody, photograph and fingerprint you, and record your personal information.
• Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who will inform you of the charges and set bail if applicable.
• Grand Jury Indictment: For felony charges like homicide, a grand jury must review the evidence and decide whether probable cause justifies proceeding with charges.
• Arraignment: The court will formally present you with the charges and enter a plea (usually “not guilty” at this stage).
• Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file various motions, such as requests to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
• Plea Bargaining: Negotiations may occur between your defense attorney and the prosecution. While not always applicable in homicide cases, it’s possible in some situations.
• Trial: If the prosecutor won’t negotiate a fair plea agreement, your case will proceed to trial. This involves jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, witness testimony, closing arguments, and jury deliberation.
• Sentencing: If the court convicts you, you’ll attend a separate sentencing hearing to determine your punishment.
• Appeals: If procedural errors or judicial misconduct affected the verdict, Lance can file an appeals request and challenge the outcome to have your conviction overturned.

Throughout the entire process, you can count on Lance Kennedy to be by your side, fight for your rights, and work tenaciously to help you achieve the best possible results.

When Does Homicide or Murder Become a Federal Charge?

While most homicide cases fall under the jurisdiction of Texas state courts, certain circumstances can elevate a case to the federal level. Federal charges often carry more severe penalties and involve different procedural rules.

Homicide may become a federal charge when:

• The crime occurs on federal property (military bases, national parks, etc.)
• The victim is a federal employee or official killed in the line of duty
• The act involves crossing state lines
• The crime is connected to other federal offenses (e.g., drug trafficking, organized crime)
• Civil rights violations result in death
• The crime involves domestic or international terrorism

If your case does become a federal matter, you’ll need an attorney well-versed in both state and federal law. Lance Kennedy’s experience as a former federal prosecutor gives him valuable insight into these complex cases.

Why Choose Lance Kennedy Law for Aggravated Assault Defense

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a dedicated advocate with a proven track record of success. Here’s what Lance Kennedy uniquely qualified to handle your homicide defense:

• Prosecutorial Experience: As a former U.S. and Texas criminal prosecutor, Lance has invaluable knowledge from both sides of the courtroom. He understands how prosecutors build their cases, giving him a strategic advantage in constructing your defense.
• Dedication to Criminal Defense: Lance focuses his practice on defending those accused of serious crimes. He’s intimately familiar with the nuances of Texas homicide law and the local Austin court system.
• Personalized Attention: Unlike large firms where you might feel like just another case number, Lance provides individualized attention to each client. He’ll work directly with you throughout your case, ensuring you’re informed and involved every step of the way.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Lance has gained a reputation for his aggressive defense strategies. He’s not afraid to challenge evidence, confront witnesses, or take your case to trial if necessary.
• Compassionate Approach: Facing homicide charges is emotionally taxing. While a formidable litigator, Lance delivers compassionate, empathetic counsel to his clients. He understands you’re going through a difficult time and will try to ease your fears and worries as much as possible.
• Proven Results: While past success doesn’t guarantee future outcomes, Lance has a strong record of achieving favorable results for his clients in serious criminal cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homicide Charges in Austin