Homicide Defense
The minute one is accused of homicide, society is prone to assume the person is guilty, regardless of the 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments in our constitution which accord an individual the presumption of innocence. However, a jury’s view of the case may end up being distorted through the maliciousness of the actual crime. Therefore a powerful defense important to show innocence or to secure a lesser charge.
According to Sec. 19.01 of the Texas Penal Code, there are 4 types of criminal homicide. A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual. Criminal homicide is murder, capital murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide.
Those charged with homicide face, at minimum, 5 years in prison. Life in prison with or without the possibility of parole is a common sentence with murder charges.
Defense Methods
Because of the serious sentences for the crime, it is essential for anyone charged with murder to acquire experienced legal defense representation. Every day those falsely accused with murder need to be defended successfully. If innocent of the crime, it is necessary to gather evidence that disproves the accusations. There might not be enough evidence to prove the person guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. DNA evidence is a useful tool in order to question the guilt of the accused. If the killing was as a result of self defense, it may lead to a case being dismissed, or a reduced sentence.
