When facing grave accusations like murder or assault, the complexities of Texas criminal law demand skilled and respected legal counsel. The justice system has loopholes, regulations, and penalty enhancements that make representing yourself very difficult. Fortunately, hiring a Colleyville murder and assault lawyer from our firm is easy, and starts with a free consult.
At the law office of Randall B. Isenberg, our seasoned criminal defense lawyers in Colleyville, TX, bring decades of combined courtroom experience successfully representing clients facing violent offenses.
To explore your options with complete confidentiality, keep reading to learn how our Colleyville criminal defense firm can help you. We leverage our extensive experience fighting for those facing serious violent crime allegations in order to maximize the probability of a positive or just outcome.
Colleyville Murder and Assault Lawyer With Years of Experience
With over three decades of legal practice, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offer unparalleled experience defending clients facing the gravest homicide allegations. Our firm’s partners have personally litigated hundreds of complex murders, manslaughter, assault, and related charges over their long careers.
Lead attorney Randall Isenberg further strengthens our defense capabilities through his extensive prosecutorial and judicial background. As a former Assistant District Attorney and an elected state court judge, Mr. Isenberg gained firsthand insight into how prosecutors prepare assault and murder cases and what arguments sway judges and juries.
Our homicide team has secured “not guilty” verdicts as well as charge dismissals, sentence reductions, and favorable plea bargains for clients facing potential life sentences or capital punishment. Whether contesting questionable autopsy reports, reconstructing crime scenes, or surfacing mitigating mental health factors, we leave no stone unturned.
Understanding Charges for Murder, Manslaughter, and Vehicular Homicide
Under Texas law, murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide are distinct offenses with varying degrees of severity and penalties. Understanding the differences between these charges is crucial when navigating the legal system.
Murder
In Texas, murder is defined as intentionally causing the death of another person or acting with the knowledge that your actions will likely result in death. It is a serious offense and is generally classified into two categories:
- Capital murder: Capital murder involves specific aggravating factors, such as the murder of a police officer, multiple murders, murder for hire, or murder committed during the commission of another serious crime. Capital murder is punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
- Murder: Murder without the aggravating factors mentioned above is classified as murder. A conviction for murder carries a range of penalties, including imprisonment from five years to life, depending on the circumstances.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter, unlike murder, involves the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought. Texas recognizes two types of manslaughter:
- Voluntary manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another person in the heat of passion, provoked by adequate provocation. It is a second-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for a term of two to 20 years.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter refers to causing the death of another person through reckless conduct or criminal negligence. It is a state jail felony, carrying a penalty of confinement in a state jail for a term of 180 days to two years.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide involves causing the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Texas, vehicular homicide is typically charged as intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault, depending on the circumstances. The penalties vary but can range from a state jail felony to a second-degree felony.
Self-Defense Justifications and Stand Your Ground Claims in Texas
In Texas, individuals have the right to use force, including deadly force, in self-defense under certain circumstances. Understanding the self-defense justifications and the stand your ground law can be vital when facing criminal charges.
Self-Defense
Texas law recognizes self-defense as a valid legal defense when a person reasonably believes force is necessary to protect themselves against imminent harm or the threat of serious bodily injury. The use of force must be proportionate to the perceived threat. Deadly force is justified when a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or sexual assault.
Stand Your Ground
Texas follows a “stand your ground” law, which means that individuals have no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, even if they can safely do so. This law allows individuals to defend themselves in any place they have a legal right to be, including their homes, workplaces, or vehicles.
It’s important to note that the application of self-defense and stand-your-ground claims can be complex, and the specific circumstances of each case are crucial. Consulting with an experienced murder and assault lawyer in Colleyville, TX, is essential to determine the best approach and build a strong defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
Understanding Domestic Assault, Aggravated Assault, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charges in Texas
Understanding the distinctions between domestic assault, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon is essential when it comes to navigating the laws surrounding assault offenses in Texas.
Domestic Assault
Domestic assault refers to acts of assault committed against a family member, household member, or someone with whom the offender has or had a dating relationship. In Texas, domestic assault is treated as a distinct offense, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals within these relationships.
The penalties for domestic assault can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault involves causing serious bodily injury to another person or using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during an assault. Texas law defines serious bodily injury as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.
Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony, but it can be enhanced to a first-degree felony if certain conditions are met.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another person using a deadly weapon. Texas law defines a deadly weapon as anything that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
Assault with a deadly weapon is generally a second-degree felony, but it can be elevated to a first-degree felony if certain factors are present.
Powerful Defenses Our Firm Uses for Murder or Assault Cases
When facing criminal charges related to assault offenses or violent threats, we explore all legal defenses that are applicable to your specific case. The following are some powerful defenses that can be utilized:
- Contesting shaky evidence
- Exposing police misconduct and prosecutorial overreach
- Raising alibis
- Mental incompetence
Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Murder or Assault Conviction
If you or a loved one are facing devastating murder allegations or assault charges, you need murder and assault lawyers in Colleyville to defend these life-altering charges. The law office of Randall B. Isenberg has the determination and courtroom track record to maximize the chances of the best possible outcome when everything is on the line. Contact us today.
