Aggressive, Experienced Representation Across Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery County & Fort Bend County
Facing Homicide or Manslaughter Charges? Act Immediately.
Murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide charges are the most serious criminal offenses, carrying penalties ranging from decades to life in prison—or worse. Prosecutors in Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties aggressively pursue these cases, which is why you need a dedicated team on your side from day one.
Many people mistakenly use the terms “murder” and “homicide” interchangeably, but under Texas law, they have different legal meanings. Homicide is a broad term that refers to the unlawful killing of another person, while murder is a specific form of homicide with unique elements and penalties.
Texas law recognizes multiple degrees of homicide, with outcomes ranging from state jail time to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The nature of the act—whether intentional, reckless, or negligent—and the surrounding circumstances determine the severity of the charge.
If you are under investigation or have already been charged with any form of homicide, do not delay. The potential loss of your freedom or your life requires immediate action and the help of a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer.
At The Napier Law Firm, we bring over years of experience, including former prosecutors and trial-tested counsel, to defend clients accused of murder and homicide. We act quickly to launch investigations, preserve key evidence, and build strategic defenses tailored to you.
📞 Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.
Types of Homicide Charges in Texas
Texas law categorizes homicide into four main offenses. Each carries different penalties and requires a unique legal strategy.
Capital Murder
Capital murder is the most serious charge under Texas law. It includes all elements of murder plus certain aggravating factors, such as:
- Killing a police officer or firefighter in the line of duty
- Multiple victims in the same incident or different incidents
- Victim under 10 years of age
- Murder-for-hire (or hiring someone to commit the act)
- Murder committed during the commission of certain felonies like kidnapping, burglary, or aggravated sexual assault
Penalties: Capital murder is punishable by life in prison without parole or the death penalty. These cases are among the most complex in the legal system and require a defense attorney with extensive trial and appellate experience.
Murder
In Texas, a person can be charged with murder for any of the following actions:
- Intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another
- Causing death by intending serious bodily injury and committing an act clearly dangerous to human life
- Causing death during the commission or attempted commission of a felony (excluding manslaughter)
Penalties: Murder is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter involves a killing that results from reckless conduct, rather than an intentional act. Common scenarios include fatal car accidents involving high speeds or intoxication, or the accidental discharge of a firearm.
Penalties: A conviction for manslaughter can lead to 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
This charge applies when a person causes another’s death through criminal negligence, which is a gross deviation from standard care. These cases often involve fatal accidents where the defendant failed to recognize an obvious risk, such as in traffic fatalities or child neglect situations.
Penalties: Criminally negligent homicide is generally a state jail felony, punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a state jail and up to a $10,000 fine. In some cases, enhancements may raise the penalty to 2 to 10 years in prison.
Why Time Matters in Homicide Cases
Critical evidence—such as surveillance footage and witness testimony—deteriorates quickly. Early involvement by a skilled defense team allows for:
- Preserving evidence and documenting the scene
- Tracking down critical witnesses
- Asserting rights against improper police conduct
- Shaping prosecutorial decisions, sometimes before charges are filed
Proactive defense can mean the difference between dismissal, acquittal, or a reduced charge.
How The Napier Law Firm Builds Your Defense
Our team at the Napier Law Firm investigates every angle of your case and applies the most effective defenses available, such as:
Self-Defense & Defense of Others
Texas Protective Force laws allow the use of deadly force if a person reasonably believed they or others were in danger—an affirmative defense.
Castle Doctrine & Stand-Your-Ground
Texas law removes the duty to retreat from your home, vehicle, or place of business under specific conditions—vital in cases involving defensive shootings. Deadly force may be justified when protecting your home or vehicle under Texas’s Castle Doctrine.
Mistaken Identity
Eyewitness misidentification is a common issue in high-stress, violent incidents. If eyewitnesses were flawed or biased, we challenge identification, cross-reference surveillance, and explore alibi defense.
Intent vs. Negligence
To prove murder, prosecutors must show intent. We challenge the evidence that supports this element. We evaluate whether the death resulted from intent, recklessness, or criminal negligence—essential for distinguishing murder from manslaughter or negligent homicide.
Challenging Evidence
We push back on weak forensic findings, unreliable witnesses, or coerced confessions. We scrutinize the legality of searches, interrogations, and evidence collection. Illegal police conduct can lead to suppression of critical evidence.
Illegal Police Conduct
If your rights were violated, we file motions to suppress evidence, confessions, or searches.
Heat of Passion
We explore whether the act resulted from a sudden provocation, which could reduce murder to a lesser charge such as manslaughter.
What Sets Us Apart
- Quick Investigations: We move fast to secure facts and prevent their loss.
- Former Prosecutors: Insight into how the state presents its case and what drives plea decisions.
- Local Court Savvy: Well-versed across Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend court systems.
- Comprehensive Defense Teams: Forensic, digital, and private investigation resources.
Potential Penalties
| Charge | Punishment & Fine |
|---|---|
| Capital Murder | Life w/out parole or death penalty |
| Murder (1st-degree) | 5–99 years, up to $10,000 |
| Manslaughter | 2–20 years, up to $10,000 |
| Criminally Negligent Homicide | 180 days–2 years (or 2–10 with weapon), up to $10,000 |
These are life-altering penalties. A conviction may also result in:
- Permanent loss of civil rights (e.g., voting, firearm ownership)
- Loss of professional licenses or employment
- Immigration consequences (deportation or denial of citizenship)
- Public registry in cases involving allegations of sexual assault tied to the charge
The Napier Law Firm
Our firm is built on experience, tenacity, and a belief that every person deserves a robust defense, regardless of circumstance.
- 24/7 Availability: We’re on call to protect your rights at every step.
- Client-Focused Communication: No confusing legal jargon—just clear guidance.
- Aggressive Courtroom Representation: We prepare to fight, not plead.
- Proven Results: Dismissals, reductions, and trial wins across violent felony cases.
Take Action Today
If you’re facing homicide charges or under investigation in Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, or Fort Bend County, delay is not an option.
📞 Contact The Napier Law Firm now for a free, confidential case review and start building your defense from the ground up.