There is no more serious accusation than homicide. When you are investigated for or charged with taking a human life, your own life and liberty are put on the line. The full weight of the state—from the San Antonio Police Department to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office—will be focused on securing a conviction. The pressure is immense, and the stakes could not be higher.
You require a composed, serious, and formidable defense team in this critical moment. At Lance Kennedy Law, we understand the gravity of your situation. Our commitment is to mount a comprehensive and methodical defense, challenging the government's case and protecting your constitutional rights from the moment we are retained.
If you or a loved one is being investigated for a homicide, contact our San Antonio homicide defense attorney immediately at (737) 324-7540.
Types of Criminal Homicide in Texas
Under the Texas Penal Code, "homicide" is a broad term that covers several distinct criminal offenses, each with different legal elements and potential punishments. The specific charge you face in a Bexar County District Court will depend entirely on the evidence and your alleged mental state.
Potential charges include:
Capital Murder. This is the most serious charge in Texas, reserved for specific circumstances like killing a police officer, committing murder during another felony like robbery, or murder for hire. A conviction can result in the death penalty.
Murder. This is a first-degree felony, charged when a person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another individual.
Manslaughter. This is a second-degree felony, charged when a person recklessly causes the death of another. The distinction between acting recklessly and intentionally is a critical legal battleground.
Criminally Negligent Homicide. This is a state jail felony, applying when a person causes a death through criminal negligence, meaning they should have been aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk.
Potential Penalties of a Homicide Conviction
The potential penalties for a homicide conviction are the most severe under Texas law, ranging from years in prison to the death penalty.
For the charge of Capital Murder, the stakes are absolute. A conviction results in one of only two possible sentences: life in prison without the possibility of parole, or death.
The penalties for other homicide offenses, while less severe than capital murder, will still permanently alter a person's life:
Murder (First-Degree Felony): 5 to 99 years or life in a Texas state prison.
Manslaughter (Second-Degree Felony): 2 to 20 years in prison.
Criminally Negligent Homicide (State Jail Felony): 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.
Given this unforgiving sentencing structure, mounting a formidable defense is necessary.
A Methodical Approach to Homicide Defense
Building a solid defense against a homicide charge requires a proactive and meticulous investigation that we begin on day one. We do not wait to react to the prosecution; we start constructing our case by retaining independent investigators and forensic professionals to challenge the state's evidence.
We will thoroughly examine whether your actions were legally justified under Texas's robust self-defense, "Castle Doctrine," and "Stand Your Ground" laws. We also aggressively challenge the state's forensic conclusions, including the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s official autopsy findings.
Furthermore, we conduct a deep analysis of the police investigation itself. By searching for procedural errors, failures to investigate other leads, or violations of your constitutional rights, we work to uncover the critical weaknesses that create reasonable doubt.
An indictment triggers an intensive pretrial phase—a legal gauntlet that can involve thousands of pages of discovery and complex motions to suppress evidence. A homicide trial in a Bexar County courtroom is a high-pressure event, frequently scrutinized by local media. Success in this environment demands a legal team with the composure, meticulous preparation, and trial-tested fortitude to withstand the most demanding circumstances.
We want to help you get your life back. Trust Lance Kennedy Law to represent you during this challenging time.
I appreciate his compassion and proactive strategy that got my son the best possible outcome.
“Lance took the time to talk to me explained the process and scenarios, he answered all my questions I felt completely confident he was the one we needed to represent my son.”
- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
- Sandy S.
All in all, I’d give him a 10/10! Great job!
“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
Yes. Texas law recognizes different degrees of homicide, including charges that don’t require intent to kill. These include manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide.
Bail is possible in some homicide cases, but it depends on various factors, including the specific charges, your criminal history, and community ties. We can advocate for reasonable bail terms.
Generally, you cannot expunge homicide convictions in Texas. This underlines the importance of mounting a strong defense from the start.
Costs vary based on the complexity of the case and other factors. Our firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and potential fees. We can work with your budget and offer flexible payment plans.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
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Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
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Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
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Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
