Homicides
TITLE 5. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON – CHAPTER 19. CRIMINAL HOMICIDE
To begin with, not all homicides are crimes. Homicide is the act of a human being causing the death of another human being. Many homicides, such as murder and manslaughter, violate criminal laws. Others, such as a killing committed in justified self-defense, are not criminal.
The Texas Penal Code defines criminal homicides as :
- 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.
Classification of Criminal Homicide:
- Murder: Knowing and intentionally causing the death of an individual, or intending to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death to another individual.
- Capital Murder: The murder of a police officer or fireman while acting in their official duties, committing murder in the course of committing a felony, hiring someone to commit murder, or killing someone while escaping (or attempting to escape) a penal institution.
- Manslaughter: Reckless conduct that causes the death of another person.
- Criminally Negligent Homicide: Causing the death of another individual through criminal negligent conduct.
The state of Texas has the highest record in the nation for executing prisoners. To avoid this outcome, a person accused of homicide needs to hire an attorney who has the skills and experience to craft a successful and strong defense. There is no more serious circumstance than being charged with taking the life of another person. Being convicted can result in a loss of your liberty, and, possibly, the loss of your life.
For representation in homicide or capital murder cases, or for more information about criminal defense, contact the Law Office of Jerry Michael Acosta in Houston, Texas. We can be reached by phone at (713) 869-4000 or by sending a message through our Contact Us page.