Murder & Manslaughter Defense in Richmond, TX

Serving Clients Throughout Fort Bend County

Murder is considered the most serious crime in the United States, punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty in Texas. On the other hand, manslaughter carries a lengthy prison sentence, fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, and a permanent criminal record. Due to these serious penalties, charges of murder or manslaughter require a skilled and vigorous defense. You need the counsel of an experienced attorney who has taken these cases to trial and who can negotiate effectively on your behalf.

If you have been accused of murder or manslaughter in Richmond or Fort Bend County, The Law Office of Larry P. McDougal has 37 years of combined experience providing effective and personalized legal solutions for each of our clients. Larry P. McDougal Sr. is a former law enforcement officer, prosecutor, and municipal court judge, giving a key advantage to clients who are on trial for their life. He knows how to unravel the state’s case — from forensics and physical evidence to motive, witness testimony and circumstantial evidence — to create reasonable doubt for a jury to acquit.

Call us today at (281) 823-9377 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.

Murder & Manslaughter Laws in Texas

Criminal homicide means intentionally or negligently causing the death of another individual. There are four types of criminal homicide in Texas: murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.

Murder is defined as intentionally killing another person or killing someone else while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense. Murder is a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 99 years and a fine no more than $10,000.

Capital murder means killing a police officer or firefighter while they're on duty, killing someone while escaping or attempting to escape jail or prison, or killing someone while committing or attempting to commit robbery, burglary, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, obstruction, or terroristic threat. This type of murder is a capital felony, punishable by a life imprisonment without parole or death.

Manslaughter means recklessly or causing another person’s death. This offense is a second-degree felony, which carries a prison term of up to 20 years and a maximum $10,000 fine.

Lastly, criminal negligently homicide means negligently taking another person’s life, which is commonly known as an accidental killing. This offense is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in state jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Freedom Today

Our legal team has taken murder cases to trial and we prepare from the beginning for the possibility of trying the case before a jury. When we are involved early, however, we can sometimes avoid an indictment or persuade the prosecutor to file more appropriate charges. A reduction of charges could cut the potential prison term substantially and provide additional options for resolving the case.

We also review every facet of the prosecution’s evidence for opportunities to dismiss the charges or suppress evidence. Our goal is to position clients for the best possible outcome, advocating for them in motions, hearings, plea agreements, trial, and sentencing.

Contact us today to learn about your available legal options.