Murder Defense Lawyer in Houston

Being accused of taking another person’s life puts your freedom, reputation, and future in immediate danger. You may be worried about what the police know, what your family will hear, and whether anyone will listen to your side of the story.

A Houston violent crime lawyer from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson will listen to what happened, explain how the law affects your case, and advise you about your legal options. Tad Nelson is a former prosecutor and forensic scientist with more than 30 years of courtroom experience.

More than 20,000 clients have turned to Tad and his team for legal help. Together, we have over 100 years of combined experience and bring Big City Experience, Small Town Values to criminal cases. We provide straight answers, regular communication, and a defense team prepared to fight when the stakes are high. Call us today for a free consultation.

Our Houston Murder Defense Attorney Will Build a Defense Around the Facts 

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson will look closely at what happened, how police handled the investigation, and what evidence prosecutors plan to use against you. We will also take time to listen to your account and learn what happened before, during, and after the alleged offense. 

That review may uncover problems with witness statements, forensic evidence, police procedures, or the state’s version of events. Our Houston criminal defense lawyers use those findings to decide where to challenge the case and how to prepare your defense. 

Our work may include:

• Reviewing police reports, body camera footage, videos, and photographs.
• Examining physical, DNA, firearm, medical, digital, or other forensic evidence.
• Looking for conflicts or gaps in witness accounts.
• Reviewing searches, seizures, arrests, and police questioning for constitutional violations. 
• Filing motions to challenge evidence when legal grounds exist.
• Working with investigators or expert witnesses when the case calls for them.
• Representing you during hearings and other court proceedings.
• Reviewing plea offers and advising you about your options. 
• Preparing Aggressive, Innovative Trial Strategies when the case goes before a jury. 
• Handling post-trial matters and helping with procedures such as filing an appeal when grounds for one exist.

Founding attorney Tad Nelson’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the state may prepare its case. His forensic science background also provides another way to examine scientific evidence instead of accepting the prosecution’s interpretation of it. 

Texas Law Gives Murder a Specific Meaning 

Texas Penal Code § 19.02 lists several ways a person may be charged with murder. A person may commit murder by intentionally or knowingly causing another person’s death.

Murder may also apply when a person intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes a death.

Felony Murder and Capital Murder Charges

Texas law also recognizes felony murder. A person may face murder charges when someone dies because of a dangerous act committed during, or while attempting, certain felonies. Prosecutors do not have to claim the person intended to cause the death in this type of case. 

Capital murder is a separate and more serious offense under Texas Penal Code § 19.03. It may involve the death of a peace officer or firefighter, a killing for payment, or a death during certain felonies. Some cases involving multiple victims or young children may also qualify.

Our Houston murder defense law firm reviews the allegations and evidence to determine whether the state can prove each required part of the offense. 

Penalties for a Murder Conviction in Texas 

Murder is generally a first-degree felony in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code § 12.32, a first-degree felony carries a possible prison sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Capital murder carries even more severe penalties. Depending on the case, Texas Penal Code § 12.31 allows for life in prison, life without parole, or the death penalty. 

With so much at stake, getting legal advice early can give our murder defense attorney serving Houston more time to examine the evidence and prepare your defense. Call today for a free case review where we discuss the charges and the next steps.

You Can Hire a Defense Lawyer Before Murder Charges Are Filed 

You do not need to hold off on calling an attorney, even if you are waiting for an indictment or formal murder charge to come in. You can speak with The Law Offices of Tad Nelson if Houston police, Harris County investigators, or another law enforcement agency wants to question you. 

The same applies if you learn that you are under investigation or believe officers may arrest you. Early representation gives your attorney a chance to learn what is happening before the case gets further along. 

Our lawyer for murder charges in Houston will advise you about police questioning, protect your rights, and begin looking for evidence that may help your defense. Do not assume that talking your way through an accusation will clear things up. Any statements you make during an investigation may later become evidence. 

What May Happen After a Murder Arrest in Houston 

After an arrest, you may be booked and brought before a magistrate. The case can then move through several stages, including court appearances, investigation, discovery, motions, plea discussions, and possibly trial. 

A grand jury may also consider whether there is probable cause to indict you for a felony offense. Going through the criminal law process can feel relentless. Your family may be calling for answers at the same time you are trying to understand court dates, bond issues, restrictions, and what prosecutors intend to do next.

At The Law Offices at Tad Nelson, our attorneys will keep you informed about where your case stands and what the next stage means. We want you to understand the decisions in front of you rather than wondering what is happening with your case. 

A Houston Murder Charge May Have More Than One Defense 

The right defense depends on the evidence and what actually occurred. No single strategy fits every murder case, so we have to look closely at the facts before deciding how to defend you. 

Identity may be disputed. Witness identification, video, phone data, DNA, and other evidence may raise questions about whether prosecutors have charged the right person. Self-defense or defense of another person may apply in some cases.

A defense may also challenge intent, causation, witness accounts, forensic evidence, or whether the state can prove each part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Police Errors or Evidence May Change the Case 

Police conduct can also affect the case. We may challenge evidence obtained through an unlawful search, seizure, or interrogation. In some cases, the evidence may not support murder as charged. Our attorney will review whether the facts support a lesser offense instead. 

Preparing for a Defense Case Starts Outside the Courtroom 

What you do after learning about an investigation or charge can affect the case. Follow your lawyer’s instructions and stay in contact with your defense team. Keep paperwork, messages, photographs, videos, and other material that may relate to the allegations.

Tell your lawyer about possible witnesses and anything you remember about the events surrounding the accusation. You should avoid discussing your case on social media, and be careful about conversations with people who may later become witnesses. 

Your attorney can tell you what information is useful and what steps make sense based on your situation. Most of all, be open with your lawyer. A defense attorney needs the facts, including facts that may be difficult to discuss, to prepare for what the prosecution may raise. 

Start Building Your Defense With a Houston Murder Defense Lawyer From Our Team

A murder prosecution calls for a defense team that is ready to dig into the evidence and stand its ground. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson brings decades of courtroom work to serious criminal cases. 

Tad and his team have handled 500+ jury trials and know what it takes to prepare for court. We win criminal defense cases. We are fierce with the opposition and approachable with our clients. You will have people who take your calls seriously, explain what is happening, and treat you with respect.

When a case demands a fight, we are willing to “go to the mattress” for you. If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or already face murder charges in Houston, call our office today to discuss your situation. Your consultation is free, and we can travel to you if needed.