Murder
Result: Dismissed
This was a cold case murder from 1995 that garnered national media attention. My client was a good person who had started a career when out of nowhere, he was accused of murder. This allegation of murder was made several years after the alleged incident. He was charged close to 20 years after the incident. Murder is a first-degree felony in the state of Texas.
Murder is a very serious offense in the criminal justice system. That is why defendants need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend complex cases. Even if the facts are stacked against you, an experienced defense attorney can get your charges reduced or dismissed completely. First-degree felony offenses are punishable severely in the state of Texas. An individual guilty of a first-degree felony can be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
The facts of this case were not clear because it was such an old case. My client was accused of being in a gang dispute in Houston, Texas. The murder case was alleged to take place while the victim was walking down the street when out of nowhere, an SUV pulled up to the victim and started shooting. The victim was walking down the street with several friends. It was unclear who shot their gun and who was in the SUV. Unfortunately, my client was accused of being one of the shooters. After my client was arrested, this case was presented to a grand jury.
In Texas, a grand jury is made up of 12 people who determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a felony offense occurred. Grand Jurors are gatekeepers that determine whether “probable cause” exists that a specific crime was committed. Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion and is defined as “where the facts and circumstances within your knowledge, and of which you have reasonably trustworthy information, are sufficient unto themselves to warrant a person of reasonable caution to believe that an offense has been committed.”
My client was indicted on murder charges, and he was facing up to 99 years in prison. This case seemed to be heading for trial.
This case looked like it was heading to trial, and we were preparing for a tough fight. We had very experienced and knowledgeable prosecutors handling this case. While there were some discouraging facts about my client’s actions in his teenage years, there was no solid evidence against him that he committed murder. Finally, after a long fight, this case was dismissed. I was happy that my client got his life back. When my clients are accused of serious crimes, it affects not only them, but their families. It was a relief for my client to return to work and put this terrible allegation behind him.
If you have any questions about murder charges and violent crimes defense in Texas, contact Ty Brock online or by phone: 713-899-3355.
