Houston Murder Lawyer

Being charged with murder is one of the most serious legal challenges anyone can face. At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we are a trusted legal team representing clients throughout the Greater Houston Area. We guide individuals through these high-stakes cases with strategic support from the earliest stages of an investigation. A conviction carries not only the risk of long-term imprisonment but also lasting effects on your personal life, family, and professional reputation.

Our attorneys bring decades of combined trial experience and thousands of cases handled to every defense. Clients work directly with our lawyers, avoiding layers of gatekeeping, and receive clear, practical guidance tailored to their circumstances. We also provide Spanish-speaking representation, virtual consultations for privacy and convenience, and 24/7 availability for urgent matters.

Early legal support from an experienced Houston murder lawyer can significantly influence the course of your case. Call (832) 720-7255 or contact us online to discuss your situation confidentially.

How We Handle Murder Defense

Our approach combines meticulous preparation with strategic courtroom advocacy. Every case begins with a thorough, independent investigation. Rather than relying solely on evidence provided by the state, we carefully review police reports, forensic data, surveillance footage, and witness statements to identify inconsistencies and potential avenues for defense.

This detailed investigation forms the foundation for tailored legal strategies. With former prosecutors on our team, we understand the state’s typical approach and can anticipate arguments proactively. This allows us to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s theory of intent, explores legal justifications such as self-defense or defense of others, and considers any mitigating factors that may influence outcomes.

By integrating rigorous evidence analysis with strategic planning, we aim to protect our clients’ rights, strengthen their position in court, and provide clear guidance throughout each stage of the legal process.

Types of Murder Charges

In Texas, homicide offenses are defined under Chapter 19 of the Texas Penal Code. These charges are categorized based on intent, the specific circumstances of the act, and aggravating factors.

At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we provide a vigorous defense across this entire hierarchy:

Capital murder. The most serious category in the Texas justice system, punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Circumstances that elevate murder to "Capital" include killing a peace officer or fireman, committing murder during the commission of another serious felony (such as kidnapping, robbery, or arson), or "murder for hire."
First-degree murder & “Felony murder”. Standard murder is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison. This includes intentional killings and "Felony Murder", where a death occurs during the commission of another dangerous felony, even if the death was unintentional.
Manslaughter and "sudden passion" (2 to 20 Years). This punishment range applies to two distinct legal scenarios. Manslaughter is a standalone second-degree felony involving "recklessness" rather than an intent to kill. Additionally, if a first-degree murder charge is proven, we may argue Sudden Passion mitigation, proving the act occurred in the "heat of the moment" from an adequate cause, to reduce the sentencing range to this lower level.
Criminally negligent homicide. This involves causing a death through criminal negligence, failing to perceive a substantial risk that a reasonable person would have seen. It is a State Jail Felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.

Even lower-degree homicide charges carry life-altering penalties, making it essential to work with attorneys who are deeply familiar with homicide defense and the specific procedural nuances of the Harris County courts.

How These Charges Can Impact Your Life

A murder charge touches nearly every part of your life, far beyond the possibility of imprisonment. It can jeopardize professional licenses, strain personal relationships, and damage your reputation permanently. For non-citizens, a homicide charge creates immediate and severe immigration consequences.

At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we help clients understand these broader impacts from the outset. By providing clear guidance on how each choice, whether during investigation, negotiation, or trial, can affect your future, we aim to give you a sense of control and clarity in a challenging situation.

Legal Options After a Murder Charge

Even in the most serious cases, there are legal avenues to explore for reducing charges or challenging outcomes:

Motions to suppress. Challenging evidence or statements obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.
Plea negotiations. Seeking a reduction to a lesser-included offense like manslaughter when the evidence for murder is insufficient.
Mitigating circumstances. Presenting evidence of a client’s background, mental health, or the context of the event to influence sentencing.
Post-conviction relief. Pursuing appeals or habeas corpus petitions to challenge legal errors or introduce newly discovered evidence.

FAQs

What Happens at My First Court Appearance for a Murder Charge in Harris County?

The first appearance, often referred to as the "first setting" or "arraignment," is primarily procedural. During this hearing, the judge ensures you have legal counsel and addresses bond conditions. In Houston, the District Attorney’s office frequently requests exceptionally high bond amounts or "no bond" in homicide cases. Our immediate priority is to advocate for reasonable bail so that you can participate in your defense from outside a jail cell.

What Is the “Castle Doctrine” & How Does It Apply?

Texas Penal Code § 9.32 provides robust protections for those defending their "castle," which Texas law defines as your occupied habitation (home), vehicle, or place of business/employment. Under this doctrine, there is a legal presumption that your use of deadly force was reasonable if an intruder was unlawfully and forcefully entering or attempting to remove you from these locations. Furthermore, you generally have no "duty to retreat" if you are in a location where you have a legal right to be.

Can I Be Charged with Murder If I Didn’t Actually Kill the Person?

Yes. Under the "Law of Parties" (Texas Penal Code § 7.02), you can be held criminally responsible for the conduct of another if you acted with the intent to promote or assist the offense. In Houston, this is a common legal reality in multi-defendant cases; acting as a lookout, providing a weapon, or driving a getaway car can result in the same murder charges and penalties as the individual who committed the act.

What Is a “Grand Jury Packet” & How Can It Help My Case?

In Texas, all felony charges must be presented to a grand jury for indictment. Before this occurs, we can often submit a "defense packet" containing witness statements, exculpatory evidence, or character references. Our goal is to persuade the grand jury to issue a "No Bill", which effectively dismisses the case, or to reduce the charges to a lower offense before the case ever enters the formal trial track.

Call Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC Today

Facing a murder charge in Houston requires immediate and experienced legal guidance. At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we combine meticulous preparation and a client-focused approach to protect your rights.

Call (832) 720-7255 today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us discuss your options and build a defense designed to protect your future.

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Over 60 Years of Combined Experience

Handling Criminal Defense & Serious Injury Cases

Proven, Successful Trial Attorney in Texas
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Former Prosecutors With a Long Track Record of Respect

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Nicole goes above and beyond.
“Nicole goes above and beyond the “call of duty” both in and out of the court room. Her statement to us when my husband and I hired her was that she would treat us like her family. She most certainly has done that. It has been almost 5 years since adjudication and she has continued to help us with any need that may arise. In this world of uncertainty, there is no one else I would rather have as our counsel than Nicole DeBorde. She truly is an anomaly and has no equal.”

- Kasie
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“I was on probation and got arrested out of town. I had an attorney at the time who told me I would go to prison for 2 to 4 years for Revocation of Probation. I found Ms DeBorde, who told me that she would fight all the way to make sure this didn’t happen. I hired her, and in the end, she did just what she said. I’m very grateful that we have people on this earth who care about others the way Ms DeBorde does. She is an honest straight forward super Attorney . Thank you, Ms. DeBorde.”

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