In Texas, as in the rest of the United States, attempting to commit a crime is itself a crime. The attempt is not as serious as actually committing the crime, but it still can put you in a world of trouble. For instance, attempted shoplifting is a crime, but it will be even less serious than what is generally not a particularly serious crime. However, for something like attempted murder, consequences can be severe. Sure, the penalties are not as bad as for actually killing someone, but they are bad. That means that if you are facing charges of attempted murder, you definitely need to get a good defense lawyer, fast. Even attempted murder charges are not the end of the road.
There are Defenses to Attempted Murder Charges
Texas law requires that, to be convicted of an attempted offense – including attempted murder – you must engage in an act with the intent to commit the crime but fail to actually do so. The act must consist of more than mere preparation. Buying a weapon that you hope to use to kill someone or taking a weapon to a place where you know the person you hope to kill will be are not enough to constitute attempted murder. You have to actually try to kill the person, and you have to intend to do so. What that means is the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- You intended to kill someone and tried to do so, or
- You attacked someone so recklessly with a disregard for whether that person survived the attack, even without intending to kill a specific person, and
- That you did something to further your goal of killing someone but failed to do so
Essentially, then there are two things the prosecution must prove — that you intended to kill someone, and that you tried to carry out your intent. You can defeat attempted murder charges by showing that you did not intend to kill anyone, or that you did not try to do so. Obviously, these are legal issues that will require the assistance of an experienced defense attorney to address.
Penalties for an Attempted Murder Conviction Can be Steep
Because murder is a first-degree felony, under Texas law attempted murder is a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony is punishable by at least two years and up to 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction for attempted murder potentially could take away a significant portion of your life as a free person. In addition to the judicial punishment, a felony conviction can make it difficult to find a job – or at least a good job – as well as a place to rent once you are released from prison, regardless of how much time you serve.
If You are Facing Charges of Attempted Murder in Houston, Contact Madrid Law Firm
A conviction on attempted murder charges can ruin your life but being charged is not the same thing as being convicted. You have defenses to charges of attempted murder, and you should find an experienced defense attorney to help you deploy those defenses. You need to contact Madrid Law Firm, where they have the knowledge and experience to help.
