Manslaughter and Homicide Defense Attorneys Serving Frisco

When facing homicide charges in Frisco, Texas, your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance. Homicide convictions can result in decades in prison, life sentences, or the death penalty. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our experienced Frisco homicide defense attorneys provide strong, strategic defense representation for clients throughout Collin County and the surrounding areas.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable perspective to homicide defense cases through his background as a former prosecutor. This prosecutorial experience, combined with our team’s thorough understanding of Texas criminal law, allows us to anticipate the state’s strategy and build effective defenses for our clients. Our team has handled complex violent crime cases, including recent notable results such as a NO-BILL on 3 Counts of Manslaughter and 3 Counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in July 2025.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation for homicide in Frisco, time is critical. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer immediately at 214-949-4117 for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

Understanding Homicide Charges in Texas

Texas law defines criminal homicide as intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causing the death of another individual. The specific charge depends on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense and the defendant’s mental state at the time of the incident.

The four primary categories of homicide charges in Texas include:

Murder occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another individual, or intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death. Murder is typically charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.

Capital Murder represents the most serious homicide charge, involving murder committed under specific aggravating circumstances such as killing a peace officer, multiple victims, murder for remuneration, or murder during the commission of certain felonies. Capital murder can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Manslaughter involves recklessly causing the death of another person. This charge recognizes that while the defendant’s actions resulted in death, there was no intent to kill. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Criminally Negligent Homicide occurs when a person causes death through criminal negligence – failing to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that constitutes a gross deviation from reasonable care. This is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.

Federal prosecutors handle homicide cases when the alleged offense occurs on federal property, involves interstate commerce, or falls under federal jurisdiction. Federal cases often carry more severe penalties than state charges.

Types of Homicide Cases We Handle in Frisco

At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we defend clients against all types of homicide charges in Frisco and throughout Collin County. Our experience includes the full range of homicide cases, from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder.

Murder cases often involve complex factual scenarios requiring thorough investigation and strategic defense planning. We handle cases involving:

• Intentional and Knowing Murder: These cases require the prosecution to prove the defendant specifically intended to cause death or knew their actions would likely result in death. Our defense strategies may focus on challenging the defendant’s mental state, presenting evidence of self-defense, or demonstrating lack of intent.
• Felony Murder: Under Texas law, a person can face murder charges if death occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even without intent to kill. We challenge felony murder charges by questioning the underlying felony, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the causal connection between the felony and the death.
• Sudden Passion Cases: When murder occurs under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from adequate cause, the court may reduce the offense from a first-degree to a second-degree felony. We work to establish the elements of sudden passion to achieve reduced charges and penalties for our clients.

Our firm has achieved notable results in murder cases, including directed verdicts, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements that protect our clients’ futures.

Penalties for Homicide Convictions in Collin County

The consequences of homicide convictions in Texas are severe and life-altering. Understanding the potential penalties helps illustrate why experienced legal representation is important when facing these charges.

First-Degree Felony Murder carries a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000. The wide sentencing range allows for significant variation based on the specific circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

Capital Murder represents the most serious criminal charge in Texas. Defendants convicted of capital murder face either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The prosecution must prove specific aggravating factors to seek the death penalty, and the case proceeds through a bifurcated trial process with separate guilt and punishment phases.

Enhanced Penalties apply to defendants with prior felony convictions. Under Texas’s habitual offender statutes, previous convictions can significantly increase the punishment range, potentially resulting in life sentences for repeat offenders.

Collateral Consequences extend far beyond prison time. Homicide convictions result in the permanent loss of voting rights, firearm ownership rights, and professional licensing opportunities. Convicted individuals face significant challenges in employment, housing, and education. The social stigma associated with homicide convictions affects not only the defendant but also their family members.

The financial impact includes court costs, restitution to victims’ families, and the long-term economic consequences of incarceration. These factors underscore the importance of mounting a strong defense to avoid conviction or minimize penalties.

Defense Strategies for Homicide Cases

Effective homicide defense requires a thorough approach tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we employ various defense strategies based on careful case analysis and investigation.

Self-Defense and Defense of Others represents one of the most common defenses in homicide cases. Texas law recognizes the right to use deadly force to protect oneself or others from imminent threats of death or serious bodily injury. We work to establish that our client’s actions were justified under the circumstances, presenting evidence of the alleged victim’s threatening behavior, threats, or history of violence.

Lack of Intent or Knowledge challenges the prosecution’s ability to prove the defendant’s mental state. In murder cases, the state must prove the defendant intended to cause death or knew their actions would likely result in death. We may present evidence of accident, mistake, or lack of specific intent to negate the required mental elements.

Mistaken Identity defenses focus on challenging the prosecution’s identification evidence. Homicide cases often involve chaotic circumstances, poor lighting, or traumatic situations that can lead to misidentification. We scrutinize eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and forensic analysis to challenge identification.

Insufficient Evidence strategies attack the prosecution’s case by highlighting gaps in the evidence, inconsistencies in witness testimony, or problems with the investigation. Our former prosecutor experience helps us identify weaknesses in the state’s case that other defense attorneys might miss.

Mental Health Defenses may apply when the defendant suffered from mental illness or defect at the time of the offense. These defenses can result in not guilty by reason of insanity verdicts or reduced charges based on diminished capacity.

Accident or Negligence Distinctions help differentiate between intentional acts and tragic accidents. We work to demonstrate that deaths resulted from negligence or accident rather than intentional conduct, potentially reducing murder charges to manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Frisco Homicide Case

When facing a homicide charge in Frisco, your freedom depends on having an attorney who understands the prosecution’s playbook. Our firm’s founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings invaluable experience as a former Collin County prosecutor who handled serious felony cases. This unique background provides us with critical insight into how the state builds its arguments, investigates evidence, and presents its case in court. We leverage this knowledge to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, pinpoint weaknesses in their arguments, and develop a powerful defense tailored to counter their every move.

Our strategic approach is validated by a proven track record of success in high-stakes violent crime cases. We have secured dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes for clients facing life-altering charges, including a recent NO-BILL on three counts of Manslaughter and three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. These results are achieved through a meticulous and exhaustive investigation process. We leave no stone unturned, collaborating with skilled investigators and forensic specialists to scrutinize police reports, re-examine evidence, and uncover alternative theories that strengthen your defense.

Our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation is recognized by our peers in the legal community. Justin Wilson was selected as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers for three consecutive years (2021-2023) and is a member of the prestigious Texas Bar College. These honors reflect our firm’s dedication to excellence and our established reputation for delivering high-caliber criminal defense, assuring you that your case is in capable and respected hands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frisco Homicide Defense

Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges in Frisco, Collin County, or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to seek experienced legal representation. The decisions you make in the coming days and weeks can have a lasting impact on your life and future.

At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we understand the fear and uncertainty you’re experiencing. Our experienced homicide defense attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time, protect your rights, and fight for the outcome in your case.

Call 214-949-4117 now for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case and begin building your defense immediately.