Texas has some of the nation’s harshest penalties for murder, including the possibility of a death sentence. As a death penalty state, Texas takes a strict stance on capital crimes, and individuals accused of murder face potentially life-altering consequences.

If you are charged with murder, you could face:

• Death Penalty – In cases of capital murder, you may face the ultimate penalty: the death sentence.
• Life Imprisonment – If convicted of murder, a life sentence is a real possibility, even if the death penalty is not pursued.
• Bail Denial – Due to the severity of the charge, you may be denied bail and remain in custody throughout your case.
• Loss of Contact with Family – Extended time in custody can severely limit contact with family and friends.
• Significant Fines and Penalties – Alongside prison time, a murder conviction may come with a heavy financial penalty.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Defense Lawyer for Your Case

When you’re facing these serious charges, selecting an experienced, board-certified attorney is critical. Board-certified criminal defense lawyer Jacob Blizzard brings proven expertise, recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both criminal law and criminal appellate law. Jacob Blizzard is one of only two lawyers in the Seventh Administrative Judicial Region qualified to serve as Lead Appellate Counsel in death penalty cases, underscoring his specialized skills and commitment to justice.

Jacob’s approach to defense is rooted in a firm belief in every client’s right to a fair trial. Supported by a team of highly skilled attorneys, Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys are prepared to defend clients against all criminal charges, including the most serious.

Contact Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys Today

If you’re facing a murder charge, take action now. Reach out to the criminal defense attorneys at Blizzard and Zimmerman for a consultation, and let us review your case to determine how we can advocate for you in court.

RESULTS: Not Guilty of Capital Murder

Attorney Jacob Blizzard showcased his formidable courtroom skills in the groundbreaking Taylor County, Texas Capital Murder trial of Damian Cate. Despite facing daunting challenges, Blizzard managed to secure a Not Guilty verdict in a case marked by intense emotional and legal intricacies. Through strategic defense tactics, he exposed Mr. Cate’s misleading statements as a result of intellectual disability and coercive interrogation, effectively dissociating him from the grave charges. This significant legal triumph not only highlighted Blizzard’s determined advocacy but also reinforced the firm’s reputation for securing justice in the face of the most serious allegations.

Read more on this Taylor County, TX capital murder case: State of Texas v. Damian Cate, Client Found Not Guilty of Capital Murder.

RESULTS: Not Guilty Murder Accusation – Guilty of Lesser Included Offense of Manslaughter

Our client faced charges for the 2022 murder in Taylor County, TXof a co-worker at a local construction site, accused of unexpectedly and without provocation shooting the co-worker in the back of the head. Initially, prosecutors proposed a plea deal of 50 years in prison. However, as the trial neared, they withdrew the offer, opting instead to pursue a life sentence from the jury.

Read more on this murder case: Man Accused of Murder of Co-Worker

The Texas Penal code defines murder as:

• Intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
• Intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual; or
• Commits or attempts to commit a felony, other than manslaughter, and in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt, or in immediate flight from the commission or attempt, he commits or attempts to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual.

The Penalty Is Severe

The penalty for murder is that of a first-degree felony, which can result in 5-99 years/life in prison, and a $10,000 fine.

If the murder happened as a result of “sudden passion,” passion directly caused by and arising out of provocation by the individual killed or another acting with the person killed which passion arises at the time of the offense and is not solely the result of former provocation, it is classified as a second-degree felony, which can result in 2-20 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.

Murder can also be classified as a capital offense if one of the following conditions are met:

1. 1. The person murders a peace officer or fireman who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and who the person knows is a peace officer or fireman;
   2. The person intentionally commits the murder in the course of committing or attempting to commit kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, obstruction or retaliation, or terroristic threat under Section 22.07(a)(1), (3), (4), (5), or (6);
   3. The person commits the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration or employs another to commit the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration;
   4. The person commits the murder while escaping or attempting to escape from a penal institution;
   5. The person, while incarcerated in a penal institution, murders another:
      1. (A) who is employed in the operation of the penal institution; or
      2. (B) with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination;
   6. The person:
      1. (A) While incarcerated for an offense under this section or Section 19.02, murders another; or
      2. (B) While serving a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of 99 years for an offense under Section 20.04, 22.021, or 29.03, murders another;
   7. The person murders more than one person:
      1. (A) During the same criminal transaction; or
      2. (B) During different criminal transactions but the murders are committed pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct;
   8. The person murders an individual under 10 years of age;
   9. The person murders an individual 10 years of age or older but younger than 15 years of age; or
   10. The person murders another person in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of the other person as a judge or justice of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional county court, a statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court.

The penalty for this would be that of a capital felony, which results in either life in prison or death.

Your defense lawyer  in a murder case is your strongest ally. If you or a loved one is facing murder charges you can rely on Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys. Contact our lawyers today to book a confidential consultation.