Ector County Murder Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Ector County Murder Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Ector County Murder attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our award-winning attorneys relentlessly defend our clients in Ector County Murder cases, ensuring they explore every possible avenue to secure the best possible outcome.

If you are charged with Murder in Ector County, both your life and your freedom are on the line. Texas upholds a tough on crime reputation by vigorously prosecuting individuals accused of violent offenses. Texas is in fact a national leader in executions and has a significant population of death row inmates.

Experienced Defense Against Murder Charges in Texas

All of the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending clients in serious cases just like this. We maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation, and we represent clients who expect this highest level of legal representation. Whether you are a suspect in a Murder case or a loved one is already facing Murder charges in Texas, don’t wait another minute to protect yourself and your family.

We’re not just Ector County Murder lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. If the police have already arrested you for Murder, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the state. You are not guilty unless and until the Ector County District Attorney proves its case in court.

If the police have already arrested you for Murder in Ector County, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the Ector County District Attorney. You are not guilty unless and until they prove their case in court.

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Contact an Ector County
Murder Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Ector County Murder Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Murder charge dropped in Ector County, Texas?

In order to get a Murder charge dropped in Ector County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §19.02.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Murder, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Murder statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Murder statute in detail on the Murder offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Murder cases in Ector County.

One such case is Hernandez v. State.

Hernandez v. State

In Hernandez v. State, rendered on March 14, 2024, by the Texas Eleventh District Court at Eastland, Misael Marquez Hernandez was convicted of the first-degree felony offense of Murder in Ector County. The conviction followed Hernandez’s act of shooting Jacob Escobedo multiple times, resulting in Escobedo’s death. The jury assessed Hernandez’s punishment at sixty years of confinement and a $2500 fine. Hernandez appealed, arguing that the trial court erred by denying a jury charge on the lesser-included offense of manslaughter and by admitting prejudicial photographs during the punishment phase.

The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s decisions, holding that there was no evidence suggesting that Hernandez acted recklessly, which would be necessary to justify a manslaughter charge. The court determined that the evidence supported the conviction for murder, as Hernandez had intentionally shot Escobedo multiple times after an altercation. Furthermore, the appellate court found no error in the admission of photographs showing Hernandez with firearms, which were presented to counter his claim of not being knowledgeable about guns, thereby impacting the jury’s assessment of his character and credibility.

This case highlights the rigorous standards appellate courts apply in evaluating claims of insufficient evidence and erroneous jury instructions. The affirmation of Hernandez’s conviction underscores the importance of substantial evidence in supporting a conviction and demonstrates the appellate court’s role in ensuring that trial proceedings adhere to legal standards. The decision also reflects the judiciary’s careful consideration of evidentiary submissions and their impact on the fairness and integrity of the trial process.

What does a Murder charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Murder, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(b) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;

(2) intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual;

(3) 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, the person commits or attempts to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual; or

(4) knowingly manufactures or delivers a controlled substance included in Penalty Group 1-B under Section 481.1022, Health and Safety Code, in violation of Section 481.1123, Health and Safety Code, and an individual dies as a result of injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or introducing into the individual’s body any amount of the controlled substance manufactured or delivered by the actor, regardless of whether the controlled substance was used by itself or with another substance, including a drug, adulterant, or dilutant.

What Types of Homicide Charges are there in Texas?

There are several different homicide crimes in Texas law. Each type is described below:

Murder

Under §19.02 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual can charged with Murder if they (1) deliberately cause another’s death, (2) intended to inflict serious bodily injury and subsequently cause another’s death, or (3) caused the death of someone while attempting or committing another felony. Additionally, there are new ways to be charged with Murder in Texas, for instance, under the new Fentanyl Murder Law. Murder charges are treated as a first-degree felony and carry a penalty of 5 to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence, unless it is proven that the murder occurred in a moment of sudden passion.

Capital Murder

Capital Murder represents the most serious category of homicide offenses. Charges of Capital Murder arise when an individual causes someone’s death while incarcerated, if the victim is under ten years old, during the murder of multiple individuals, or when the victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or court employee. Additionally, the state can levy Capital Murder charges if a person causes a death while committing a kidnapping, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, arson, or terrorist act. As a capital felony, this offense can potentially lead to the death penalty for the defendant.

Manslaughter

If an individual recklessly causes someone’s death, they may face prosecution for Manslaughter. This could be classified as voluntary Manslaughter or Intoxication Manslaughter. All of these charges are felonies and can result in substantial prison sentences.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

Criminally Negligent Homicide is a charge applied when someone’s actions, which they should have known were dangerous, result in another person’s death. Both Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide involve intricate legal principles and invariably require the expertise of experienced criminal defense attorneys.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Ector County that Make Murder Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Murder in Ector County. Law enforcement agencies in Ector County that most typically make Murder arrests include:

• The Ector County Sheriff’s Office handles Murder cases throughout Ector County, Texas.
• Odessa Police Department serves as one of the municipal police departments within Ector County and investigates Murder cases within the city limits.
• University of Texas Permian Basin Police Department

How do I win a Murder case in Ector County?

To beat a Murder charge in Ector County, Texas, you must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Ector County Murder attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Ector County Murder Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Just because someone died, even if the death was a homicide, does not automatically mean that a crime was committed. Our experienced Ector County Murder attorneys are highly skilled in utilizing a multitude of defenses that you can use to beat Murder charges, including self-defense, defense of others, absence of intent, and accidental death, among others.

There are several affirmative defenses to Murder and all Criminal Homicide charges. However, the best defense to a homicide charge is the defense that begins before an arrest is made. If you are under investigation or a homicide crime, please schedule a consultation with us–before you agree to cooperate with a police investigation or interrogation. The decision about whether to cooperate with a police investigation is not a decision you should make alone: you need the advice of a criminal defense attorney and you need representation throughout the process.

In addition, the best defense involves a good offense. By that I mean a thorough and independent investigation, evaluation of the police department’s investigation, and forensic evidence. Our experienced homicide defense attorney can coordinate all of this in order to defend you in the most effective way possible. In addition, we can work to get a Murder indictment no-billed, before you are even formally charged.

In order to form a winning Murder case defense strategy, our attorneys Paul Sapuuto & Nicholas Toufexis, with the assistance of our professional investigation team, must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Ector County Murder attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Murder case in Ector County, Texas?

Attorney’s fees for a Murder charge typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 in Ector County, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Ector County Murder lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Ector County, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What to Do if Falsely Accused of Murder in Ector County

Even if someone has falsely accused you of Murder, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.

If the state has charged you with Murder, or if you are under investigation for the offense, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Ector County Murder attorneys.

How can you modify your Ector County bond conditions after a Murder arrest?

Start by consulting with your Ector County Murder attorney. Work closely with your attorney to build a compelling case for the requested modifications.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at an Ector County arraignment?

At your arraignment, an Ector County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Ector County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Murder, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Ector County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Ector County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Ector County Murder charge in Ector County?

The Texas Penal Code defines the penalty range for Murder offenses across Texas. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Murder as a first degree felony, unless the death was caused under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. In those cases, Murder is a second degree felony offense. However, it is important to consider the potential collateral consequences of a Murder conviction. These collateral consequences are additional penalties not directly outlined in the penal code’s penalty scheme, but nonetheless accompany the conviction. Your Ector County Murder attorney should discuss these consequences with you before you decide how to handle your case.

The exact penalty one might face from a Murder conviction varies greatly, influenced by factors such as you prior criminal record and the offense specifics. You can find details on the penalty range for all Murder here. For specifics on typical penalties in Ector County Murder cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book a consultation online.

How is Murder defined in Texas?

Texas Penal Code § 19.02 is the state’s murder statute. The law originally provided three circumstances in which someone can be charged with murder (but as of 2024, there are more ways than this!):

• A person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual;
• A person who intends to cause serious bodily injury commits a clearly dangerous act that causes the death of an individual; or
• A person commits a dangerous act in the process of committing a felony (other than manslaughter) that causes the death of another.

Are you under investigation for Murder? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?

We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not always recommend consenting to an interrogation, occasionally we recognize circumstances where consenting to an interrogation may serve your best interest. However, you should never do a police interview without your Ector County Murder lawyer present.

An arrest for Murder can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.

In some cases we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. In general, we recommend avoiding police interrogations because of the extreme level of stress that you will likely experience. Even if you are innocent, the Ector County police and the community will likely judge the way you act and what you say negatively. We must carefully consider this because this negative perception will almost certainly impact your final case disposition. As your Ector County Murder attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Ector County Murder lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Ector County Murder attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

While on duty I was forced to defend myself with lethal force. I contacted Mr. Paul Saputo the next day and he was very friendly and reassuring when I explained the events that took place. He said he would have his investigators out that day to go over the crime scene and he explained to me what to expect next and case scenarios. I felt after speaking with him I was in good hands with a capable attorney and confident I would be represented well. He was always available when I needed to speak with him and always friendly and professional. I was cleared in this shooting and having Mr.Saputo there made this whole ordeal manageable.

– Real client review posted on Mr. Saputo’s Avvo.com profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §19.02.