Murder Defense Lawyers In San Antonio

Serious Charges Require Focused Criminal Defense

If you or a loved one has been arrested for murder, it can feel like life has stopped in an instant. You may be at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center or trying to figure out what will happen at the next court date. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady legal team, not more confusion. At Flanary Law Firm, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience representing people charged with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We regularly appear in felony courts in San Antonio and understand how homicide cases move through the local system. Our goal is to protect your rights, guide you through each decision, and work for the best result the facts and law allow. Whether you are under investigation, already indicted, or your family is searching for help after a late-night arrest, we are here to talk through your options and begin building a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Call Flanary Law Firm today at (210) 899-7566 for a consultation.

Why Experience Matters In Murder Cases

Murder and other homicide charges are among the most complex and high-stakes cases in Texas criminal law. The prosecution may rely on forensic evidence, digital records, eyewitness accounts, and statements that police believe support their version of events. The consequences can include decades in prison, and in some situations, a potential life sentence.

Our attorneys bring more than three decades of combined criminal defense experience to these cases. We have handled a wide range of charges in Bexar County criminal courts, from straightforward matters to complex indictments. This background helps us understand how prosecutors build cases, what evidence tends to convince local juries, and where weaknesses may exist.

We do not approach homicide cases with a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, we take time to learn about you, your history, and the events that led to the accusation. Some cases focus on issues of intent, such as whether the facts support murder or a lesser offense. Others may raise questions about self-defense, identity, or whether law enforcement followed constitutional rules. Our job is to identify and develop the angles that are actually supported by the evidence. Because we regularly negotiate serious felony pleas and defend clients in contested hearings, we are familiar with how judges in San Antonio typically address motions, bond issues, and trial settings. This local experience allows us to give you realistic guidance about what to expect and to prepare thoroughly for each step rather than reacting at the last minute.

What To Do After A Murder Arrest

The hours and days after a murder arrest, or after detectives contact you about a homicide investigation, are critical. Many people feel pressure to explain their side of the story, especially if they believe there has been a mistake. However, statements made early can shape the entire case and are often difficult to undo.

If you or a family member is in custody in San Antonio, you may be dealing with the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, upcoming magistrate hearings, and calls from investigators. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. Taking a few careful steps now can protect your rights and give your legal team room to work.

Key steps to protect yourself after a murder arrest:

• Use your right to remain silent. Politely tell officers that you want a lawyer and that you will not answer questions. Avoid discussing the case with other inmates, on the phone, or in messages, since many of these conversations can be recorded.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney quickly. Reaching out to our law office early allows us to advise you before interviews, begin reviewing available information, and address urgent issues, such as bond when possible.
• Do not talk about the facts online. Social media posts, texts, and emails can all become part of the evidence file. Family and friends should avoid debating the case publicly or sharing details.
• Gather basic information for your lawyer. If you are a family member, write down arrest details, the booking number, upcoming court dates, and any contact you have had with detectives or witnesses so far.
• Follow legal advice, not rumors. Other inmates, acquaintances, or online sources may give conflicting guidance about what will happen next. We focus on the specific charges, judge, and court involved, and tailor our advice to those realities.

By getting involved early, we work to protect your rights during questioning, help your family understand the booking and court process, and begin identifying evidence that may be time sensitive, such as surveillance footage or phone records.

How We Defend Murder Charges

Every murder case begins with the state’s version of what happened, but that is not the end of the story. Our role is to test each part of the prosecution’s case and to develop a defense plan that reflects both the evidence and your goals. This requires detailed work, consistent communication, and informed discussions about risk.

We start by obtaining and reviewing available discovery, such as offense reports, witness statements, recorded interviews, forensic reports, and digital data. We look for inconsistencies, gaps, and potential constitutional issues. For example, we examine how identifications were made, whether searches were supported by proper warrants or consent, and whether any statements were taken in violation of your rights. As we learn more about the facts, we consider potential legal issues and defenses. In some situations, self-defense may be supported by the circumstances or by physical evidence. In others, the question may revolve around intent, which can affect whether the accusation fits murder, manslaughter, or another offense. Sometimes, the focus is on whether the accused is the correct person at all. We approach these questions carefully and base our strategy on what the evidence can support, not on wishful thinking. Throughout this process, we stay in close contact with you and, when appropriate, with your family. We explain what the prosecution is alleging, what the evidence appears to show, and what options are available. Plea negotiations in homicide cases can be complex and emotional. We work to ensure that any decision to consider an offer or proceed to trial is made with a full understanding of the potential outcomes and the strength of the case on both sides.

Our attorneys are prepared to file and argue motions, such as requests to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or to address issues with identification procedures. If your case proceeds toward trial, we focus on careful preparation, which can include analyzing jury selection issues, developing cross-examination plans, and identifying themes that speak to the facts and the law. While no attorney can promise a particular result, we strive to use our experience, case analysis, and local knowledge to put you in the strongest position possible.

Understanding Murder Laws In San Antonio, Texas

To make informed choices about your case, it helps to understand how Texas law treats homicide offenses. The label attached to the charge affects potential penalties and may influence how the prosecution and court approach the case. We explain these concepts clearly so you are not left guessing what legal terms mean for your future.

Texas law includes several categories of homicide, including murder, capital murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide. Generally, murder involves intentionally or knowingly causing another person’s death, or causing death while committing or attempting certain felonies. Capital murder involves specific additional factors that can increase potential punishment. Manslaughter usually addresses reckless conduct that leads to death, and criminally negligent homicide often involves a lower level of blameworthiness. Penalties depend on the specific charge, allegation, and any prior record. Murder is typically a first-degree felony, with a potential sentence measured in decades. Manslaughter is usually a second-degree felony. Capital murder carries the most severe range of potential punishment allowed by Texas law. These ranges can change based on enhancements, prior convictions, and other case-specific factors, so we discuss your individual exposure in private rather than relying on general ranges alone.

In Bexar County, homicide cases often begin with an arrest and magistrate hearing, followed by review by prosecutors and possible presentation to a grand jury. If indicted, the case generally moves through settings in one of the Criminal District Courts in San Antonio. At each stage, there may be opportunities to raise legal issues, negotiate, or prepare for trial. Our attorneys guide you through this process, explain what each hearing means, and help you understand how long the case may realistically take based on complexity and court schedules. Even when the charges sound overwhelming, it is important to remember that the prosecution still has to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job is to hold the state to its burden, identify issues that may reduce or challenge the charges, and help you decide how to move forward with the information we develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am accused of murder in San Antonio?

The most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer promptly. Avoid explaining your side to the police, on the phone, or online. When you call our law office, we talk through what has happened so far and begin planning how to protect your rights.

How much prison time am I really facing?

The potential sentence depends on the exact charge, your prior record, and the facts the state believes it can prove. Murder and related offenses carry significant ranges under Texas law. During a consultation, we review the accusation and explain realistic exposure so you can make informed decisions.

How will your attorneys keep my family informed?

We work to maintain regular communication with clients and, when permitted, with close family members. That can include jail visits, phone calls, and scheduled updates about court settings and developments. Our goal is that you are not guessing about the status of your case or the next step.

Can you help if I already talked to the police?

Yes. Many people speak to officers before fully understanding their rights. We review any statements, evaluate how they were obtained, and consider whether legal challenges may apply. Even if the interview cannot be excluded, we work to place it in context and develop the strongest defense strategy available.

How quickly can your team start on my case?

Once you retain our firm, we begin working as soon as practical. That may include contacting the court, requesting discovery, and advising you about upcoming settings. Early involvement allows us to address urgent concerns such as the bond, preserve potential evidence, and start shaping the direction of your case.

Talk To Our Defense Team Today

A murder charge is one of the most serious accusations a person can face, and you should not have to navigate it alone. With decades of criminal defense experience in San Antonio courts, we are prepared to step in, review what the state is alleging, and explain your options in plain language. When you contact Flanary Law Firm, PLLC, you speak with a team that focuses on criminal defense, takes a personalized approach to each case, and is committed to protecting our clients’ futures. We explain the consultation process, answer your immediate questions, and discuss how we can begin working on your defense without delay.

Call (210) 899-7566 to speak with our team about your case.