Understanding One of Texas’s Most Serious Criminal Laws
Some criminal charges carry consequences that permanently alter a person’s life. The felony murder rule is one of them. It applies in situations where a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies—even if causing death was never the original intent.
At MC Criminal Law, our FAQ Series is designed to answer the questions people ask when they’re facing the most serious allegations under Texas law. Our criminal defense attorneys handle complex felony cases every day and believe that understanding how the law works is essential to protecting your rights from the very beginning.
Today’s FAQ explains a doctrine that is often misunderstood but aggressively prosecuted:
Q: What is the Felony Murder Rule in Texas?
A: The felony murder rule allows a person to be charged with murder if they cause a death while committing or attempting to commit any felony (other than manslaughter), even if the death was unintentional.
MC TIP
This is a complex indictment and a charge that Dallas rarely files. If a person is charged with this, we view it as a strong indication that the case may have serious weaknesses, and we should act in our investigation immediately. Just another reason why it’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney early in the legal process, even before charges have formally been filed.
Our North Texas attorneys have been both defense attorneys and prosecutors and use that experience to approach cases from all angles and keep strategy at the forefront of the work we do for our clients. If you or a loved one need help with a serious criminal issue in Dallas, Collin, Denton, or Tarrant Counties, or the surrounding areas, call our office to schedule your free consultation.