Murder Your Defense Starts Here

Houston Murder Defense Attorney

Skilled Defense from a Former Prosecutor

Murder is one of the most serious crimes you can be charged with. Decades-long prison sentences, including life in prison, are the norm for people convicted of murder.

If you are under investigation for murder or have already been charged, it is critical to hire an experienced murder defense attorney right away. You need someone who has experience handling and trying this most serious of all criminal cases.

As a board-certified criminal defense attorney, I have handled and tried many murder cases throughout my career, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I am familiar with ballistics, DNA, fingerprint, and other forensic evidence used in murder cases. I know how local law enforcement agencies investigate these cases and how to defend them.

In Houston, a murder investigation can move quickly from a quiet inquiry to an arrest warrant, sometimes before you are even aware you are a target. Detectives may ask you to “come in and talk,” execute search warrants on your home or phone, or try to question friends and family. Having a Houston murder lawyer involved early can help make sure any decisions about interviews or searches are made with a full understanding of the risks and potential consequences.

When I take on a murder case, I start by carefully reviewing every report, recording, and lab result rather than relying on the summary offered by the prosecution. I also look for issues specific to Harris County practice—such as how a particular division of the Houston Police Department handled interviews or whether a prior grand jury presentation may have been incomplete. This thorough front-end work often uncovers weaknesses in the State’s theory that would otherwise go unchallenged and helps inform whether we push toward trial or negotiate for a reduction of charges.

With your life on the line, you cannot afford to hire a lawyer who is not well-versed in defending murder cases. Contact me today.

Call (346) 567-8671 or connect with me online. I zealously defend clients across the Greater Houston-area.

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Focused on Justice, Dedicated to You

Stephen Aslett is here to help you get the results you need.

  • Results That Matter

    When reputations, freedoms, and futures are at stake, practical solutions and dedicated advocacy make all the difference. I am committed to helping my clients move forward with confidence after challenging circumstances.

  • Former Prosecutor’s Insight

    My years of experience as a Harris County felony prosecutor provide valuable insight into what works in criminal cases. This knowledge allows me to craft practical strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

  • Client-Focused Representation

    Every case is unique, which is why I take a personalized approach. By limiting the number of cases I handle at one time, my clients receive the attention and time necessary to build a defense strategy tailored to their situation.

  • Direct Attorney Access

    My clients work directly with me, ensuring clear communication and consistent support throughout the legal process. I never pass cases off to associates or assistants.

  • Dismissed State v. A.B. (driving with a suspended license)
  • Dismissed State v. A.B. (failure to stop and give information)
  • Writ granted State v. A.B. (writ of habeas corpus)
  • Dismissed State v. A.C. (burglary of a habitation)
  • Dismissed State v. A.C. (DWI 3rd)

    Penalties for Murder & Other Types of Criminal Homicide in Houston

    Murder and related homicide cases carry some of the harshest penalties under Texas law.

    • Capital murder – the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole
    • Murder – 5 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
    • Manslaughter – 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
    • Criminally negligent homicide – 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine; 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if a deadly weapon was used.

    In Houston-area courts, the way a charge is filed can be just as important as the range of punishment listed in the statute. Prosecutors in Harris County and surrounding counties often have discretion to treat a case as murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide based on how they view the evidence. That initial charging decision affects bond, plea offers, and how a jury will eventually be instructed. Part of my job is to present information early that may persuade a prosecutor or grand jury to view a case in a less serious category when the facts support it.

    The potential penalties also interact with other Texas laws, such as rules on parole eligibility, deadly weapon findings, and sentence enhancements for prior felony convictions. For example, a deadly weapon finding can significantly impact when you become eligible for parole, even if the underlying sentence length is the same. When I advise you about options, I look not only at the number of years in a possible sentence but also at how those years would actually be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice so you can make informed choices about your future.

    To learn more about murder and other homicide charges, read my blog post here.

    What Happens After a Murder Arrest in Houston

    Being arrested on a murder charge in Houston is overwhelming, and understanding the process can help you regain a sense of control. After an arrest, you will typically be taken to the Harris County Jail, where you will be booked, photographed, and fingerprinted. A magistrate will then review the allegations and set bail or decide whether to hold you without bond. The decisions made at this early stage can influence where you are housed, how quickly you can be released, and what conditions you must follow if you are able to post bond.

    Once charges are filed, your case is assigned to a specific district court at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. Each court has its own practices and docket schedule, which determine when you will appear for arraignment, pretrial conferences, and any hearings on motions. During this period, the prosecution must turn over discovery, including police reports, video, and lab results. When I represent you, I use these hearings to challenge unreasonable bond conditions, preserve your rights, and begin shaping the narrative that the judge and potential jurors will eventually hear.

    As your case moves forward, important deadlines arrive for filing motions, requesting independent testing, and deciding whether to have the case presented to a grand jury. These steps happen long before any trial date is set, and they are often where critical strategic decisions are made. I walk you through each phase, explain what choices are available, and give you honest assessments of the risks and benefits so you are never guessing about what comes next or why we are taking a particular approach.

    • He got my son off a murder charge.
      - Cary W.
    • If I didn't have him representing me I'm certain that I would've been convicted on false charges.
      - Shaina W.
    • If you need a criminal defense attorney, this is the lawyer to call.
      - David B.

      Defenses Against Murder Accusations

      When you hire our experienced Houston murder defense attorney, you can expect to work directly with him. Unlike at larger firms, where your case might be passed from one associate to the next, Attorney Aslett will be directly involved from start to finish. This approach allows him to craft personalized defenses more strategically. 

      On your behalf, he may argue the following: 

      • You acted in self-defense or defense of others
      • You were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator
      • The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt 
      • The prosecution is pursuing charges that are harsher than warranted
      • Law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest process 

      In a Houston murder case, the facts on the ground often determine which defense is strongest, so I spend significant time gathering records, speaking with witnesses, and, when appropriate, consulting independent forensic professionals. Sometimes the best approach is to challenge the reliability of a single key witness; in other cases, the focus may be on exposing problems with how the scene was processed or how statements were taken. By narrowing in on the State’s weakest links, I aim to create reasonable doubt in the eyes of a Harris County jury.

      Many people facing a homicide charge assume their options are limited to “plead guilty” or “go to trial,” but that is rarely the full picture. Depending on the evidence, there may be room to argue for reduced charges, such as manslaughter, or to raise issues through pretrial motions that can limit what the jury ultimately hears. Throughout the process, I explain these options in plain language, answer your questions, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of each path so that any decision we make is made together and with a clear strategy in mind.

      Enlist the Help of a Criminal Law Specialist

      If you or someone you care for has been charged with murder, there is no time to waste. Protect yourself and your future by seeking guidance from not just any attorney but a criminal law specialist. With Attorney Aslett in your corner, you can navigate your case confidently and feel assured that you have a premier professional defending you. 

      As a board-certified criminal law attorney and former prosecutor, I limit the number of active cases I accept so I can stay deeply involved in every stage of your defense. That means I am the one reviewing discovery, preparing you for hearings, and standing beside you in court in Houston and the surrounding counties. My familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures helps me anticipate how your case is likely to unfold and tailor our approach to the specific court and division where your charges are pending.

      When you contact me about a murder accusation, I will discuss your situation in detail, explain what you can expect over the next few days and weeks, and outline immediate steps to protect your rights, such as how to handle contact from law enforcement and what to avoid saying to others about the case. Whether we meet virtually or in person, my goal is to give you clear, candid advice so you can make informed decisions at a time when everything may feel overwhelming.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How Quickly Should I Contact a Lawyer After Learning I Am Under Investigation?

      You should speak with a lawyer as soon as you learn that detectives want to talk to you or that you may be a suspect. Early advice can help you avoid interviews or statements that might later be used against you. A lawyer can also communicate with investigators on your behalf and advise you about whether to cooperate, decline to answer questions, or take other protective steps.

      Will My Case Automatically Go to Trial If I Am Charged With Murder?

      Not every murder charge ends in a jury trial. Many cases are resolved through negotiations, pretrial motions, or grand jury decisions. Whether a trial makes sense depends on the strength of the evidence, available defenses, and your goals. A lawyer can review the discovery with you, explain the likely outcomes of different choices, and help you decide whether to pursue a negotiated resolution or prepare for trial.

      Can I Talk About My Case With Friends or Post About It Online?

      Talking about your case with friends, family, or on social media can create serious problems later. Anything you say could be repeated in court or discovered by investigators, sometimes in a way that is taken out of context. It is usually safer to limit detailed conversations about the facts of the case to private discussions with your lawyer, where your communications are protected.

      Call (346) 567-8671 or contact The Aslett Law Firm online to request a free consultation.

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