Murder

Murder under Texas Penal Code § 19.02 is defined as intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person, or intending to cause serious bodily injury and committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death. A felony murder theory also applies when a person causes death during the commission of certain felonies. Murder is a First-Degree Felony carrying 5–99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. If the defendant acted in sudden passion from adequate cause — an affirmative defense the defendant must prove — the jury may reduce the verdict to a Second-Degree Felony. Capital murder under § 19.03 applies in aggravated circumstances and carries the death penalty or life without parole.