Murder Lawyer in Georgetown

Our Comprehensive Approach to Murder Defense

Winters & Chidester utilize a multi-layered defense strategy, focusing on the factual, legal, and constitutional weaknesses in the State's case. We act as relentless advocates for every client facing a murder charge.

• Attacking the Science and Forensics: We challenge the State's most critical evidence—the forensic science. Our firm retains independent experts in:
  • Ballistics and Firearms: Challenging the chain of custody of the weapon or the certainty of the ballistics match.
  • Medical Examiners: Disputing the official cause and manner of death by hiring independent medical professionals.
  • Crime Scene Reconstruction: Showing that the physical evidence (blood spatter, trajectory) supports the defense narrative (e.g., self-defense or accident) and contradicts the prosecution's theory.
• Proving Justification (Self-Defense): Texas law provides powerful protections for self-defense (PC 9.32). We aggressively investigate the scene, the history of the parties, and all evidence to prove that the use of deadly force was immediately necessary to protect the defendant or a third party from the use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force. If this is proven, the defendant is acquitted.
• Challenging the Confession/Statements: Police interrogation rooms are dangerous places. We review all recordings and testimony to determine if the client's statements were coerced, involuntary, or obtained in violation of their Miranda Rights. If so, we file motions to suppress the statement, often eliminating the key evidence against the defendant.
• Developing the Lesser-Included Defense: Even when the facts of a case are difficult, we maintain a fallback strategy to reduce the conviction to a lesser-included offense: Manslaughter (recklessness) or Criminally Negligent Homicide (criminal negligence). This defense requires a murder lawyer in Georgetown to possess exceptional trial skills to guide the jury toward the lesser culpable mental state.

The "Sudden Passion" Mitigation

This is a critical mitigating factor we raise in the punishment phase of a murder trial (PC 19.02(d)). If the defense proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the death occurred under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause, the conviction is reduced to a Second-Degree Felony (2 to 20 years in prison).

An adequate cause is a cause that would commonly produce a degree of anger, rage, resentment, or terror in a person of ordinary temper, sufficient to render the mind incapable of cool reflection.

Our firm uses expert testimony and compelling evidence to prove this mitigating factor, which can turn a life sentence into a 20-year maximum sentence.

What Sets Our Murder Defense Attorneys Apart

Murder defense is complex, especially in Georgetown, where every decision matters. Our experience as former prosecutors is a major advantage, giving us unique insight into how the prosecution builds its case. Attorneys James Winters and Veronica Chidester take active roles in every case, ensuring that nothing is left unchecked.

What makes our team different:

• Prosecutor perspective: Anticipate the prosecution's tactics to counter them at every turn.
• Meticulous case preparation: Prepare aggressively for both trial and negotiation, reviewing all evidence, and challenging weaknesses in the state’s case.
• Personalized communication: Connect with you and your family in English or Spanish, providing answers and updates throughout the legal process.
• Local courtroom experience: Regular appearances in the Williamson County District Court mean we understand what strategies succeed in Georgetown.

We give each case the focus it deserves. Our approach combines deep legal knowledge, thorough preparation, and a commitment to delivering the best possible representation for your situation.

Why Choosing a Local Georgetown Attorney Makes a Difference

When the outcome of your case could determine your entire future, it is critical to have a defense team that lives and works in the same community as the court and prosecutors. Our attorneys handle felony cases, including murder, in Georgetown and throughout Williamson County on a regular basis. We know what happens at every stage of these complex trials.

Local knowledge benefits you:

• Courtroom familiarity: We understand the routines, expectations, and strategies that work in Williamson County District Court.
• Relationships with local prosecutors: Our history as former prosecutors means we can anticipate what strategies the other side may use against you.
• In-person support: Our Georgetown office is accessible—making it easy for you and your family to meet with us, discuss updates, and ask questions at any time.

Having a lawyer who knows the Georgetown legal landscape can directly affect how quickly your case moves and what defense options are available. We make our local insight available to every client, every time.