Homicide Defense Lawyer in Harris County Texas
Murder | Manslaughter | Negligent Homicide
James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced Harris County criminal lawyer. For over 25 years, Sullivan has successfully fought the government in jury trials on behalf of clients in criminal and juvenile courts.
James Sullivan graduated from the Trial Lawyers College founded by legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and countries in courts throughout Texas.
Located in northwest Houston, and serving the counties of southeast Texas, James G. Sullivan and Associates provides those accused of murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide with an aggressive, experienced defense. Since 1994, Sullivan has defended at trial several clients accused of murder and homicide related charges.
In his most recent murder case in February 2015, Sullivan forced the State to agree to 15 years in prison on the second jury trial setting. Prior to trial, the State only offered 45 years. Sullivan’s client carried a gun to a college age party held in a family’s backyard. To scare off several hostile men that wanted to fight him, the client fired a warning shot over them and accidentally struck and killed an innocent bystander.
In 2014, Sullivan assisted his associate Nancy Botts in a murder trial in which the accused initially lied to the investigating officer and even tried to hide the firearm and cover up the physical evidence. Their client claimed self defense in killing a drug addict with a shotgun at close range, however his credibility was destroyed by the lies he initially told to investigators. Even though the jury did find their client guilty, Botts was able to secure a 16 year prison sentence. Prior to trial, the State again only offered 45 years.
Homicide charges, ranging from manslaughter and negligent homicide to capital murder, are very serious and carry serious consequences if convicted.
When facing murder charges, it is essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side to get the best possible outcome.
The different homicide charges carry the following penalties:
- Capital Murder: Life imprisonment or the death penalty
- Murder: 5 years to Life in prison
- Manslaughter: 2 to 20 years in prison
- Negligent Homicide: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail. However, if a deadly weapon is found to have been used, the range is 2 to 10 years in prison.
Contact a Skilled Houston Murder Defense Lawyer
The outcome of your case is significantly affected by the experience of the criminal defense lawyer you hire. It is important to hire a reputable attorney with extensive trial experience, especially murder trial experience. James Sullivan will help you understand the charges against you and discuss your options.
To consult in confidence with an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer, contact Attorney James Sullivan at 281-546-6428.
