Manslaughter Charges

Houston Manslaughter Charges Attorney

When people are facing manslaughter charges in Texas, it is very important for them
to hire the help of experienced manslaughter charges attorneys as soon as they can.
Manslaughter accusations can lead to serious penalties. The accused should not try to
represent themselves in court because manslaughter laws are very complex. It is best
to seek out a licensed legal professional.

Unlike manslaughter, murder is premeditated, and the killer has a motive. In the state of Texas, there are three categories for manslaughter charges, and they are as follows:

  • Manslaughter: Death caused by reckless behavior
  • Criminally negligent homicide: Death due to carelessness or failure to recognize a potentially hazardous situation
  • Intoxication manslaughter: Death caused by drinking and driving

What is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is defined as a killing that occurred unintentionally and without malice. What this means is, if someone kills another person due to recklessness or carelessness, then they have committed manslaughter.

The most common penalties for manslaughter charges are listed below:

  • Criminal fines up to $10,000
  • Imprisonment for two to 20 years
  • Up to 240 hours of mandatory community service
  • Probationary period after release from prison

Those who are found guilty of intoxication manslaughter charges may face two additional penalties: loss of driving privileges and increased car insurance rates.

Punishments for Manslaughter Charges

Manslaughter and intoxication manslaughter are both classified as second-degree felonies, while criminally negligent homicide is classified as a state jail felony.

The punishments for any manslaughter conviction vary depending on the category and circumstances surrounding the crime.

Possible Defenses for Charges of Manslaughter

For someone to be convicted of manslaughter in Texas, it must be proven beyond a reasonable
doubt that the crime occurred due to recklessness, carelessness or negligence on the part
of the defendant. Experienced manslaughter attorneys will investigate these cases
carefully and try to determine how and why the killings happened.

They will also work closely with the prosecution and try to negotiate plea agreements. When
cases must go to trial, they will select expert witnesses and collect evidence that will
help support their clients’ remorse or innocence. In intoxication manslaughter cases,
professional lawyers will explore the possibilities of invalid field sobriety tests and/or
violations of the defendants’ constitutional rights at the time of their arrests

CONTACT A HOUSTON DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Charges of manslaughter can be extremely complicated and confusing for the average individual, and nobody should ever try to resolve a manslaughter accusation on their own.

When people have been arrested, accused or are simply under investigation, Houston lawyer Rand Mintzer can help. Talk to Rand Mintzer at 713-862-8880 to find out how he can help with your case.

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