Richardson Manslaughter Defense Attorneys
Lawyers for Manslaughter or Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Richardson, Texas
When a person has been involved in an event that ended someone's life, they may struggle to cope with the situation. The emotional trauma that they may experience can be difficult enough on its own, but the matter can become worse when they need to respond to charges of manslaughter. A fatal car crash, a firearm that discharged accidentally, or another situation where someone was killed can lead to serious criminal charges. A person who is convicted may face years or decades in prison.
The attorneys at Texas Defense Firm help people in Richardson respond to accusations of manslaughter and defend against criminal convictions. We have extensive experience defending against homicide charges and other violent crimes. Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and we know how to help clients protect their rights during these high-stakes cases.
When a Person's Death May Lead to a Manslaughter Charge
Charges of manslaughter may be based on accusations that a person acted recklessly and caused the death of another person. Recklessness is the key issue in these cases. A prosecutor will not need to show that a defendant wanted the other person to die. They will need to show that the person acted in a way that was considered to be reckless and that this conduct caused the person's death.
Recklessness may involve a person's awareness of potential risks and a disregard of these risks. For example, someone who jokingly points what they believe is an unloaded handgun at a friend, then pulls the trigger, may be considered to be reckless, since this is an action that could lead to a person's death. If the gun fires and kills the other person, manslaughter charges may apply.
Manslaughter Vs. Murder
Charges of homicide will usually be based on an alleged intent to kill someone. A person who knew that their actions would cause death or who killed someone while attempting to cause a serious bodily injury may be charged with murder. Manslaughter charges, on the other hand, generally involve unintentional deaths. In some cases, a person may be charged with murder, but a prosecutor may agree to reduce charges to manslaughter. Showing that a death was involved recklessness rather than an intent to kill can mean the difference between a potential life sentence and a far shorter one.
Manslaughter Involving Motor Vehicles
When a person is accused of killing someone else while driving a vehicle, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. These cases may involve charges related to:
Reckless Driving
When a driver has allegedly caused a fatal car crash, prosecutors may file manslaughter charges based on allegations of reckless driving. Examples of reckless driving that could result in fatal accidents include street racing, driving at a high speed through a residential area, or weaving through heavy traffic while deliberately ignoring signals. Accident reconstruction, vehicle data recorders, and statements from witnesses may play a role in these cases, and an evaluation of the evidence can determine whether a person's conduct was truly reckless.
Intoxication Manslaughter
When a fatal accident occurs while a driver was allegedly intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, charges of intoxication manslaughter may apply. If evidence shows that a person was driving while intoxicated, the person may be presumed to be reckless and responsible for causing someone else's death.
Scientific evidence can play an important role in these cases. Our team can look at whether a blood draw that took place after an accident was properly authorized and whether the sample was handled and tested correctly. We may also take steps to determine whether a person's intoxication actually caused a crash. If the other driver ran a red light, or if a collision was unavoidable because of hazards in the road, we may argue that intoxication was not the cause of a person's death.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
In some cases, a risk may have existed, but a person may not have realized it. When a person was allegedly killed because of negligence rather than recklessness, charges of criminally negligent homicide may apply instead of manslaughter. While manslaughter is typically charged as a second-degree felony, criminally negligent homicide is a state jail felony. A reduction of charges from manslaughter to criminally negligent homicide can result in penalties that are likely to be less serious.
Contact Our Richardson, TX Manslaughter Lawyers
When you have been charged with manslaughter, your entire future could be at risk. You may be looking at a potential prison sentence that could last for many years. You will need to determine the best steps to take to avoid a conviction. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can challenge the evidence in your case, argue for a lesser charge when appropriate, and provide the representation needed to resolve your case successfully. Contact our Richardson, Texas manslaughter defense attorneys at 972-369-0577 to set up your free consultation.
