Houston Manslaughter Lawyer

Providing the Quality Legal Defense You Deserve

If you were arrested and charged with manslaughter in Texas, this is a felony offense that can result in years of prison time. You’re being accused of taking someone’s life, so you can expect the penalties to be severe. Fortunately, a skilled Houston manslaughter lawyer can defend you from this serious accusation.

At our law firm, we understand the serious nature of these charges and are dedicated to providing aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom. With our manslaughter defense attorney on your side, you can trust that we will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

When you hire the Cory Roth Law Office to represent you during your criminal defense case, you will have a Houston murder defense lawyer by your side to review the details, gather evidence, and argue against the charge. Getting legal help from a skilled Houston murder defense attorney is essential if you want to clear your name. Contact the Cory Roth Law Office today at 832-400-4133 to schedule a consultation.

What Is Manslaughter?

The Texas legal system considers manslaughter to be a type of criminal homicide, so it’s among the most serious accusations you can face, with only murder being more severe. Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful, reckless killing of someone without premeditation. This means you’re charged with illegally ending someone’s life by acting negligently, recklessly, or under intense emotional distress after being provoked.

While manslaughter and murder are both criminal homicide charges, the latter is considered more serious. This is because a murder charge requires the prosecutor to prove you had premeditation, intent, or knowledge that you were going to cause the victim’s death. Without one of these elements, you could be charged with manslaughter, but not murder. This is why manslaughter is usually a second-degree felony in Texas, while murder is a first-degree charge.

Another detail to know about manslaughter in Texas is that while many states make a distinction between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, this state does not. However, it does recognize two specific types of manslaughter. One is vehicular manslaughter, which is when you’re accused of causing someone’s death by driving recklessly. The other is intoxicated manslaughter, which accuses you of causing someone’s death by driving while intoxicated. If you need clarification on your specific manslaughter charge or are ready to get criminal defense help, call our Houston law firm to discuss your case.

What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Texas?

Manslaughter is always considered a felony since it involves the loss of someone’s life, so you can typically expect to be sentenced to years in prison if convicted. More specifically, this second-degree felony can result in two to 20 years in prison. You’ll also have to pay the court up to $10,000 in fines. If you’re found guilty of intoxicated manslaughter, you might have additional penalties, such as hundreds of hours of community service.

Even after you’ve served your time, you could face the repercussions of a felony conviction for years. For example, you will lose your right to vote, own a firearm, serve on a jury, get federal student loans, or run for office. You might also have difficulty finding housing or employment with a felony on your criminal record.

This is why you should hire a lawyer to try to reduce your charges or avoid conviction altogether. A skilled legal professional can also help minimize your penalties and answer questions about your sentence. In some instances, you could get probation instead of prison time, such as if you didn’t use a deadly weapon to commit the offense. If you’re sentenced to prison, you may be eligible for parole after serving a portion of your sentence. An experienced Houston manslaughter lawyer will provide legal guidance after reviewing your circumstances.

What Are the Long-Term Implications of a Manslaughter Conviction?

A manslaughter conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate penalties of prison time and fines. It can impact your personal and professional life, making it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or pursue educational opportunities. A felony conviction can also affect your civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm. Understanding these potential long-term effects underscores the importance of mounting a strong defense to avoid or mitigate a conviction. A Houston manslaughter attorney can help you navigate these challenges and work towards minimizing the impact on your future.

What Steps Should You Take If Arrested for Manslaughter?

If arrested for manslaughter, it is crucial to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is important to consult with an attorney before making any statements. Contact the Cory Roth Law Office immediately to secure legal representation. Our team will assist you in navigating the legal proceedings, inform you about your entitlements, and start crafting a robust defense for you. Having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Why Is Prompt Action Important After Being Charged?

When dealing with manslaughter charges, time is of the essence. Prompt action enables your lawyer to collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and craft a strong defense plan. Reaching out to a Houston manslaughter lawyer as soon as possible increases the likelihood of a positive result.

Delaying legal representation can result in lost evidence or missed opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case. By reaching out to the Cory Roth Law Office promptly, you ensure that your defense team has ample time to prepare and advocate for your rights effectively.

How Does the Legal Process Unfold for Manslaughter Cases?

Grasping the legal proceedings in manslaughter cases can alleviate some of the anxiety linked to these accusations. The process begins with the arrest and charging of the individual, followed by an arraignment where a plea is entered. Should the case advance to trial, both sides–the prosecution and the defense–will offer evidence and arguments. During this time, a Houston manslaughter lawyer will vigorously defend your rights, scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, and seek to negotiate reduced charges or a beneficial plea agreement if suitable. The goal is to secure a just trial and aim for the most favorable result.

What Are Typical Defenses Against Manslaughter Charges?

A skilled attorney may employ several defenses when contesting manslaughter charges. Self-defense is a common strategy, where the accused claims their actions were necessary to protect themselves from immediate harm. Another defense could be the absence of intent, showing that the accused did not intend to cause harm or death. Additionally, a lawyer could contend that the death occurred by accident rather than from careless actions. 

How Can a Houston Manslaughter Attorney Assist You?

Confronting manslaughter charges can be intimidating, yet having a seasoned lawyer by your side can greatly impact the result of your case.

 A Houston manslaughter attorney from the Cory Roth Law Office offers the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging period. Our lawyers are well-versed in Texas law and have substantial experience in handling manslaughter cases. We help you comprehend the charges, explore potential defenses, and strive for the most favorable result for your situation.

How Can You Assist Your Defense Team?

While your attorney will handle the legal aspects of your case, there are steps you can take to support your defense team. Be honest and forthcoming with your attorney about the details of the incident, as this information is crucial for building a strong defense. Gather any relevant documents, such as witness contact information or evidence that supports your version of events. Additionally, follow your attorney’s advice and attend all scheduled meetings and court appearances. By actively participating in your defense, you contribute to the overall effectiveness of your legal strategy.

What Should You Expect from Your Case?

If you’re charged with manslaughter in Texas, it’s essential to understand what this means. First, you should know that the prosecutor does not have to prove that you planned or intended to kill the alleged victim like they do with a murder charge. As long as they can show that you acted in a reckless or negligent way that caused someone’s death, you could be convicted of manslaughter.

For example, if you’re accused of pinning someone to the ground during a fight and putting your full weight on their neck, you could be convicted of manslaughter even if you did not intend to end their life. If you broke a traffic law while driving, causing an accident that killed someone, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. If you were impaired by alcohol or drugs when you did this, the charge would likely be intoxicated manslaughter.

Regardless of the details, you should hire a lawyer to create a strong defense angle. Skilled attorneys can look at what led to the incident and find evidence to negate the allegations. Depending on your case, your lawyer could argue that you acted in self-defense or have an alibi that proves you were not at the crime scene. They could also get your charges reduced to criminally negligent homicide, assault, or other less severe offenses. If you want to know how our legal team would approach your case, call us for a consultation.

Are You Ready to Talk to a Houston Manslaughter Lawyer?

If you’re worried about the potential consequences of a manslaughter accusation, we urge you to call our Houston law office as soon as possible. When you discuss your case with an experienced manslaughter lawyer, you will find out what your specific charges are, what evidence we can use in your favor, and what the best possible outcome would be.

Our goal is to give you peace of mind by ensuring you know your case is in capable hands from the start. We do this by keeping you informed about every step of the case, providing clear answers to your questions, and making sure you know the possible outcomes of cases like yours. 

If you’re ready to discuss your case with a skilled Houston manslaughter attorney, contact the Cory Roth Law Office at 832-400-4133. Our team is committed to providing you with the quality legal defense you deserve.