Richmond Manslaughter Lawyer

Richmond Manslaughter Attorney

Facing allegations of manslaughter can be stressful and overwhelming. Having a fierce advocate on your side can help you navigate this challenging situation. A Richmond manslaughter lawyer at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC can explain the legal process and how the laws apply to your case, as well as fight tirelessly for your rights and interests.

Why Choose Us?

For more than 10 years, we have been fiercely defending clients against serious criminal charges like manslaughter. Our skilled and compassionate legal team takes the time to understand the facts of your case, and we treat every client with respect and integrity.

Whether it means getting charges dismissed, working out a plea bargain for a lesser charge, or getting a not-guilty verdict at a trial at the Fort Bend County Courthouse, our top priority is to give you the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

In fact, our firm had a great outcome for a client in a recent intoxication manslaughter case. Our client received a significant reduction in charges because of our experienced legal team’s work in highlighting weaknesses in the evidence. We can use those same skills and resources to tailor a legal defense for you.

Defining Manslaughter in Texas

In Texas, manslaughter is a criminal offense that means recklessly causing the death of another person. A defendant does not have to have the intent to kill someone or to cause serious injury. They only have to be aware that there is a risk of someone else’s death as a result of their actions. For this reason, Texas does not treat voluntary and involuntary manslaughter differently

Many manslaughter cases involve driving while intoxicated. Texas has a specific charge called intoxication manslaughter, which means causing a death by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for adults over 21. In addition, reckless driving, like racing or other reckless behavior, that causes a death can also lead to a manslaughter charge.

Penalties for Manslaughter in Texas

In general, manslaughter is charged as a felony in the second degree, and the penalty can be jail time up to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000.  In cases where reckless actions cause the death of more than one person or the person who is killed is an emergency services worker or firefighter, manslaughter can be charged as a felony in the first degree, which can mean longer jail time and other harsh penalties.

How a Richmond Manslaughter Attorney Can Help

There are around two million incarcerated people in the US. However, 97.2% of individuals who receive sentences plead guilty, so only about 2% of criminal cases end up going to trial.

The job of a manslaughter attorney is to make sure a defendant’s rights are preserved throughout the legal process and to create a strong legal defense based on the facts of the specific case. To do so, a criminal defense attorney can review the details of the case and use their knowledge of criminal law, case law, and proper law enforcement procedure to construct a legal argument for their client’s defense.

A defense attorney must argue that the prosecution’s evidence does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime they are accused of. In manslaughter cases, the prosecution has to show that the person’s actions led to someone’s death, that those actions were reckless, and that the person knew the risks of their actions.

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Richmond can challenge one or more of these elements using proven defense strategies such as:

• No crime took place. A skilled defense attorney may argue that the death was not caused by the defendant’s actions or that the defendant’s actions were not reckless or negligent.
• Negligent instead of reckless. To prove recklessness, the prosecution has to show that the defendant knew of the risks of their actions and intentionally behaved recklessly despite the risks. If someone’s actions led to a death but they were not aware of the risks, they may be criminally negligent instead, which can carry lesser penalties.
• Self-defense. Residents of Texas have the right to defend themselves in situations where they believe they are in imminent threat of serious harm or death. This includes the use of force, but the force has to be deemed necessary and proportional to the threat.

FAQs About Richmond, TX Manslaughter Laws

Is Manslaughter Hard to Prove?

Whether manslaughter is hard to prove can vary, depending on the case. Factors that can influence the outcome of a case include the strength of the evidence, the circumstances of the incident, whether there are any mitigating factors, and whether the defendant has prior related convictions. The most effective way to determine the likely outcomes in your case is to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

What Is the Minimum Sentence You Can Get for Manslaughter?

The minimum sentence you can get for manslaughter in Texas is two years of incarceration. However, in many cases, a skilled lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or a plea deal with the prosecution, depending on the facts of the case. Be sure to ask your defense attorney about the likely penalties for conviction and the possibility of negotiating lesser charges in your particular case.

How Is Intent Determined in Manslaughter Cases in TX?

In manslaughter cases in TX, intent does not need to be determined. Whether a defendant intended to kill someone or not does not have an impact on manslaughter charges. The prosecution only needs to show that the accused behaved recklessly and knew that their actions carried the risk of another person being seriously injured or killed. For example, firing a gun into a crowd or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol implies awareness of the risk.

What Is the Most Effective Legal Defense Against Manslaughter?

There is no one most effective legal defense against manslaughter that applies equally to every case. An effective legal defense requires considering the unique facts and details of a case. A skilled criminal defense lawyer who has experience with manslaughter cases can determine how to effectively challenge evidence against the defendant as well as introduce evidence in defense of the accused.

Your Richmond Manslaughter Attorney

With potential consequences like high fines, incarceration, and a criminal record, don’t take a chance by facing manslaughter charges alone. The legal team at the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, is ready to develop the defense strategy you need to protect your freedom. Contact us right away to discuss your case.