Pasadena Manslaughter Lawyer

Pasadena Manslaughter Attorney

Manslaughter is a serious offense that comes with equally serious penalties. If you’ve been accused of committing this crime, you need to work with an experienced Pasadena manslaughter lawyer who can help you try to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced so that you can face a more lenient penalty.

You can trust the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, to provide an aggressive defense in your manslaughter case. We’ve successfully used our knowledge of manslaughter laws to achieve a great outcome in an intoxication manslaughter case, in which we had one driver’s charges reduced from intoxication manslaughter, which is a felony, to a misdemeanor DWI. Our criminal defense team is well-equipped to defend your rights and increase your chances of maintaining your freedom.

Manslaughter By the Numbers

In 2023, the United States saw 19,252 reported cases of criminal homicide. While this category includes both murder and non-negligent manslaughter, it can be assumed that a large proportion of the cases involve manslaughter. One source estimates that at least 30,000 US residents unintentionally kill someone each year, as well.

It’s difficult to say how many manslaughter cases take place in Texas each year, but in 2024, the state saw 2,031 people die in car accidents, many of which could be considered vehicular manslaughter. All this is to say that Pasadena manslaughter attorneys have their work cut out for them.

Types of Manslaughter Charges in Texas

For a defendant to be convicted of Manslaughter in Texas, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s recklessness or active action caused the death of another person. Unlike murder, manslaughter is not premeditated, and there doesn’t have to be an intent to kill.

The most common forms of manslaughter in Texas are intoxication manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter.

Intoxication manslaughter occurs when a person recklessly causes the death of another due to intoxication with drugs or alcohol. Many cases of intoxication manslaughter involve DWIs, but there’s no requirement that a vehicle be involved. Barroom fights can also lead to intoxication manslaughter charges, for example.

Vehicular manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person during a car accident. It’s different from intoxication manslaughter in that it doesn’t cover DWIs. Instead, vehicular manslaughter charges focus on the negligent acts of the driver who caused the death.

Involuntary vs. Voluntary Manslaughter

All other manslaughter cases fall into the categories of either voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, though it’s important to note that Texas does not use these terms officially. The type you’ve been accused of committing is important because it can affect your defense strategy.

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone intentionally kills another person, typically in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter happens when someone accidentally kills another person due to their negligence.

Potential defense strategies for involuntary manslaughter include:

• Claiming self-defense.
• Claiming that the event was an accident, not due to your negligence.
• Proving that the prosecution has insufficient evidence.
• Proving that you were falsely accused or wrongfully arrested.

Some of these defense strategies also apply to voluntary manslaughter. Depending on your circumstances, you could claim self-defense or try to prove that you did not commit the crime, to begin with. Insanity defenses have also been used successfully in voluntary manslaughter cases.

When establishing a defense strategy in the District Courts of Harris County, your lawyer will evaluate all of the available evidence and any witness statements. Even in cases where you cannot have the charges dropped, you may be able to get them reduced with the help of your lawyer, so that you will face less prison time and more lenient fines. It all depends on the circumstances of the criminal charges.

Hire a Manslaughter Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of killing someone through negligence or misconduct, you need to hire a manslaughter lawyer right away. It could make the difference between freedom and a lengthy prison term. Your lawyer in Pasadena will be able to evaluate evidence and witness statements to find the optimal strategy for your defense. They can offer valuable legal advice and negotiate on your behalf in addition to providing courtroom representation.

FAQs About Pasadena, TX Manslaughter Laws

What Is the Manslaughter Law in Texas?

The manslaughter law in Texas defines the act as recklessly causing another person’s death. This second-degree felony is not like murder in that it does not have to include intent to kill. However, the penalties for manslaughter are still steep, and you could wind up facing years in prison and substantial fines.

What Are the Four Types of Manslaughter?

The four types of manslaughter are voluntary, involuntary, constructive, and criminally negligent manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter involves the intent to kill without premeditation, whereas involuntary manslaughter involves an unintentional killing. Constructive manslaughter results from dangerous or illegal acts, while criminally negligent manslaughter is the result of gross negligence.

What Are the Penalties for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Manslaughter?

The penalties for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree manslaughter are the same in Texas because all forms of manslaughter are considered the same second-degree felony in the Lone Star State. Potential penalties can include 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. These penalties can be enhanced if aggravating factors are present.

What Is the Difference Between Vehicular Homicide and Manslaughter in Texas?

The difference between vehicular homicide and manslaughter in Texas is that the former is considered a more severe charge. It results from reckless driving. Criminally negligent driving can lead to manslaughter charges. Intoxication manslaughter is a separate charge that is often more severe. It occurs when drivers kill people while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Pasadena Manslaughter Lawyer

Facing charges of manslaughter can be incredibly scary, and you could find yourself facing a potential years-long prison sentence. You need a lawyer you can trust to provide robust representation and sound legal advice. Work with the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC. We have helped other clients facing potential manslaughter penalties and have helped reduce them to manageable proportions. We can help you, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.