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Last Modified on Oct 07, 2025
When someone is facing felony intoxication manslaughter charges in Texas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A conviction can mean decades in prison, a permanent felony record, and a lifetime of consequences. That’s why choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Houston can make all the difference.
The Case: From Intoxication Manslaughter Felony to Misdemeanor DWI
Our client was indicted for intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. After consuming alcohol, our client had the misfortune of rear-ending another motorist, losing control, and then going over the curb and onto the sidewalk. Unbeknownst to everyone, tragically, there was a homeless person sleeping on the sidewalk at the time, and she died instantly. Our client, according to the police, performed “poorly” on field sobriety tests and was acting strangely on the scene. 4 hours after the accident, the government obtained a blood sample. Prior to even knowing the blood alcohol concentration results, the prosecution’s opening offer was 12 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Rather than accept that devastating outcome, we immediately set to work building a defense strategy designed to protect our client’s future. Our first order of business was obtaining detailed records from the lab that performed the blood analysis. This is where having a certified Lawyer-Scientist comes in handy for scrutinizing the government’s evidence with a fine-toothed comb. We also engaged the services of a seasoned expert witness to review all the records. Essentially, we prepared to put the lab on trial in the event the government insisted on using junk science to secure a conviction. Even with a blood alcohol concentration of .051, the State claimed they could still move forward on this case under the theory that our client had clearly lost the normal use of his mental and physical faculties. They also intended to argue that 4 hours prior, he had to have been above the per se legal limit of .08. This sort of purported science known as retrograde extrapolation is nothing more than junk science.
After failing to secure a deal that we would accept, we set the case for jury trial. This led to back-and-forth negotiations at the 11th hour. The government came down to time served on a criminally negligent homicide; still a felony, but much better than the original 12-year sentence. Because of our trial preparation and reputation, we stood firm and were able to secure a time served on a misdemeanor 1st DWI. A guarantee of no felony conviction and no prison time made sense. Sometimes the best trials are the ones that never happen.
The Defense Strategy
As a Houston manslaughter defense attorney, I know that no two cases are alike. In this case, our team focused on:
- Challenging the evidence: carefully reviewing every report, witness statement, and forensic finding.
- Highlighting weaknesses in the State’s case: identifying where the prosecution’s theory fell short.
- Negotiating aggressively: showing why the original offer didn’t reflect the true facts or justice.
- Protecting the client’s rights and story: making sure the court and prosecution saw our client as a human being, not just a case number.
- Properly framing the case: legitimate science and the facts override the natural emotions that a fatality case entails. Not every fatal accident is a crime. Some cases should simply be left to be resolved in the civil court system.
The Result: Misdemeanor DWI Time Served Rather than 12 Years in Prison
Through persistent advocacy and negotiation, we achieved what once seemed impossible: the manslaughter charge was reduced to a misdemeanor DWI, with a sentence of time served.
Instead of serving years in prison, our client was able to walk free, return to family and work, and rebuild life with a clean slate compared to the original felony exposure he faced.
Why This Matters
This outcome shows that:
- A felony charge in Texas doesn’t always mean a felony conviction.
- Skilled criminal defense in Houston can mean the difference between years in prison and freedom.
- Every case deserves aggressive representation and an attorney willing to fight.
- Don’t shortchange yourself when years of your life are at stake.
Facing Manslaughter Charges in Houston?
If you or a loved one has been charged with manslaughter in Texas, don’t give up hope. Early plea offers rarely tell the whole story. With the right Houston criminal defense lawyer, it’s possible to fight back and secure a second chance. Don’t let the system bully you.
📞 Contact RUIZ LAW today at 281-300-8695 for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help protect your freedom. We get real results for real people. Your Future. Your Rights. Our Purpose.
