Houston Manslaughter Defense Attorney

Providing Skilled Counsel Throughout Your Case

With the high stakes involved with any criminal charge, you need an experienced criminal trial attorney by your side. Attorney Shannon Drehner brings her years of experience as a chief felony prosecutor to defend you when you need it most.

In Texas, manslaughter is a serious homicide offense. Although not done intentionally, manslaughter still carries harsh penalties. If you’ve been accused, you may be feeling frightened and overwhelmed. The criminal justice process may be unfamiliar to you, and the potential outcome is unknown. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney to help with your case can help alleviate some of the stresses involved, as you’ll have an advocate on your side, effectively guiding you from beginning to conclusion.

For the legal representation you need, reach out to Drehner Law. Before practicing criminal defense, our Houston manslaughter lawyer served as a chief felony prosecutor. Thus, we have in-depth knowledge of the legal system from both sides of the court. Not only can we help you understand the process of resolving your case from a defense perspective, but we can also explain the tactics the prosecutor might use to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

When you have a question or concern about your case, when you want to know the possible results, and when you need to know how you can aggressively fight your charge, we will be here, ready to provide the well-informed answers you need. We care about what happens to you, and we will do everything in our legal power to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at 832-626-0063 or submit an online contact form today.

Manslaughter vs. Murder in Texas

When facing violent crimes like manslaughter or murder charges in Texas, understanding the key differences is critical. Both offenses involve the tragic loss of life, but they differ significantly in intent and the level of culpability required.

What Is Manslaughter?

Texas Penal Code 19.04 defines manslaughter as recklessly causing another person’s death. This means that the actor knew that their behavior posed a “substantial and unjustifiable risk” to someone else’s safety but engaged in the conduct regardless. For someone’s actions to be considered reckless, they must have severely deviated from how a reasonable person would have behaved in a similar situation. In these cases, the person did not intend to kill but acted in a way that created a substantial risk of serious harm. This lack of intent separates manslaughter from more serious offenses, making it a second-degree felony under Texas law.

How Does Murder Differ from Manslaughter?

In contrast, murder involves the deliberate intention to cause someone’s death. It is a more serious offense, classified as a first-degree felony because it requires evidence that the accused knowingly or intentionally caused another’s death. While manslaughter stems from negligence or recklessness, murder shows premeditation or specific intent to harm.

How Many Years Can You Get for Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is a serious crime. Even though the defendant might not have intended to kill another person, they may be charged with a second-degree felony.

This level of offense carries the following punishments:

Between 2 and 20 years in prison and/or
A fine of up to $10,000

At Drehner Law, we recognize that the potential conviction penalties for manslaughter are harsh. That is why we leave no stone unturned when developing defenses for such charges. When you turn to us, you can be confident that you will have an attorney fighting hard for you and working toward avoiding or minimizing the life-altering consequences you could face.

Types of Manslaughter Charges in Texas

Understanding the types of manslaughter charges in Texas can help you navigate these serious legal issues. Each charge involves different circumstances and levels of culpability. If you’re facing allegations, a manslaughter defense attorney can guide you through the legal process to protect your rights and best interests. Here are the various manslaughter charges in Texas:

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a death results from reckless behavior without an intent to harm. Actions that show a blatant disregard for safety, such as speeding through residential neighborhoods, mishandling firearms, or failing to follow safety protocols, can lead to this charge. The focus in these cases is the reckless conduct, not intent, making it critical to demonstrate the absence of criminal recklessness.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter, often referred to as criminal negligence, involves causing death through gross negligence rather than recklessness. This charge applies when a person’s failure to take reasonable precautions leads to fatal consequences. Examples include neglecting to secure hazardous materials or leaving dangerous equipment unattended. A solid defense often hinges on proving the accused’s actions did not rise to the level of extreme negligence.

Intoxication Manslaughter

Intoxication manslaughter occurs when someone causes a death while operating a vehicle or machinery under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This charge reflects the severe consequences of impaired judgment and recklessness while intoxicated. Defending against this charge often involves examining the evidence for errors in sobriety testing or mechanical failures that contributed to the accident.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter arises when reckless or careless driving directly results in the loss of life. Common examples include running red lights, texting while driving, or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors. A robust defense might explore environmental factors, mechanical failures, or actions of other drivers that could mitigate responsibility.

If you are facing any manslaughter charge, contact Drehner Law. We work diligently to provide legal representation that seeks the best outcome for your case.

How a Manslaughter Defense Attorney Can Help

At Drehner Law, we focus on building a defense that aligns with your best interest. By evaluating your case thoroughly and challenging the prosecution’s evidence, we work to reduce charges or dismiss allegations whenever possible. Reach out today to discuss your manslaughter case with an experienced attorney.

How Can I Fight a Manslaughter Charge?

For the prosecutor to obtain a conviction in a manslaughter case, they must prove that the defendant recklessly caused another’s death. However, just because they have evidence does not mean it will remove all doubt from the judge’s or jury’s thoughts. The evidence they present may not be strong, and it is in the weaknesses that the accused can defend their innocence.

To reveal holes in the prosecutor’s case and effectively fight your charge, you need the help of a Houston attorney who knows how to develop cogent and compelling arguments. At Drehner Law, we will fully investigate your case and deftly attack the accusations made against you.

Learn more about how we can help protect your rights and freedom by calling us at 832-626-0063 or contacting us online.