Penalty For Manslaughter In Texas

In the state of Texas, manslaughter is prosecuted as a second degree felony offense which is generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000. Under Section 19.04 of the Texas Penal Code, a person commits manslaughter when they recklessly cause the death of another individual even if the offense was committed unintentionally and without “malice aforethought”.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

In Texas, under Section 19.01, a person commits criminal homicide whenever they intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or while being criminally negligent cause the death of another human being. Under Section 19.05, criminally negligent homicide is an offense where a person causes the death of another individual by criminal negligence. Criminal negligence is a state jail felony and punishable by 180 days in jail to 2 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. However, a state jail felony can also be prosecuted as a third degree felony if the offense falls into certain categories; for example, if the defendant exhibited or used a deadly weapon. If the person is convicted of a third degree felony, it could result in 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Beyond the possible term of incarceration and fines, a conviction for criminally negligent homicide can have consequences that follow you long after you leave the Collin County jail or complete supervision. A felony record can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and your ability to own firearms, and the stigma of a homicide conviction can impact personal and family relationships. Understanding how the law applies to the specific facts of your case, including what prosecutors must prove and where their case may be weak, is essential before you decide whether to seek a plea, request a reduction, or move forward to trial.

Manslaughter Legal Counsel in Plano

It is important that the defendant enlist the services of a defense attorney as early as possible. Even though manslaughter is not as serious as a capital murder conviction, the consequences of a manslaughter conviction can still be devastating to you, your family, and your career. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that you enlist our services as soon as possible so we can begin tailoring a defense strategy on your behalf. Attorney Jason Zendeh Del formerly served as an Assistant District Attorney for Fort Bend County and for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. While serving as a prosecutor, he personally handled thousands of criminal cases where he had a remarkable track record of success. As a criminal defense attorney, he has an overwhelming advantage over the average defense attorney without the same level of experience. His relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court personnel prove invaluable when negotiating plea bargains on behalf of his clients in dire straits.

When we defend someone facing a serious homicide allegation in Collin County or in the state courts serving Plano, we draw on our background on both sides of the courtroom to anticipate how the prosecution may approach the case. We carefully review every police report, body camera recording, and witness statement, and we may consult with investigators or experts to analyze issues such as accident reconstruction, intoxication, or self-defense. For someone searching for a manslaughter lawyer Plano residents can turn to for strategic guidance, this level of preparation can make a meaningful difference in how evidence is challenged, how plea options are evaluated, and how your story is presented to a judge or jury.