Alcohol plays a major role in our society. We drink beer at football and baseball games. We drink champagne on New Year’s Eve and at bridal showers. We have wine with dinner and hard liquor in bars. We drink whenever it’s a good time to let loose, relax, and enjoy friends, family and colleagues.
With alcohol being so prevalent, it’s no wonder why so many drivers lose track of how much they drank and climb behind the wheel. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, “About every 20 minutes in Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol.” That’s way too much, but of course even one life lost is unacceptable.
Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter
Every day in Texas, a normal, non-criminal drinks and drives and either injures or kills another person. Often, these drunk drivers are moms and dads, teachers, doctors, pharmacists, coaches, bank tellers, business owners – average people witha lot to lose.
Under the law, if someone seriously injures or kills another person while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, the at-fault driver will be prosecuted for intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter under the Texas Penal Code.
- You commit the crime of intoxication assault under Sec. 49.07 of the Penal Code if you seriously injure another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or both. Intoxication assault is a felony of the third degree, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and by a maximum fine of $10,000.
- You commit intoxication manslaughter if while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, you accidentally take someone else’s life. Intoxication manslaughter is a felony of the second degree, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Related: What if I Hurt Someone While Drunk Driving?
Are you or someone you love facing drug or alcohol-related charges in Plano, Dallas or Fort Worth? For the aggressive defense representation you need and deserve, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC immediately!