Criminal Defense Attorneys For Manslaughter Charges In Houston
Manslaughter charges are serious and come with significant penalties if convicted. These charges can deeply impact your life, making it critically important to have a strong defense. At The Sparks Law Firm, PC, in Houston, our firm’s criminal defense lawyers genuinely want to understand your story and circumstances.
In preparing your defense, they will focus on mitigation and litigation. They will meticulously investigate the charges against you and focus their efforts on minimizing the effect the criminal charges have on your future while also litigating to fight for your rights and freedom.
Understanding Manslaughter Charges In Texas
There are two different types of manslaughter charges in Texas. These include:
- Voluntary manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter is the intentional killing of another person. It can occur when someone is provoked, and the provocation leads to someone’s death. Voluntary manslaughter also includes acts that occur in the heat of passion.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter involves unintentional killing, often due to reckless behavior. For example, vehicular manslaughter is a type of involuntary manslaughter.
Penalties for voluntary manslaughter can include up to 20 years in prison and fines, while involuntary manslaughter can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines.
What Are Some Common Defenses For Manslaughter Charges?
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, there are several possible defenses to use when fighting charges of manslaughter. These include:
- Self-defense: Self-defense is a common defense where you act to protect yourself from harm.
- Lack of intent: Another defense is lack of intent, where you did not have the intention to cause harm.
- Accidental death: Accidental death, where the death was truly accidental and not due to reckless behavior, is another possible defense.
At The Sparks Law Firm, PC, our experienced criminal defense lawyers thoroughly investigate the charges against you, especially when you have been accused of a violent crime like manslaughter. We will work with you to craft a unique defense strategy for your situation that aligns with your goals and fight to protect your freedom and future.
Is A Vehicle Considered A Deadly Weapon If Someone Dies In A Crash?
In Texas, a vehicle can be considered a deadly weapon if it is used in a manner capable of causing death or serious injury. If a person dies in a crash and the driver was acting recklessly or under the influence, the vehicle might be classified as a deadly weapon. This designation can increase the severity of charges and potential penalties, making it essential to have a knowledgeable defense lawyer on your side.
Consult A Houston Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of manslaughter or are facing criminal manslaughter charges, it’s important to find an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our defense lawyers are available for consultation appointments. To schedule an initial consultation, you can call The Sparks Law Firm, PC, at 713-581-3470 or send a message through our website. We are here to answer your questions, defend your rights, and guide you through the legal process and criminal justice system.