Intoxication manslaughter charges typically follow when a driving while intoxicated (DWI) accident causes someone’s death. If you were in a fatal crash and accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Texas, you could face up to 20 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter.
A Carrollton intoxication manslaughter lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can provide legal representation and advise you on how handling the charges in your case. Our criminal defense law firm can evaluate the evidence and determine the potential defenses that could apply. We can also represent you during plea bargaining and negotiations with the prosecutors.
Why You Should Consider Working With Our Carrollton Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyers
Attorney Randall B. Isenberg is the managing partner/owner of Attorney Randall B. Isenberg. He has had a successful career in criminal law and as a former prosecutor. Isenberg used to represent the state on the opposite side of the courtroom. He also worked as a state district judge from 1986 to 1990.
His experiences as a judge and prosecutor give him a special perspective during a criminal case. He can see things from the perspective of a prosecutor and a defense attorney. This allows him to craft a compelling defense case for people accused of crimes.
If you face intoxication manslaughter charges, you can seek to reduce or eliminate the criminal penalties you face. Isenberg has over 30 years of experience. He and his team are here for you and will advocate for you.
Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter in Carrollton, Texas
Drunk driving is a misdemeanor offense in Texas. However, intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony per Texas Penal Code Section 49.08. Penalties for intoxication manslaughter in Texas include:
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Two to 20 years in prison
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation
- Community service
Certain circumstances can escalate the penalties in an intoxication manslaughter case. If one of the following is true, you could be charged with first-degree felony intoxicated manslaughter, which is punishable by life in prison:
- The person who died was a first responder, such as an EMS worker
- You were previously convicted of drunk driving causing an injury or death
- There was a child in the vehicle at the time of the crash
- You have previous convictions for drunk driving
- Your blood alcohol concentration level was 0.15% or above
Possible Defense Options if You Are Accused of Intoxication Manslaughter in Carrollton, TX
The defense strategies we use in your case will depend on the crash’s circumstances, your criminal history, and whether your case has mitigating factors. We will learn about you and your case, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build an appropriate defense strategy.
Some defense options may include:
- Defective BAC testing: We could argue that the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests you took were unreliable. If an unqualified person administered the test, the testing device was uncalibrated, or the test was contaminated, the results could be wrong. We may be able to argue that you were drunk at the time of the crash, which could reduce the penalties.
- Claiming that you did not cause the accident: If the other driver caused the crash, this could affect your case significantly. For example, if the other driver was intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise driving unsafely, this may lessen your blame for the crash. We may be able to use evidence to show that your intoxicated driving did not cause someone’s death.
- Weaknesses in the prosecution’s case: Remember, the prosecution must prove every element of intoxication manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution’s evidence is weak and it puts forth incomplete or inconsistent arguments, we could use that to benefit your case.
Plea Bargaining May Get Your Prison Time Greatly Reduced
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) explains that plea bargaining can help defendants avoid trials and reduce their prison sentences. At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we can negotiate favorable plea deals for our clients. Because Isenberg was a prosecutor, he knows the deals prosecutors may offer in an intoxication manslaughter case and how to fight for the best outcome possible.
We may be able to get your charges reduced from intoxication manslaughter to a lower offense that does not carry as severe penalties. We may also be able to secure a lesser sentence.
What People Say About Our Carrollton Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyers
Former clients consistently share that our law firm offers professional service and treats them with respect. At our law firm, we do not treat people like criminals. We believe in “innocent until proven guilty,” and we know many people accused of crimes like intoxication manslaughter are good people who got caught up in a difficult situation.
When you work with our law firm, you will know you are not fighting criminal charges on your own. A team of people is committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you.
Client Testimonials
You can read some testimonials below to see what former clients say about our legal services:
- Thank you to Randall Isenberg and his staff for helping my son with a legal issue. From the moment we met with Mr. Isenberg, we knew we had chosen the right lawyer. He answered all our questions and calmed our nerves. He negotiated with the prosecutor to achieve the best possible result for my child. Going to the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg was definitely the right choice.
- Randall Isenberg handled my case perfectly resulting in my case being dismissed. I think his prior experience as a prosecutor and a judge helped in the courtroom. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
- Adam and Britney and Randy went above and beyond my expectations. They got me a great deal on my case and Adam personally helped beyond words. I suggest this law firm above any law firm in the state of Texas.
As you can see, our clients know we care about them and are pulling for them every step of the way. Being accused of a criminal offense is extremely distressing, and we are here for you.
Call Us Today – Our Carrollton Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyers Can Help
Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas, but it can be a first-degree felony in some cases. A felony conviction leads to prison time and a lifetime of personal consequences, such as difficulty getting a job and finding a place to live.
Our Carrollton intoxication manslaughter lawyers can gather evidence to establish your case, negotiate with prosecutors to get a plea deal, represent you in court, and do everything we can to get you a good outcome. Call us today for a free consultation.
