Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is already a serious criminal offense in Texas, but DWI resulting in death is considered even more egregious, and the penalties are much more severe. If you or someone close to you were charged with intoxication manslaughter, you might be feeling shocked and scared. You may be wondering what happens next and how to minimize the chances of a conviction.
Intoxication manslaughter is punishable by significant prison time. An Irving intoxication manslaughter lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can be your legal advocate and fight to get the charges dropped or reduced or secure an acquittal at trial.
Fighting Intoxication Manslaughter Charges in Irving
Per Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, DWI is a Class B can, and lengthy offenders can avoid long jail sentences and other harsh penalties. However, when an alleged drunk driver is involved in a fatal wreck, the potential criminal penalties are much more severe.
Texas law states that intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony. (Texas Penal Code Section 12.33). If convicted of intoxication manslaughter, you face:
- Two to 20 years behind bars
- Fines up to $10,000
- Up to 800 hours of community service
- Driver’s license suspension of up to two years
Being a convicted felon can also bring multiple personal consequences. For example, you may struggle to find housing and employment and face long-lasting damage to your reputation.
There May Be Increased Penalties for an Intoxication Manslaughter Charge
The penalties for intoxication manslaughter increase if the victim is a first responder. A conviction for intoxication manslaughter leading to the death of a law enforcement officer or another first responder can lead to first-degree felony charges, which are punishable by life in prison.
You can also face enhanced penalties if any of the following are true:
- You have previous convictions for DWI, intoxication manslaughter, or intoxication assault on your record.
- You had a child under the age of 15 in the car at the time of the arrest
- There was an open container of alcohol in the car
- Your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% per more
How Our Irving Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer Can Help You
You should not try to handle criminal charges for intoxication manslaughter on your own. The criminal penalties and personal consequences you are up against are life-changing.
An Irving intoxication manslaughter defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can be your strong advocate throughout your case. Our law firm handles many types of criminal cases, so we know what an effective defense requires. We also know many defendants get taken advantage of because they do not fully understand their rights and legal options.
Legal Advocacy from an Irving Criminal Defense Law Firm
Dealing with a felony criminal offense is often overwhelming. Our legal team will explain what to expect and help you take steps to build a strong defense case. We may employ several defense strategies when representing you, including:
- Questioning the validity of the alleged evidence against you
- Questioning the reliability of the prosecution’s witnesses
- Identifying situations in which your rights were violated, such as not being read your Miranda rights
- Ensuring no one coerced you into providing self-incriminating statements
Representation During Plea Bargaining
Each case is different, and we can only provide legal advice specific to your case once you are officially our client. However, in some intoxication manslaughter cases, the best option is to take a plea deal. A plea deal is a deal you make with the prosecution where you plead guilty or no contest to an offense. In exchange, the defendant gains certain benefits and avoids a stressful, often very public criminal trial.
There are two main types of plea deals or plea bargains:
- Charge bargaining occurs when defendants plead guilty to a lesser offense than their initial charges. So, instead of facing trial for intoxication manslaughter and risking the severe consequences that come with a conviction, you would agree to plead guilty or no contest to another lesser charge.
- Sentence bargaining occurs when a defendant pleads guilty to the alleged offense but, in exchange, receives a reduced jail sentence. If you accepted this plea bargain, you would plead guilty to intoxication manslaughter but avoid a long prison sentence.
Whether it makes sense to accept a plea bargain depends on your case’s facts. If the prosecution’s case against you is very strong and conviction is likely, a plea deal may be the best way to minimize criminal penalties. However, if the prosecution’s case against you is weak and there is significant evidence in your favor, the best option may be to fight for an acquittal at trial.
Providing the Legal Guidance and Support You Need to Navigate an Intoxication Manslaughter Case
We will ensure you understand your options and their potential advantages and disadvantages and provide straightforward advice about your chances at trial and whether a plea bargain may be the best option.
Most importantly, we will treat you respectfully and ensure we always advocate for you. We will be in your corner from the beginning of your case to the end.
Our Previous Clients Share What It’s Like to Work With Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our client testimonials demonstrate how seriously we take our responsibility to our clients. We fight fiercely for our client’s freedom, pursuing dismissal and acquittal whenever possible.
I was in jail for 6 months and I was facing 20 years in prison on three felony charges. I had lost hope and faced years in prison. However, Mr. Isenberg and his team got two of my charges dismissed and on the 3rd one I was placed on probation on deferred probation. I am so thankful for Mr. Isenberg and his team. If anyone is facing years in prison, look no further and call the Law Office Of Randall Isenberg, the best of best! You will not regret it. I am a free man. Thanks to this awesome law firm. ~ Victor
Work With an Irving Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer
Intoxication manslaughter is a felony criminal offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If you or a family member is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge, you do not have to fight this fight on your own. Our Irving intoxication manslaughter defense attorneys can be the strong voice you need. We will go to bat for you and fight for your freedom. Call us today and learn more about how we can help you during a free consultation.
