Drinking and driving is hazardous and is a severe crime. However, if you have been drinking and caused a car accident that results in someone else’s death, it is considered intoxication manslaughter. Being convicted of a severe charge like this can bring significant penalties that can change your life.
If you have been charged with intoxication manslaughter, working with a lawyer from our criminal defense law firm can strengthen your case and ability to fight the charges against you. You don’t have to just accept the charges; you can fight them, and the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. You can learn more about your legal options and how our Plano intoxication manslaughter lawyer can represent you during a free consultation.
Our Plano Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer Has Your Best Interests in Mind
When you hire a DWI lawyer from our firm, you can rest assured knowing they have your best interests in mind. As a former prosecutor and state district judge, Attorney Randall B. Isenberg has unique knowledge that sets him apart from other attorney firms. With over 30 years in the criminal legal system, he can provide unique support, identify strong defenses for your specific case, and lead his team in supporting you.
We Will Manage Your Case’s Daily Tasks
It can take a lot of time and resources to fight a legal case, so hiring a lawyer could be a wise use of your resources. We can manage your case from the moment you call us until we resolve it. We will handle all case paperwork and meet your case’s timelines and deadlines.
We Represent You While Communicating With Others
Involvement with a legal case typically means working with other parties, too. We can communicate with others on your behalf and advise you on what to say when speaking to others so that you do not harm your case.
We Provide Legal Guidance that Fits Your Situation
We understand how scary an intoxication manslaughter charge can be to you and your family. With the present and future unknown, you may have a lot of questions, and we are here to answer them.
Key Elements in a Plano Intoxication Manslaughter Case
Elements involved in an intoxication manslaughter case include:
- Intoxication. In Texas, if your blood alcohol concentration level is .08%, it means you are intoxicated under state law. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.15%, you could face even harsher penalties. Drugs and alcohol can cause intoxication, but so can a combination of products.
- Motor vehicle. If someone is killed because of driving intoxicated, it can lead to a charge of intoxication manslaughter. If operating a boat or even an amusement ride while intoxicated, you could also face this charge.
- Death. This charge only happens if you are operating a vehicle while intoxicated, resulting in an accident that kills someone. The person could be in the same car, another car, a motorist, or a pedestrian on the street. The person’s death could be at the scene or because of their injuries from the accident.
A lawyer can help manage your case and answer your questions. A case like this can be very overwhelming and even complex. We are here to support you and your loved ones through this hard time.
Leaving an Accident Scene
Being involved in an accident can be scary, especially if you think you hurt someone. It’s important that you stay on at the scene if this happens. Leaving an accident scene can result in a third-degree felony in Texas and could result in up to 10 years in prison.
According to the Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021, a person in an accident resulting in injury or death must:
- Immediately stop the vehicle at the accident scene or as close to the scene as possible.
- Immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident.
- Immediately determine who is in the accident and if the person needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene until the operator gives the required information for the police report.
Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter
A conviction of intoxication manslaughter is typically a second-degree felony that carries a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years combined with a fine of up to $10,000.
However, certain circumstances can change this sentence. If the accident victim was a police officer, emergency medical personnel, or a firefighter, the imprisonment sentence could range from five to 99 years, potentially a life sentence.
Other penalties can include a suspended license, community service, and attending alcohol or drug education programs. If you have a convicted felon charge on your record, you could struggle to find a job or approval for housing, and your reputation can suffer.
Fighting a Charge in an Intoxication Manslaughter Case
Once you hire a lawyer, they will investigate the accident. Their goal is to know all the details of the crash, how it happened, who was involved, and other information. Witness testimony, video evidence, and other evidence from the investigation can establish if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the legal proof required to affirm a conviction in a criminal case.
Potential defenses our attorney could use to fight the charges against you include:
- Trying to prove the victim’s death was not directly related to you driving while intoxicated.
- The victim made driving errors such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to make changes to road conditions, which caused the accident.
- Disproving intoxication. There could have been an error with the completed field sobriety tests or breath and blood tests determining blood alcohol concentration.
Because accidents differ, defense strategies vary as well. Your defense will address the circumstances in your case. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident can help the investigation. The evidence is still fresh, and witnesses have the accident on their minds, so they will likely remember the details.
Contact Us Today for Help from a Plano Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer
The criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is ready to fight for your rights and explore your legal options. Contact us for a free consultation. We will present your options once we learn more about the accident and your potential case.
