Intoxication manslaughter is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face in Texas. A conviction could result in significant jail time and remain on your criminal record permanently. Contrary to what the police and prosecutor might have you believe, being arrested and charged does not make you guilty. A Forney intoxication manslaughter lawyer can fight the charges against you.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg want to help. Every defendant in Texas has the right to face their accuser and force the state to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Forney DWI attorney is here to offer you a vigorous defense against the charges and represent you to the best of our abilities.
What is Intoxication Manslaughter?
The Texas Penal Code defines intoxication as “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body.” In the case of alcohol, intoxication occurs when you have above .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Intoxication manslaughter is a charge applied by the state when they suspect you caused a fatal accident while intoxicated on alcohol, dangerous drugs, controlled substances (or a combination of the three). You can be charged with intoxication manslaughter while operating a car, motorcycle, boat, or even an airplane.
How Can a Forney Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer Help?
The potential penalties for an intoxication manslaughter conviction are severe both inside and outside of the courtroom. A Forney intoxication manslaughter lawyer from our firm will fight for a not-guilty verdict or a reduction in your charges. We will represent your interests with diligence and determination. Our efforts to fight your case will include:
- Planning a comprehensive strategy to counter the allegations made by the state
- Examining all the evidence against you (e.g., blood test, police report, forensics)
- An exhaustive search for witnesses or other evidence that may prove your innocence or cast doubt on the state’s case
- Making sure you, and any witnesses for the defense, are prepared for trial
Charges do not always lead to convictions. In some cases, the police or prosecution makes procedural errors that weaken their case. Our managing partner, Randall B. Isenberg, spent over 30 years learning the criminal justice system as a prosecutor and state court judge. He has valuable knowledge about how to attack a prosecution’s case and where they are most likely to make errors. This could make a positive difference to the outcome of your case.
Negotiation for Reduced Charges
Although intoxication manslaughter is a very serious charge, prosecutors don’t want to walk away from a trial empty-handed. District attorneys expend a lot of resources on trials and no matter how strong they feel their case is, they may be open to negotiating for reduced charges.
If our intoxication manslaughter lawyers can find weaknesses, inconsistencies, or mistakes in the prosecution’s case, it may give us the leverage we need to negotiate a more favorable outcome for reduced charges. We will certainly explore options for a lowered charge and less severe penalties in your case.
Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter
Intoxication manslaughter is considered a Class 2 Felony in Texas, and anyone convicted of this offense faces the following penalties:
- A prison sentence between 2 and 20 years
- A fine of up to $10,000
You will also be responsible for paying any court costs, as well as the price of any state-mandated alcohol rehabilitation, counseling, or installation of an ignition lock on your vehicle. It is important to note the penalties can be more severe if there were aggravating circumstances, which include:
- Having previously been convicted of DWI, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter
- The presence of a child under 15 in the vehicle
- Having open alcohol containers in the vehicle
- Having a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or more
If the accident you are accused of causing led to the death of a first responder (e.g., law enforcement, fire department), you may be charged with a first-degree felony. In either case, a felony conviction cannot be expunged from your record.
Driver’s License Suspension and Other Consequences
Although the Forney District Attorney’s office is the government agency that charges you with intoxication manslaughter, they are not the only state agency that can impose penalties. After being arrested for intoxication manslaughter, the Texas Department of Public Safety (who issued your driver’s license) will initiate an Administrative License Revocation (ALR).
If you don’t specifically request a hearing to contest this revocation, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years. The Department of Public Safety’s suspension of your license can still occur if you win your criminal case or have the charges reduced.
Aside from the revocation of your driver’s license, the stigma of a felony conviction could haunt you for years afterward. You could lose your career and custody of your children and suffer permanent damage to your reputation. A Forney intoxication manslaughter lawyer will fight to help you avoid these consequences. In addition to requesting the ALR hearing on your behalf, we will represent you there.
Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyers with Experience
When the stakes are as high for you as they are in an intoxication manslaughter case, the quality and experience your legal team brings to the table are critical. In 1984, Randall B. Isenberg was certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also a member of the National College of DUI Defense.
This knowledge and expertise filter down to our entire team. When you bring us on board to fight your case, you can have confidence that your intoxication manslaughter attorney will be well-versed in the latest and most effective trial techniques. When you’re looking at the loss of your freedom, every advantage matters.
Secure Our Forney Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer to Fight Your Charges
Facing charges of intoxication manslaughter may seem scary. Even when your situation looks dire and the district attorney is pushing for the maximum punishment, it’s important to remember that you have the right to defend yourself.
The intoxication manslaughter attorneys from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg are here to help you fight for your right to face your accuser. We also offer free consultations with our team. The sooner you begin fighting your case, the sooner you can put it behind you. Call us today and see how our team can help you navigate this difficult chapter in your life.
