How Can I Defend Against a Manslaughter Charge in Texas?

 Posted on October 15, 2024 in Violent Crimes

Manslaughter is a type of criminal homicide that carries serious penalties. Someone who faces a manslaughter charge in Texas may face heavy fines and prison time. It is important, therefore, to have the best defense possible if you are charged with manslaughter. An essential part of this is understanding the various defenses that can be employed against a manslaughter charge.

The first step toward building a strong case is hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer. This article will discuss what manslaughter is, its defenses, and how to contact a Texas manslaughter defense attorney.

What Is Manslaughter?

Under Texas law, manslaughter is when a person causes the death of another with reckless behavior. "Reckless" means the defendant understood the risks of his or her actions and engaged in that behavior anyway, with conscious disregard for the danger to others. This definition is fairly broad and abstract, so manslaughter cases can be complex.

Manslaughter is part of a crime category called criminal homicide, which also includes offenses like murder, capital murder, and criminal negligent homicide. It is different than intoxication manslaughter, which is when a person kills someone else by operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

What Are the Defenses Against a Manslaughter Charge in Texas?

Your attorney may deploy any one of several key defenses to help reduce the charges or even have the case dismissed. These include:

• Lack of recklessness: Since reckless behavior is a key element to a manslaughter charge, showing you did not act recklessly can seriously undermine the prosecution’s case. For example, your attorney may demonstrate that you were not aware of the risks of your behavior or you took precautions to avoid those risks.
• Accidental killing: If you did not act with negligence or recklessness, the death could have been accidental. Depending on the specifics of your case, your attorney may argue that the killing was an accident rather than manslaughter.
• Self-defense: Killing a person in the process of trying to protect yourself or someone else from serious harm or death is considered self-defense. Proving self-defense can potentially lead to a case dismissal but it is not common. You would have to not only prove that you were in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death but that you also did not use excessive force.
• Medical causes: Another possible defense is showing you were not directly responsible for the decedent’s death. If he or she suffered from a medical condition that contributed to the death — like a heart attack, for example — it may lessen your liability. It is not likely to lead to a case dismissal, but it may weaken the prosecution’s case.

Contact a Parker County, TX Manslaughter Defense Attorney

A manslaughter charge can not only result in hefty fines and prison time but can also impact your future. Protect your future and your rights by contacting Soraya Joslin, P.C.. Attorney Soraya Joslin has almost 30 years of experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, giving you the best chance for a favorable outcome. Schedule a free consultation with a Weatherford, TX manslaughter defense lawyer by calling [{phone]] today.