Beaumont Manslaughter Lawyer

Beaumont Manslaughter Attorney

Manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person. Even though the death was not purposeful, manslaughter charges are still very serious, and a conviction can result in significant consequences. Give yourself a strong chance of a favorable outcome by contacting a skilled Beaumont manslaughter lawyer as soon as you can. At Renick Law Firm, PLLC, our legal defense team has successfully represented and guided countless clients through the criminal court system.

Looking at Manslaughter Crimes in Beaumont, TX

Manslaughter in Texas is defined as the unintentional or negligent killing of another person. This legal term is complex and typically refers to reckless conduct that caused the death of another individual. Manslaughter is usually charged as a felony in the second degree.

In 2023, there were approximately 39 cases of manslaughter by negligence in Dallas County and 19 instances of manslaughter reported in Harris County. There were about 3 cases of manslaughter reported in Jefferson County. Felony cases in Beaumont, TX, are likely to be processed by the Jefferson County Courthouse, located at 1149 Pearl St in Beaumont, TX 77701.

Understanding Manslaughter Laws in Texas

Manslaughter is the reckless, unintentional killing of another person. This offense is distinctly different from other homicide crimes, including criminally negligent homicide. Criminally negligent homicide is considered when a person’s conduct is inconsistent with what a reasonable individual would have done in the same situation.

Manslaughter is also distinct from murder, which has a higher degree of culpability. Murder also requires a degree of intent and premeditation, whereas manslaughter only requires recklessness with no preplanning. These are the types of manslaughter charges that Texas law recognizes:

• Reckless conduct. The defendant’s reckless behavior resulted in the accidental death of another person. Examples include participating in dangerous activities or disregarding safety protocols.
• Intoxication manslaughter. The unintentional loss of life resulting from the defendant’s conduct while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Vehicular manslaughter. Instances where the defendant’s negligent or reckless operation of a vehicle causes the death of another individual.

Penalties and Consequences of a Manslaughter Conviction

Manslaughter is categorized as a second-degree felony within the state of Texas and can bring significant legal penalties if convicted. A manslaughter conviction warrants a prison sentence lasting between two and 20 years, substantial financial penalties, and any other penalties deemed appropriate by the court for your case.

In addition to a criminal sentence, there are also several consequences that a felony conviction on your record can bring, impacting your life for the foreseeable future. Felony crimes show up any time someone runs a background check on you, such as a potential employer or landlord, which can make finding housing and career opportunities more difficult.

If found guilty of manslaughter, the details of your circumstances have a bearing on how the court may choose to sentence you. For example, whether you have a prior criminal history, how culpable you were in the crime, and your mental state during it can all impact how severe the penalties may be. Some defendants may even be eligible for probation following a manslaughter conviction, provided that there was no deadly weapon was used while committing the offense.

It’s crucial to have a qualified and experienced manslaughter defense lawyer representing you throughout your case. Your lawyer understands how to most effectively defend you, including which defense arguments to employ and how to advocate on your behalf, such as arguing for a lesser sentence.

FAQs

How Is Manslaughter Different from Murder in Texas?

Under Texas law, manslaughter and murder are both forms of homicide, the killing of another person. However, these two offenses are distinctly different because of the factors of premeditation and intention.

To be charged with murder, the defendant must be found to have intentionally caused the death of another person with a level of preplanning. Compared to this, a manslaughter charge does not require premeditation and instead entails reckless or negligent conduct. Murder also has a higher degree of culpability.

What Are the Types of Manslaughter Under Texas Law?

In Texas, there are three types of manslaughter. Reckless conduct is the primary type of manslaughter offense, wherein an individual’s reckless or negligent actions cause the death of another person. Intoxication manslaughter involves the unintentional killing of a person while the defendant is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Vehicular manslaughter is the reckless operation of a motor vehicle that kills a person.

What Are the Penalties for a Manslaughter Conviction?

For a manslaughter conviction in Texas, the legal penalties typically include a prison sentence lasting between a couple and several years in addition to a hefty financial fine. Besides these punishments, sustaining a felony conviction on your criminal record can result in several negative consequences.

A criminal conviction may make it difficult to retain certain professional licenses or even make some career paths unattainable. With felonies showing up on background checks, you may also have trouble finding housing or employment.

Can You Get Probation for Manslaughter in Texas?

It is possible in some cases for a defendant to be eligible for probation in place of a prison sentence in the state of Texas. Probation may be granted by the court only if the defendant did not utilize a deadly weapon when committing the crime. Additionally, the court considers multiple factors when determining a sentence, such as your criminal history, mental state during the offense, and your level of culpability.

How Does a Lawyer Help My Manslaughter Case?

An experienced criminal defense lawyer is an invaluable resource to have when navigating a manslaughter case. While not legally required, working with a seasoned defense attorney brings several benefits to your cause. Your lawyer is there to provide insightful counsel and guide you throughout the process, helping you to understand the legal implications of your situation and explain the various court procedures involved.

Beaumont Manslaughter Lawyer

Don’t hesitate to speak with us at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, about your manslaughter case. We can evaluate the details of the situation to determine which defense strategy to move forward with. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a competent criminal lawyer.