Have you been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) that resulted in the death of another person? If so, hiring legal representation from intoxication manslaughter lawyers who understand your case and know how to provide an effective defense could be beneficial. Without a lawyer, you may get a harsher sentence that includes prison time.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offer comprehensive legal representation for all types of felonies, including DWIs and manslaughter cases. We advocate for you to establish your innocence or reduce your sentence. Do not take chances with your future. Hire our law firm today and protect your rights.
Call (214) 696-9253 to get a free case assessment from an intoxication manslaughter attorney in Plano, TX.
Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas
The state of Texas refers to DWI-related deaths as intoxication manslaughter. A DWI manslaughter or intoxication manslaughter charge means that an intoxicated person killed another person while operating a vehicle, boat, plane, or machinery.
According to Texas Penal Code Title 10, §49.08, an intoxication means not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties or having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more. Although the act of killing someone was not intentional, the penalties for A DWI-related death are high.
Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas
Intoxication manslaughter is a serious offense that carries severe penalties. A sentence for this felony may include:
- Prison sentence of up to 20 years as a second-degree felony charge under Texas Title 3, §12.33,
- Fine of up to $10,000
- Up to 2 years driver’s license suspension, under Transportation Code §521.344
- Ignition interlocking device, starting under §521.241
As your attorneys, we work to get your sentence reduced based on the circumstances of the accident. Contact us today to get a free case assessment and explore your legal options.
Fighting an Intoxication Manslaughter Charge
Before you plead guilty to an intoxication manslaughter charge, our lawyers can meet with you to discuss all of your legal options. In an intoxication manslaughter case, you have three basic options:
1. Fight Your Intoxication Manslaughter Charges
Your attorney can work to plan a legal strategy to establish your innocence. If you challenge the courts, then you will likely face a trial. Keep in mind that challenging an intoxication manslaughter charge could increase the risk of higher penalties.
2. Plea Bargain
In a plea bargain, you agree to plead guilty. We petition the court to make concessions based on your plea. Therefore, the plea is contingent upon an approved arrangement that we make with the prosecution.
3. Negotiate To Drop All Charges
We can negotiate with the prosecution to drop all charges against you. The prosecution may decide that there is not enough evidence to convict you of the crime and be willing to withdraw the charges.
It is important to know what options you have and the penalties that come with each option.
Do not settle for less. A Plano intoxication manslaughter lawyer with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. Call us today at (214) 696-9253 for a free case evaluation.
How an Intoxication Manslaughter Attorney Can Help You
You may think to use a public defender to represent you in court. However, public defenders often see numerous cases every day and work with dozens of defendants. Therefore, they cannot give your case the full attention it deserves. You may be better off hiring a Plano intoxication manslaughter lawyer that can dedicate time, energy, and resources to your case.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers comprehensive legal services to help you with every aspect of your case. We can help you in the following ways:
- Manage your entire case from start to finish
- Obtain evidence that supports your innocence
- Engage with the prosecution on your behalf
- Develop an effective defense to reduce or drop your charges
- Provide legal consultation to help you avoid mistakes
Our legal team understands the Texas court systems and knows Texas law in and out. Therefore, we can handle every step of the legal process throughout the litigation. We can also make recommendations on how you should plead and how to move forward with your case.
Our Intoxication Manslaughter Defense Strategies
In an intoxication manslaughter accident, the prosecution may see your case as clear-cut and make a motion to expedite your sentencing. They may pressure you to admit fault. However, each case is different and requires a proper hearing. For this reason, we help you plan a strong defense using strategies such as:
Faulty BAC Testing
A law enforcement officer must adhere to strict protocols when administering a breathalyzer test. If the officer did not follow the protocols, we may be able to challenge the results as inadmissible in court. We may investigate the breathalyzer test to make sure the device was properly calibrated.
Challenging Your DWI as the Cause of Death
For the intoxication manslaughter statute to apply, the prosecution must prove that intoxication was the cause of death. So, even if you were operating a vehicle or machinery under the influence, you may not be guilty of intoxication manslaughter.
Exploring Other Causes of the Death
We may also look at other causes of the death, such as a defective product or machinery malfunction. If the victim was another driver, we may investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and how the accident led to the person’s death.
If we can establish that there is no connection between intoxication or that the police officers handled your arrest or the breathalyzer test improperly, then we may be able to get the charges dropped or reduce your sentence.
Contact Our Law Firm Today and Explore Your Legal Options
When your future is at stake, then it is important to choose the right criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg are prepared to take on your case and advocate for you during this challenging time. Call our law offices at (214) 696-9253 for a free case assessment with a Plano intoxication manslaughter lawyer.
