Charges relating to intoxication manslaughter are serious in Texas, resulting in harsh penalties and jail time. If you are facing a sentence of intoxication manslaughter, it can be worth it to ensure your rights are protected through the criminal justice process. A Mesquite intoxication manslaughter lawyer with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help defend your rights. Call our office today at (214) 696-9253.
Manslaughter is a crime where someone accidentally ends the life of another person. Different than murder, manslaughter contains no intent to kill. However, manslaughter can still be tied to a reckless driving charge, which might indicate negligence.
No one wants to be involved in a fatal car accident, no matter who is at fault or what the circumstances may be. We understand that this is a difficult time and are prepared to do everything we can to make this an easier, clearer, and less scary process for you. Indeed, if you make more mistakes in handling your own case, jail time can be much higher.
Collecting Evidence Boosts Your Case
Our goal is to swiftly collect evidence to ascertain where you truly stand with the law. Any evidence we can collect first and not share with the other party gives us a big advantage. The law is harsh surrounding intoxicated driving, and there is a long history in this country of drunk drivers ending lives. The laws are in place for good reason.
There could be eyewitnesses working or living nearby who may have witnessed the events. Having more eyewitnesses than the other side may bolster your case. We can also bring in expert testimony, which may be able to support your case. Expert testimony is a key tool in many legal proceedings. For example, it can help the jury understand complex accident reconstruction data. There could also be broken glass patterns in the street or skid marks that can help show the events and what happened. It is important to keep things objective and fact-based when pursuing a defense of intoxication manslaughter in Texas.
Anything you tell your attorney in Texas is protected by attorney-client privilege, per the Texas Bar Association. Everything you tell your attorney is protected by this law. Your attorney cannot break this law and expect to keep their job, and all attorneys know about this. Nothing you tell your attorney will be used against you.
The exact opposite is true when you are speaking with police or insurance agents. In those instances, anything you say can and will be used against you in court or not used at all. Essentially, the reverse is true for your attorney. Anything you tell your lawyer will either be used to help your case, or it will not be used as evidence. This is central to the adversarial nature of the Anglo-American legal system.
Understand Sentencing for Intoxicated ManslaughterIn Texas, the law is written to protect people who were unknowingly intoxicated before they got into an accident. Thus, an early point of contention is going to center around whether you knowingly became intoxicated prior to the accident. There are a number of instances where a person may not be aware that a beverage they have has alcohol. If a drink was spiked at a party, but you were not aware, there can potentially be a case made that you did not know you were intoxicated.
There are tough penalties in Texas for intoxication manslaughter, such as:
- Prison time of 24 months to 20 years
- Fines as high as $10,000 per victim
- Probation
- Substance abuse counseling
- Traffic education school
- Community service
- Revoked or suspended driver’s license
Whether you spend two years or two decades in prison for this crime depends largely on the evidence and the quality of your defense attorney team. Knowledge of civil procedure and the law can go a long way in protecting someone’s rights in criminal proceedings.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg has experience with this type of criminal law. We know what the authorities must prove, and if the evidence is there, we know how to help you get the plea bargain that could reduce your prison time.
There could be video camera footage from a nearby establishment that caught some of the action, so your Mesquite intoxication manslaughter lawyer will have answers to defend you in that scenario. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 for a free consultation to learn more about how a lawyer may help you.
Ways a Mesquite Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer Has Helped Folks Like You
Sometimes police officers make mistakes when they investigate a crime. If your civil rights are violated at any point in the criminal justice process, a Mesquite intoxication manslaughter lawyer at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help you fight to reduce the charges.
There are steps a person can take to indicate to prosecutors that they are serious about reforming their life, including:
- Substance abuse counseling
- Traffic school or drivers’ education classes
- Apologizing to the victim’s family
- Pleading guilty to relevant charges
- Cooperating with investigators
This is a sensitive time and process for everyone involved. A wrong move can more than triple the amount of time you spend in jail as a result. For example, if you decide to represent yourself in court, plead not guilty, and then run out of money defending yourself against expert testimony, you could face the maximum penalty. Do not get in over your head like this. Instead, we recommend working with us at the Law Office of Randall B. Isenberg, where we have criminal justice experience and know the ins and outs of Texas law regarding intoxication manslaughter.
There are many instances of extenuating circumstances that could materially change the outcome of your case. Trials and legal cases center around evidence, and we can review the evidence of your case and let you know where you stand with the law.
Sometimes police make mistakes, and if there was a mistake made in prosecuting you, we may have an opportunity to reduce your sentencing and get you out of prison sooner.
Regardless of the facts of your case, we are prepared to help maximize your chances of freedom and fight for your rights throughout the criminal justice process. Call us today to get started with a free case evaluation at (214) 696-9253.
