Manslaughter Charges Defense

Houston Manslaughter Defense Lawyer – Shahin Zamir

When one person takes the life of another through their own irresponsible or negligent actions, but they did not intend to kill that person, they have committed manslaughter. In Texas, a manslaughter charge is a possible second-degree felony; those who are found guilty face prison time. In addition, individuals charged with manslaughter can also face personal injury or DWI charges.

Call Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900.

Types of Manslaughter Charges

Under Texas law, manslaughter charges are classified in three ways:

• Manslaughter charges are filed if a victim’s death occurs as a result of another individual’s irresponsible behavior. Considered a form of homicide, it is a second degree felony.
• Intoxication manslaughter charges are filed when a person is accused of causing the death of another by operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Texas is one of a handful of states that has a separate charge for manslaughter that occurs when a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If death occurs due to negligence of a person’s responsibilities, criminally negligent homicide charges will be filed. Under this type of accusation, the accused has a clear duty to care for or protect the victim. These charges are often filed in instances of medical or custodial care of another individual.

Penalties for Manslaughter Charges in Texas

To obtain a conviction of manslaughter, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant caused the death of another due to negligence or irresponsibility. Each manslaughter conviction carries mandatory prison time of two to 20 years and fines up to $10,000. Intoxication manslaughter may include additional penalties of a minimum of 240 hours of community service and the possibility of a supervised release upon completion of the prison sentence.

Get Help From a Houston Manslaughter Charges Attorney

Defendants are generally remorseful for the fact that they have taken the lives of others. Many are unable to deal with their own feelings because they are living with the judgment of society and the continuous scrutiny of the police, prosecutors and surviving family members of the victims. It is essential that defendants find an attorney with experience in manslaughter cases. Many defense attorneys are able to work with prosecutors to negotiate some type of plea agreement.

Houston attorney Shahin Zamir is a former prosecutor. He can offer his clients the experience of having represented cases on both sides of the courtroom. His expertise and compassion for his clients allow him to give an honest assessment of the case, while also providing an excellent defense.

Reach out to Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900 and schedule an appointment today if you are facing manslaughter charges in Houston, TX.