Manslaughter Defense Attorney in Houston, TX

Serious Defense Against Serious Charges 

Being charged with manslaughter in Houston, TX can be a very traumatic experience that can cause a range of emotions. Manslaughter in Texas involves the unlawful killing of another person through recklessness. A second-degree felony, a manslaughter conviction can lead to years or decades in prison, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in fines. If you are facing charges, speak with a criminal defense lawyer about your case immediately. At Alex the Defender, our Houston manslaughter attorney, Alexander J. Houthuijzen, can look into the facts of your case and determine your legal options. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the legal process and uncertain about what the future holds. We genuinely care about helping people experiencing challenging times. That is why we work closely with our clients to carefully craft customized legal strategies that consider all angles and leverage our knowledge of the law. It's important for individuals facing these charges to seek support from loved ones and legal professionals to help them navigate this difficult time, and our Houston Manslaughter lawyer is prepared to pursue favorable outcomes inside and outside the courtroom. 

Schedule a consultation with our manslaughter lawyer in Houston by calling (713) 999-3655 or contacting us online today.

What Is Considered Manslaughter in Texas? 

Manslaughter is a serious crime that occurs when an individual recklessly causes the death of another person. To act recklessly means that the individual was conscious of the potential fatal outcome of their actions yet disregarded that substantial risk. Their actions demonstrate a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would have exercised under similar circumstances. Although manslaughter is similar to murder in that it involves the death of another person, the offenses are distinct. The difference lies in intent. With manslaughter, the alleged offender does not act to take another person's life. Instead, they engage in conduct that they know could severely hurt someone. Those who commit murder knowingly cause someone's death. 

What Are the Potential Penalties? 

In Texas, the penalties for manslaughter are severe. The offense is classified as a second-degree felony. Upon a conviction, the defendant can be sentenced to 2 to 20 years of imprisonment. Additionally, the court may order a fine of up to $10,000. The above represents the range of punishments that may be imposed. The final sentence is determined after evaluating the case's facts, including any aggravating or mitigating factors. Getting legal advice from an experienced manslaughter attorney in Houston is vital. They can apply their legal knowledge to pursue a favorable outcome that could allow the defendant to avoid or minimize penalties. 

Can a Manslaughter Charge Be Fought? 

Although manslaughter is a serious offense, the prosecution must still provide evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, the defendant can present their own arguments and cross-examine witnesses to expose weaknesses in the opposition's case. 

Possible defenses that can be raised in a manslaughter case include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Acting in self-defense: The defendant might have used the amount of force necessary to prevent an immediate threat of danger to themselves or others. 
• Not acting recklessly: The defendant might not have recklessly engaged in the behavior. The other person's death could have resulted purely by accident. 

The specific defenses applicable to a case will depend on the unique circumstances. Anyone charged would benefit from retaining the services of a manslaughter lawyer in Houston. Reach out to Alex the Defender to discuss your case. 

Ready to begin your manslaughter case defense strategy? We're here. We're ready. Call Alexander Houthuijzen now at (713) 999-3655 or contact us online today.