INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER

Houston DWI Defense Attorneys

Intoxication manslaughter is a severe charge. When you face these charges, you need a Houston manslaughter DWI attorney on your side. With The Martinez Law Firm, you have an advocate who fights for the best possible outcome in your case. 

Intoxicated manslaughter is the charge of DWI / DUI resulting in death. If you have been charged with intoxicated manslaughter, these are very serious charges, and you are urged to contact a Houston DWI attorney for immediate legal defense. At the Martinez Law Firm, we do everything within our power to help our clients avoid the harsh penalties that come with these charges. If your case goes to trial, we provide highly experienced DWI defense litigation.

What Is Intoxication Manslaughter?

A manslaughter DWI charge is when someone causes the death of another person by accident while drunk driving. In Texas, this is the highest degree of offense when it comes to intoxication-related charges. 

Moreover, these cases have the potential to escalate to a felony murder charge. Often, this depends on the circumstances of the case. That’s why you need a manslaughter DWI attorney with the experience and expertise to build a strong defense. 

When you face these charges, it is essential for you to fully understand your case. At The Martinez Law Firm, our defense attorney works with you every step of the way. As your advocate, we help you parse the charges to understand the following. 

  • The details of your case 
  • Circumstances around your arrest and the charges you face
  • How the results of the case impact your life

When you partner with a professional attorney, you gain a better understanding of your situation. With expert legal counsel, you also have a better foundation to build your defense. 

The Consequences of Manslaughter DWI Charges

In Texas, intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony. With many cases, the result is a fine of up to $10,000 and between 2-20 years of jail time. Additionally, it results in the suspension of your driver’s license, lasting anywhere from 180 days to 2 years. 

When convicted, you also face an annual surcharge fee of $1000-2000 in order to maintain your driver’s license. Moreover, it’s important to understand that a felony conviction also disqualifies you from possessing a firearm and voting. 

Even when the court grants you probation, there is still a mandatory 120 days in jail. For the best possible outcome of your case, you need a Houston manslaughter DWI attorney to advocate for you. Schedule a free consultation with our DWI defense attorneys today. 

Additional Penalties

When someone operates a vehicle in a way that makes it a deadly weapon, it results in an additional penalty. This prohibits “good time credit” in prison, which allows you eligibility for early release. In order to qualify under this penalty, you must still serve half of your sentence.

Additionally, this classification has the potential to limit your options for probation. Oftentimes, bond also requires an ignition interlock device as well as a range of other limitations on social aspects of your life, your driver’s license, and more. 

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

As a condition of your bond, the court often requires the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Additionally, it prohibits you from operating a motor vehicle that lacks such a device. 

This device tests your breath for the presence of alcohol before allowing you to operate the vehicle. When it detects a certain level of alcohol, the device temporarily disables the vehicle. 

Moreover, courts often order individuals to abstain from the use of alcohol as well as controlled substances, unless prescribed. In order to enforce this, the court may order random drug testing. 

In certain cases, the court also orders those who face accusations of intoxication manslaughter to not operate a motor vehicle so long as the case is pending. 

Partner with a Houston Manslaughter DWI Attorney

Oftentimes, the criminal justice is difficult to navigate on your own. Without a DWI defense attorney on your side, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. When you want to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome of your case, you need an experienced attorney to advocate for you. 

At The Martinez Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience fighting a range of DWI charges. Our specialization puts us in a unique position to protect you against the severe penalties of intoxication manslaughter charges in Houston. 

Call our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a professional DWI defense attorney. Tell us about your case and let us guide you through these troubling times.

Defending Drivers in Houston, Texas

If you have been arrested for intoxicated manslaughter, it is essential that you act quickly to protect your rights. We have been rated “Superb” by Avvo.com, and we have extensive experience on both the prosecution and criminal defense sides of the law. This gives us a unique perspective in predicting prosecutor tactics and preparing effective defense strategies. Call us today to discuss how we can provide you with the highest quality legal representation.