Even in non-DWI cases, recklessly driving your vehicle can lead to manslaughter charges. A driver who is distracted, fatigued, impaired, or who has simply disregarding basic traffic laws—e.
And while manslaughter may not seem as severe a crime as murder or capital murder, it is still classified as a second-degree felony in Texas.
So, if convicted, a person can still be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. One step below manslaughter is the charge of criminally negligent homicide. As the phrase suggests, this applies to situations where the defendant caused the death of another person due to criminal negligence.
It is more than ordinary negligence in that it requires some degree of gross deviation from the normal standards of what is considered civilized conduct. One example of criminal negligence is hazing. For instance, say a college fraternity decides to initiate new members or pledges by forcing them to drink a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. As a result, a pledge dies of alcohol poisoning. Prosecutors could charge the fraternity leaders who orchestrating and supervised the event and hazing with criminally negligent homicide.
While still a serious offense, criminally negligent homicide is the lowest degree of homicide in Texas. It is a state jail felony. Keep in mind, however, that the line separating criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter can be tricky, and aggressive prosecutors may try and pursue the second-degree felony manslaughter charge when plausible.
If you are facing any of the homicide charges described above, you need to call an experienced Galveston criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A murder or manslaughter charge will not simply disappear just because you tell the police you are innocent.
You need a lawyer who will aggressively represent your interests in court and defend you to the best of their ability. For example, in many homicide cases, the evidence only supports a manslaughter charge at best, yet the district attorney insists on prosecuting the case as a murder. But if the prosecution cannot prove you acted with premeditation, then a jury must acquit you of murder. Similarly, a prosecutor may pursue a case of criminally negligent homicide as manslaughter. Having a qualified defense lawyer at your side can help you negotiate a plea agreement to a more appropriate—and less severe—charge in some cases.
If you need legal representation or advice, contact Mark Diaz, criminal defense attorney, today at to schedule a free consultation. Contact our office today for a consultation. A criminal defense attorney can help build a line of defense and examine the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Regardless if you are facing charges of voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide, an attorney can guide you through your case. Give a trusted criminal defense attorney a call today to learn more about your options.
White Plains , NY New York , NY Bronx , NY Brooklyn , NY Jamaica , NY Available for Phone and Video Consultations. Smith What can you expect from your Manhattan white collar crimes attorney? Manslaughter vs. Criminally Negligent Homicide. Posted on: April 16, Posted by: Troy Smith. What is Manslaughter? Both of these crimes are far less serious than first degree and second degree murder, which cannot be charged unless the defendant had the intent to kill.
Have you been accused of killing another person? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm at once. The criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm have successfully handled countless homicide and manslaughter cases. Let us fight for your freedom. Schedule a free consultation today by calling or filling out this online form. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Criminally Negligent Homicide vs. Criminal Negligence vs.
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