Being charged with manslaughter in Texas is a life-altering event. While these cases differ from murder charges because they do not involve intent to kill, the penalties are still severe, and the long-term consequences are significant. Understanding what kind of manslaughter charge you are facing is the first step toward protecting your future.
At Vinas & Graham, PLLC, we defend clients in Houston who are facing serious felony charges, including all forms of manslaughter. Our team helps you understand the charges, your rights, and your options at every stage of the process.
What Is Manslaughter Under Texas Law?
In Texas, manslaughter occurs when someone recklessly causes the death of another person. Unlike murder, manslaughter does not require intent to kill. Instead, the law focuses on whether the person acted in a way that showed a disregard for the known risks of their behavior. This could include things like drunk driving, firing a gun in a crowded area, or engaging in other dangerous conduct without regard for the potential consequences.
The key legal element is recklessness, meaning the person was aware of the danger but chose to ignore it. This makes manslaughter a serious offense, even if the outcome was unintentional. Under Texas law, manslaughter is a second-degree felony, which carries severe penalties.
Those convicted may face up to 20 years in prison, steep fines, and the burden of a permanent criminal record. The impact of a conviction extends well beyond the courtroom and can alter nearly every part of a person’s life.
Types of Manslaughter Charges in Texas and What They Can Mean for You
Texas law recognizes several types of manslaughter, each involving different circumstances but all carrying serious legal consequences. Understanding the differences between them is critical to building an effective defense.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Although Texas law does not formally use the term “voluntary manslaughter,” the concept appears in situations where a person causes another’s death in the heat of sudden passion arising from adequate cause. This often occurs when someone is provoked or emotionally overwhelmed in a way that could cause a reasonable person to lose self-control.
If raised successfully as a defense in a murder case, sudden passion may reduce the charge from a first-degree to a second-degree felony, potentially lowering the sentencing range to 2 to 20 years in prison. However, this argument must be supported by specific facts and substantial evidence.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone recklessly causes the death of another person without intending to do so. Examples include discharging a firearm irresponsibly or engaging in other hazardous conduct that leads to a fatal outcome.
It is charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction also creates a permanent felony record that can impact employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter applies when a person causes a death due to reckless driving, not involving drugs or alcohol. This could include street racing, extreme speeding, or driving while distracted.
Like other manslaughter charges, it is classified as a second-degree felony. Penalties include 2 to 20 years in prison, significant fines, license suspension, and long-term collateral consequences.
Intoxication Manslaughter
In Texas, intoxication manslaughter occurs when a person operates a vehicle, boat, aircraft, or amusement ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes the death of another person. This charge is most often filed in fatal drunk or drug-impaired driving cases.
It is also a second-degree felony, with penalties that include 2 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and additional court-ordered conditions such as alcohol education, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Sentences may be enhanced if the victim was a first responder or if multiple people were harmed.
Why Early Legal Help Matters When Facing Manslaughter Charges in Texas
Manslaughter charges are serious, complex, and often built around disputed facts. Whether the accusation involves recklessness, intoxication, or an emotionally charged situation, prosecutors usually seek the most severe penalties allowed by law. Getting legal help early on can greatly impact how your case is handled and what outcome you may face. A strong defense may lead to reduced charges, case dismissal, or a more favorable sentence.
At Vinas & Graham, PLLC, attorneys Joe Vinas and Spence Graham bring over 40 years of combined criminal law experience to every case they handle. As former felony chief prosecutors, they understand how these cases are constructed and how to challenge the evidence.
If you are facing manslaughter charges in the Houston area, contact Vinas & Graham, PLLC today for a confidential consultation. The sooner you act, the more options you may have to protect your rights and your future.
