Fort Worth Manslaughter Attorney

Let Our Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Fight for You

If you were arrested and charged with manslaughter in Texas, it is imperative to obtain experienced legal counsel from a qualified lawyer. At Jerry Loftin & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights, reputations, and freedom of all our clients.

With more than 65 years of combined experience, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of Texas law to guide you through the complexities of the legal system. Do not hesitate to get the skilled legal help to get your life back on track.

Penalties for Manslaughter

In Texas, manslaughter cases are often confusing and subjective since the state doesn’t officially distinguish between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. In order to be convicted of manslaughter, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant caused the death of another person by acting in a reckless manner. There is no need to prove an element of knowledge, intent, or premeditation to be convicted of manslaughter.

Manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by a prison sentence between two and 20 years, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000. A felony conviction can also have an adverse impact on a defendant’s future opportunities in life, such as access to employment and housing programs.

How Much is Bail for Manslaughter?

Charges for manslaughter can carry a bail requirement as high as $100,000. For a bail amount that high, the bail bondsman is required to charge $10,000 to post a bond in place of the bail. These rates are set by statute, and all bail bond companies are required to charge the same amount. Many charges, including charges related to manslaughter, are listed on the standard bail schedules and are on file with local courts, jails, and booking facilities. If the charges being made are eligible for immediate bail, the amount of bail on the schedule will be used. If circumstances indicate that a bail hearing is required, the defendant will have to appear before a judge to have a bail amount set before having the opportunity to bail out of jail for manslaughter.

Is Killing Someone in a Car Accident Manslaughter?

Killing someone in a car accident could lead to a manslaughter charge depending on a range of factors of the accident. If you have been responsible for an accident, causing the death of a second party, then a court may find you to be liable and charge you with vehicular manslaughter. You are not going to be charged with vehicular manslaughter if the court can establish that the accident was genuinely something outside of your control, for example. If conditions on the road were poor, or some freak accident occurred, then it is very unlikely that you are going to be considered responsible for the accident and subsequently charged with vehicular manslaughter. Something that is important in many states when considering a vehicular manslaughter charge is whether or not you have driven recklessly or in a way that constitutes negligence. If your negligent driving or actions behind the wheel caused the accident, then you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Call (817) 591-7850 to Discuss Your Legal Options Today

As a former prosecutor, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case, giving you an advantage in the courtroom. With over 3,000 cases handled throughout Texas successfully handled, we are confident that we can produce the same results for you.

Contact us and schedule a free consultation today.