Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer Houston

Vehicular Manslaughter Defense

Compassionate, tireless defense for vehicular manslaughter charges in Houston, TX

Are you in need of an experienced and aggressive Houston vehicular manslaughter lawyer? Many Texans, especially Houstonians, know that car accidents happen far too often in the city. With busy interstates bustling with bumper-to-bumper traffic on a daily basis, minor to severe car accidents are a common occurrence. Unfortunately, some of those accidents can result in severe bodily injury — or even death.

You deserve the best criminal defense counsel. Choose a Houston manslaughter defense lawyer at Thiessen Law Firm and put a firm with over 100 not guilty verdicts on your side. Call 713.864.9000 today!

What constitutes vehicular manslaughter in Texas?

The state of Texas does not have a specific statute to cover vehicular manslaughter, so it typically falls under the state’s overarching manslaughter laws. According to Texas Penal Code § 19.04, manslaughter is defined as recklessly causing the death of another person. A person can be charged with vehicular manslaughter if the individual is operating a motor vehicle while recklessly causing the death of another person. The main difference between vehicular manslaughter vs vehicular homicide is that criminally negligent homicide in Texas is premeditated or has a motive, while manslaughter is a result of negligence.  

Regardless if it was intentional or accidental, you could be facing severe, life-altering penalties with a vehicular manslaughter charge that could turn your world upside down. You need a manslaughter attorney who will fight for your rights until the very end. You need Mark Thiessen of Thiessen Law Firm to represent you. Call 713-864-9000 for the representation you need and deserve.

How do you get a vehicular manslaughter charge in Texas?

As mentioned earlier, you can be hit with the equivalent of a vehicular manslaughter charge if your reckless behavior while driving causes someone else to lose their life. Well, what is considered reckless? 

To paraphrase Texas Penal Code § 6.03(c), recklessness means that you are aware of but consciously disregard an unjustifiable risk to such a degree that it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care. Here are some examples of reckless driving behaviors that can land you with the equivalent of a vehicular manslaughter charge:

• Racing on a highway: If you cause the death of another individual while engaged in a race or any exhibition of vehicle speed you will likely be charged with vehicular manslaughter. 
• Driving with a suspended license: It is considered reckless to drive without a valid license or without liability insurance.
• Operating any motor vehicle irresponsibly: This can include any other type of recklessness from texting while driving to ignoring traffic signals. Aircraft, boats, forklifts, and even carnival rides all fall under the motor vehicle category, if you’re operating them irresponsibly you can be hit with a vehicular manslaughter charge. 
• Drunk driving: If someone is making the choice to drive under the influence knowing that it is dangerous and causes a fatal accident while operating a motor vehicle, they can be charged with intoxication manslaughter in Texas, a severe DWI charge — if you need a felony DWI lawyer, Thiessen Law Firm is here to help.

It is likely that you will face severe penalties even if it is ruled that you committed unintentional vehicular manslaughter. The court is unlikely to feel very sympathetic, and will likely let that one lapse in judgment change your life forever.

What is the punishment for vehicular manslaughter in Texas?

Vehicular manslaughter, under the state’s manslaughter laws, is charged as a second-degree felony that is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and community service requirements. 

This does not even include the other penalties you may receive if you’re also slapped with a DWI on top of your vehicular manslaughter sentence including a license suspension, hefty fines, possible probation, and alcohol/drug education courses. 

Believe us when we say, you cannot afford manslaughter or murder charges in Texas. Your freedoms and reputation can be stripped away because of one bad choice. So, how can you avoid these life-altering penalties? You get the best lawyer you can find.

Defense against a vehicular manslaughter charge

Vehicular manslaughter cases can be complicated, but our defense strategies zero in on subtle details to help our clients preserve their freedom against unjust or inaccurate accusations. 

The bottom line is that you can only be charged with vehicular manslaughter if the prosecution can prove that your conduct was indeed reckless and the death in question was a direct result of your reckless behavior. Hard evidence including eyewitness testimonies and video footage from street cameras can prove that you were not to blame for the person’s death. If that evidence isn’t sufficient, your attorney will need to establish reasonable doubt — the line between guilt and innocence — surrounding the accident.

For example, if it can be proven that any person would have acted in the same manner that you did in your specific circumstances, your behavior may not be defined as “reckless.” In order to achieve this, you need an aggressive and experienced Houston vehicular manslaughter lawyer in your corner.

Arrested for vehicular manslaughter? Here is what Mark Thiessen can do for you.

Only attorneys with a great breadth of knowledge and experience can help secure a “not guilty” verdict for a manslaughter charge — and we know just the man for the job. 

Mark Thiessen is not just dedicated and experienced, he is the only lawyer in America who is quadruple Board Certified in DWI and is also Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This gives him the upper hand in most trial scenarios and his experience allows him to get results for his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and fight for his clients’ rights.

Your reputation, your freedom, and your life can be on the line. Don’t put your fate into the hands of just any lawyer. Call Thiessen Law Firm today at 713-864-9000 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation. We want to help you get the outcome you deserve.