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Houston Manslaughter Defense Attorney

Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law
DUI Defense Lawyers Association Board Certified
National College for DUI Defense Board Certified
Super Lawyers 2013-2020
Super Lawyers Top 100 in Houston & Texas
Lawyer Scientist
Avvo 10/10 Rating
Avvo Clients' Choice Award
Board Certified Advocate in Criminal Trial Law by the NBTA Foundation
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TCDLA
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
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Super Lawyers Rising Star 2010-2013

Manslaughter Defense

Providing the Top-Tier Criminal Defense Counsel You Deserve

According to Texas Penal Code § 19.04, manslaughter is defined as recklessly causing the death of another person. It is a felony of the second degree, punishable by imprisonment for 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. With manslaughter charges, a person could face years in prison for something that was entirely accidental, as long as the prosecution can prove that his or her conduct was reckless and resulted in another’s death.

In the face of manslaughter or any criminal charges, it is important to remember that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The District Attorney has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The odds may seem stacked against you, but you have undeniable rights clearly established in the U.S. Constitution and refined by case law through the decades.

It is your attorney’s job to protect your rights and get an unfounded case dismissed or build that shadow of a doubt in the judge and jury’s minds to secure a not guilty verdict. See how the experience and trial-tested lawyers at Thiessen Law Firm are some of the most qualified lawyers in the country to help you beat a manslaughter charge, especially intoxication manslaughter charges.

Taking a Closer Look at Manslaughter Charges in Houston, TX

A person is considered to have committed manslaughter if he or she “recklessly causes the death of an individual.” But what does this mean, exactly? Texas Penal Code § 6.03(c)goes into further detail on this specific mental state. A person may be considered reckless if he or she “is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur.” Further, the risk must be so significant that no ordinary person would disregard it in the circumstances.

Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas

Causing a fatal auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an example of a particular type of manslaughter: intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter contains the following elements:

  • A conscious disregard of the risk of drunk driving
  • Reckless behavior that caused the death of another person

If you are involved in this type of fatal accident, it can result in your being charged with intoxication manslaughter in Houston. The penalties for intoxication manslaughter are steep and lead to life-changing consequences.

Searching for a Houston intoxication manslaughter lawyer? You can’t do better than an experienced and aggressive Board-Certified DWI attorney who has trial-tested experience handling intoxication manslaughter cases. Mark Thiessen is one of only a handful of Houston intoxication manslaughter lawyers who can truly, legally, call himself a DWI specialist and is also the only lawyer in the country who is Triple Board-Certified in the following categories: 

  • Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense as approved through the American Bar Association
  • DUI Law by the DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Unlike many other lawyers who are advertising their services as Houston intoxication manslaughter lawyers, Mark Thiessen has actually won intoxication manslaughter cases, including a Not Guilty verdict for a quadruple charge of intoxication manslaughter.

Get Exceptional Manslaughter Defense with Thiessen Law Firm

Not all manslaughter lawyers in Houston are made equal. To be blunt, you’d be hard-pressed to find another intoxication manslaughter lawyer in Houston that has won intoxication manslaughter cases in court, let alone a lawyer who has multiple victories like Mark Thiessen of Thiessen Law Firm. 

Do not let a manslaughter charge threaten your future. No matter the situation at hand, there may be a way to effectively challenge the case against you. With our results-driven approach and our experience litigating the most complex criminal cases, our Houston criminal defense attorneys are equipped to fight for your freedom.

Call Thiessen Law Firm today at 713.864.9000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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