Houston Manslaughter Attorney
Practice Areas
Experienced Manslaughter Texas Defense Lawyer B. Keith Jackson
Being charged with manslaughter in Houston, TX, is a serious matter that demands immediate attention and experienced legal help from a skilled Houston manslaughter attorney. At B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for your future.
Keith Jackson has built a strong reputation in Harris County as a dedicated criminal defense lawyer who knows how to handle the most serious criminal charges, including manslaughter and criminal homicide. Our law firm takes extra care to carefully review the facts and protect your rights under the Texas Penal Code.
No matter the circumstances surrounding your criminal case, we’re here to provide the strong legal representation you need. Call (281) 545-5020 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Houston criminal attorney today.
What is Manslaughter in Texas?
Manslaughter is a type of criminal homicide that occurs when a person’s reckless actions cause the death of another person. Manslaughter charges can result from situations like a car accident caused by dangerous driving, the negligent handling of a deadly weapon, or other actions that endanger another person’s life. If you’re facing charges, it’s essential to have a Houston criminal defense attorney who understands the Texas criminal justice system and can develop a strong defense on your behalf.
Manslaughter Texas Penal Code
Under Texas Penal Code Sec. 19.04, a person commits manslaughter when they recklessly cause the death of another. The law does not require proof that the person intentionally meant to kill; instead, it focuses on whether the reckless conduct caused a clear risk of death and the person ignored that risk. Manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony, which means a conviction can result in serious prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Manslaughter vs. Murder Texas Law
Manslaughter involves reckless conduct that causes the death of another person, while murder is based on intent. According to Texas law, a murder charge applies when a person intentionally kills someone, causes serious personal injury that leads to death, or commits murder while carrying out another crime.
Murder is typically charged as a first-degree felony, but certain factors can raise the charge to a capital felony that may lead to life without parole or the death penalty. Capital murder charges can include cases where the defendant committed murder during crimes like aggravated sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, or burglary, or if the victim was a police officer.
In some situations, a murder charge can be reduced to a second-degree felony if it can be proven that the killing happened under the immediate influence of sudden passion caused by a sufficient reason.
Manslaughter vs. Criminally Negligent Homicide Texas Law
The difference between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide depends on how aware the person was of the danger. Manslaughter happens when someone engages in reckless conduct, knowing their actions could be dangerous, but goes ahead anyway. For example, if a driver speeds through a red light and causes a fatal car accident, that could lead to manslaughter charges.
On the other hand, criminally negligent homicide involves criminal negligence, meaning the person failed to recognize a risk they should have known existed. A common example is leaving a child in a hot car, resulting in the child’s death. In this case, the person didn’t act with intent or recklessness, but their lack of reasonable care led to a tragic outcome. Criminally negligent homicide is classified as a state jail felony and carries serious penalties under Texas law.
Manslaughter vs. Intoxication Manslaughter Texas Law
In Texas, the separation between manslaughter and intoxication manslaughter lies in whether the person was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. Manslaughter involves reckless conduct that causes the death of another person, regardless of intoxication.
Intoxication manslaughter, however, happens when a person operates a vehicle, boat, or other equipment while intoxicated and causes someone’s death, even if they didn’t mean to harm anyone. This charge is common in deadly auto accidents involving alcohol or a controlled substance, and it is also classified as a second-degree felony under Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.08.
If you’ve been accused of this offense in Harris County, a Houston intoxication manslaughter lawyer can help protect your rights and fight the charges against you.
Punishments for Manslaughter Charges Texas
A manslaughter charge is a second-degree felony in Texas. If convicted, you could face a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, which can affect jobs, housing, and future opportunities.
How a Houston Manslaughter Defense Attorney Can Help
If you’re facing manslaughter charges in Harris County, working with a skilled Houston manslaughter attorney like B. Keith Jackson can make a major difference in your case.
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, he will carefully review the facts and determine whether your actions are considered truly reckless conduct under Texas law. Attorney Jackson will also prepare you if your case goes to trial, explain the steps involved, and help you understand what the State must prove before a court can find you guilty.
He may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain, argue for reduced charges, or dispute how the arrest or investigation was handled. His goal is to build a strong strategy that protects your future and helps you avoid jail time whenever the law and facts allow.
With the right legal representation, you’ll have someone who can challenge the evidence against you and fight for the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
Common Manslaughter Defenses in Texas
Here are some common defenses that a Houston criminal attorney may use when fighting manslaughter charges in Texas:
- Self-Defense: Arguing that the defendant committed the act while trying to protect themselves or someone else from serious harm or death.
- Lack of Recklessness: Showing that the defendant's conduct caused the death, but it was not reckless under the law.
- Accident: Arguing that the death was a tragic accident with no criminal intent or reckless behavior involved.
Each case is different, and the defense strategy depends on the facts, available evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can help determine which approach is most effective.
Arrested for Manslaughter? Call Houston Criminal Attorney B. Keith Jackson Today
If you’ve been charged with manslaughter or any form of criminal homicide in Harris County, your next steps are critical. A conviction could lead to years of prison time, a permanent criminal record, and severe damage to your future. That’s why you need to act fast to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
At B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this situation can be. Our firm is committed to providing honest, straightforward guidance and strong legal representation from start to finish. Attorney Keith Jackson takes the time to review every detail of your case, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call (281) 545-5020 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation today.
Contact a Reliable Houston Attorney for Assistance with Your Civil or Criminal Case
Whether you are facing criminal prosecution or embroiled in a complicated civil dispute, a diligent lawyer can help you reach the best possible solution to your case. You can be confident I will not back down in standing up for your rights against tough opposition.