Intoxication Manslaughter
Police and prosecutors take intoxication manslaughter charges incredibly seriously. Many people don’t know this, but Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) is headquartered in Dallas County. As a result, DWI enforcement and prosecution is a major priority around Dallas. When a case involves loss of life, however, the stakes only get higher. An experienced Dallas intoxication manslaughter attorney is absolutely vital to get a fair outcome.
Serious Consequences
Intoxication manslaughter can result in extremely serious consequences. For example, lengthy prison sentences and hefty financial penalties to lengthy are common. Probation sentences are generally lengthy and difficult. Furthermore, the damage to your reputation and family that comes with these charges can be enormous. Many people don’t realize that these cases also can result other unforeseen consequences. These include the loss of driving privileges, suspension of voting rights, and loss of the right to own or possess a firearm. When this much is on the line, you need an experienced Dallas intoxication manslaughter attorney on your side. We will help you understand the process, your rights, and your options. And of course, we will stand up for you in court.
Dallas Intoxication Manslaughter Attorney
First and foremost, Dallas intoxication manslaughter attorney Mike Howard understands that good people can get railroaded when they don’t have someone standing with and fighting for them. As an experienced trial lawyer, he has a reputation for fighting back and delivering fantastic results at trial. Not every client and case needs to go to trial, but when your lawyer has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, it can make all the difference in the world.
If you or someone you love is facing intoxication manslaughter in Dallas, contact the Law Offices of Mike Howard. Dallas intoxication manslaughter lawyer Mike Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options. Furthermore, he will fight for you and do everything he can to prevent the serious consequences of a conviction.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
Intoxication Manslaughter Charges in Dallas
A person commits intoxication manslaughter (Texas Penal Code § 49.08) results in a driving while intoxicated offense that causes someone’s death. Intoxication manslaughter offenses can also involve the operation of aircraft, watercraft, or amusement rides.
Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above is automatically “intoxication.” Intoxication is also not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or any other substance.
For information about other DWI and Intoxication related offenses, see our other DWI/DUI page and other intoxication offense pages:
- Intoxication Assault
- First DWI Offense
- Second DWI Offense
- Third (or more) DWI Offense
- DWI with Child Passenger
Penalties for Intoxication Assault
Intoxication assault is generally a second-degree felony. A conviction can result in 2 – 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If the person killed is a firefighter, EMS, peace office, or judge, the prosecutor can charge the case as a first-degree felony. A conviction can result in 5 – 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Other penalties can include up to 10 years of probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, an alcohol evaluation, treatment programs. Furthermore, standard conditions of probation can include community service, DWI education programs, and court costs.
Defending Intoxication Manslaughter Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove intoxication manslaughter charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented in your defense by a skilled Dallas intoxication manslaughter attorney, it can be a powerful weapon. Reasonable doubts that commonly arise in an intoxication assault case include:
- Can they rule out that maybe you were not actually intoxicated (driving while tired, driving while texting, driving while distracted, etc.)
- Do they have proof that someone else wasn’t have been driving?
- Can they rule out that the police conducted an improper DWI investigation? For example:
- failure to follow proper standardized field sobriety test procedures and protocols
- issues with the breathalyzer, blood draw and or storage, or blood test machine (proper calibration, maintenance, testing, qualified operator)
Dallas Intoxication Manslaughter Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas intoxication manslaughter attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas intoxication manslaughter lawyer has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.
A Proven Track Record
Dallas Intoxication Manslaughter Attorney
L.G. – DWI 3rd
Our client was facing a felony DWI due to his long record. In spite of his record and pretty bad facts, we took his case to trial and got a not guilty.
M.B. – DWI with Child Passenger
Even though his children were in the car when he got his DWI, we were able to get our client’s case reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor and get him time-served.
A.M. – DWI 2nd
Our client was a combat veteran with a previous DWI and a history of trauma related to his service. He has completed a prior pretrial diversion program so he wasn’t technically eligible for diversion again. We convinced the prosecutor to make an exception and his case was dismissed.
T.V. – DWI First
We took over our client’s case from another lawyer. He had been set for court many times before and was set for trial even though that’s not what he wanted. After one court setting we got his case reduced and got him deferred probation.
V.B. – DWI 1st > 0.15 BAC
Our client’s first DWI was enhanced due to a high blood alcohol score. We were able to get the enhancement dropped and avoid jail time.
