Intoxication Manslaughter
Anyone facing a criminal charge often feels overwhelming, and intoxication manslaughter is one of the most serious accusations someone can face in Texas. Beyond the legal consequences, your reputation, career, family, and future could be at stake. If you find yourself in this situation, know that expert legal support is available, and an experienced defense attorney like Jacob Blizzard can make all the difference.
What is Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas
Under Texas state law, intoxication manslaughter occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public place, is intoxicated, and causes the death of another person through their operation of the vehicle. Intoxication can be due to alcohol, drugs, or the combined impact of both. It is a second-degree felony, carrying severe penalties due to the life-altering consequences of the offense.
Understanding this definition is essential for those charged with intoxication manslaughter, as the legal nuances involved can drastically impact the strength of the prosecution's case and how the defense might respond.
The Legal Elements
For a conviction, the prosecution must establish three essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Intoxication: The accused must have been intoxicated at the time of the incident. Intoxication is defined as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the introduction of substances or an alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
- Operation of a motor vehicle: The accused must have been operating the motor vehicle when the incident occurred.
- Causation: There must be a direct causal link between the intoxication and the victim's death. Proving causation often becomes the crux of the case, with defense attorneys challenging whether other factors contributed to the accident.
For the prosecution to succeed, they will rely on evidence such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or blood tests, as well as witness testimony and accident reconstruction.
Potential Penalties
The penalties for intoxication manslaughter are severe and can permanently alter the trajectory of a person’s life.
Imprisonment: A conviction can result in 2 to 20 years in prison.
Fines: Defendants face up to $10,000 in fines.
Driver’s License Suspension: Your driving privileges may be revoked for a long period.
Community Service: Courts may also mandate hundreds of hours of community service.
Probation (in some cases): While rare for intoxication manslaughter, certain circumstances may allow for probation under strict supervision.
It’s essential to highlight that repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors, such as multiple deaths or injury to a child passenger, can face enhanced charges or concurrent penalties.
How Jacob Blizzard Can Help You
Facing charges for intoxication manslaughter doesn’t mean all hope is lost. A strong legal defense can challenge the prosecution's case and reduce or dismiss charges. When facing the weight of a DWI or intoxication manslaughter charge, you need more than generic legal advice. You need a criminal defense attorney with solid trial experience. This is where Jacob Blizzard stands out.
Jacob Blizzard holds a rare dual certification in Criminal Law and Criminal Appeals by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, proving his expertise in navigating your case at every level. With years of experience handling complex intoxication cases across Texas, Jacob Blizzard knows how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and secure favorable outcomes for his clients.
Why Choose Jacob Blizzard?
- Track Record of Success in DWI defense
- Strategic Thinker who anticipates prosecution tactics
- Unwavering Dedication to protecting your future, freedom, and career
Your questions deserve answers, and your future deserves protection. Don’t gamble with your defense or your future.
Contact Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys today for a case review. Time is of the essence. Building a strong defense takes expertise and early intervention. We are here to ensure your rights are protected and your defense moves forward strategically.
