Vehicular Manslaughter
Irresponsible Driving Defense Lawyer in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
Car accidents are traumatic events and sometimes result in death. In some cases, a driver involved in a crash that took the life of another driver or passenger may be charged with car manslaughter.
Manslaughter is a legal term that refers to the act of recklessly ending another person’s life. If this happens in a car accident on a highway, it can be charged as a reckless auto accident. This is distinct from the crime of murder because murder involves one person intentionally killing another person, while manslaughter generally refers to an unintentional death.
Types of Car Crimes
Irresponsible driving can result in a variety of different criminal charges. If a court can determine that a driver was engaging in dangerous or reckless behavior behind the wheel and killed another person in a car crash, the driver may be charged with committing a deadly car accident or criminally negligent homicide.
If a driver causes such an accident while intoxicated, they may be charged with intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault in Houston, Texas. Also, street racing, illegal car modifications and reckless driving can all play a part in cases involving car crimes.
Punishments for Involuntary Vehicular Manslaughter
Many jurisdictions provide harsh punishments for criminally negligent vehicle accidents, especially if the accident results in a death. The punishments can vary based on the criminal history of the defendant and the circumstances of the case. According to the Texas Penal Code, some punishments for non-premeditated car crashes include:
- Conviction on a second-degree felony charge
- Confinement in state prison for a term of no more than 20 years and no less than 2 years
- A fine of up to $10,000
It is possible for someone who has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in a car crash to prepare a good legal defense. For example, the defense attorney might be able to introduce evidence to show that the other driver was driving dangerously or that the defendant was obeying traffic laws.
The defense attorney can work with the judge and the prosecution to negotiate elements of the sentence. This is more likely to succeed if the defendant has no criminal history and if the attorney is experienced.
Contact an Experienced Irresponsible Auto Accident Lawyer
Reckless driving charges are very serious in the state of Texas. Those convicted of committing driving mistakes can face serious penalties. Get a hold of Greg Tsioros today by calling (832) 752-5972