Source: https://www.georgetownlaw.net/driving-while-intoxicated-dwi/intoxication-manslaughter/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 20:18:18+00:00

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Any driver involved in a car accident after drinking and driving could face very serious criminal charges in Georgetown. If another person dies from injuries as a result of the car accident, a driver who was driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) could be charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Intoxication manslaughter, or DWI manslaughter, is a very serious offense that can result in the most serious penalties, even if the death was accidental or the driver unintentionally caused the death of another person. A conviction for this offense can result in lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, a possible permanent criminal record, a lengthy license suspension and/or ineligibility to pursue certain professional occupations or jobs.
If you have been charged with an intoxication manslaughter offense in Williamson County, it is important to hire a lawyer who is knowledgeable in all areas of DWI defense in Georgetown. At trial for intoxication manslaughter charges, the state prosecutor is required to show you committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden of proof is the highest burden of proof and often difficult to meet. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to improve your chances of success.
If you have been charged with a DWI Manslaughter in Georgetown, or any of the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Taylor, Hutto, Killeen, Temple, Belton or Harker Heights, contact Law Office of Michael J. Price Attorney Michael J. Price is knowledgeable in all areas of Texas’ driving while intoxicated laws and will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense.
They can review your case during a free, confidential consultation as soon as you call (512) 354-1880 or fill out an online contact form today.
An individual can be charged with intoxication manslaughter in Texas if they operate a motor vehicle on a public road while intoxicated and cause the death of another person as a result of the intoxication, according to Tex. Penal Code § 49.08.
Intoxication manslaughter can result in a felony of the second degree. However, the conviction could be increased to a felony of the first degree if the person who died in the accident was a peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical personnel.
Even if the death resulted from a mistake or an accident, it is not a defense to prosecution for this offense.
An individual may face any of the following charges in Texas instead of, or in addition to, intoxication manslaughter.
Vehicular Manslaughter – An individual can be charged with this offense if they recklessly cause the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle, according to Tex. Penal Code § 19.04. A conviction for this offense can result in a felony of the second degree.
Criminally Negligent Homicide – An individual can be charged with this offense if they operate their vehicle with criminal negligence and cause another person’s death, according to Tex. Penal Code § 19.05. A conviction for this offense can result in a state jail felony.
Intoxication Assault – Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 49.07 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they operate their vehicle while intoxicated from drugs or alcohol, and as a result of the intoxication, cause serious bodily injury to another person, according to Tex. Penal Code § 49.07. A conviction for this offense can result in a felony of the third or second degree, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
Reckless Driving – An individual can be charged with this offense if they recklessly operate a vehicle without regard for any other person or property, according to Tex. Transp. Code § 545.401. This offense is generally punishable as a misdemeanor.
Remain at the scene of the accident until all information has been exchanged and/or the individual is permitted to leave by law enforcement.
A conviction for this offense can result in a felony of the third degree.
A conviction for a second-degree felony DWI manslaughter in Georgetown can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine not more than $10,000. If the conviction was for a first-degree felony DWI manslaughter offense, the possible prison sentence could increase to a minimum of five years imprisonment up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Additionally, a first intoxication manslaughter conviction can result in a mandatory driver’s license suspension from 180 days up to two years. An individual who is convicted of a second or subsequent intoxication manslaughter offense within ten years of the prior conviction can receive a license suspension for a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years.
Texas Penal Code – Intoxication Manslaughter – Section 49.08 of the Texas Penal Code outlines Texas’ intoxication manslaughter laws, in addition to the penalties for a conviction for intoxication manslaughter. Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code governs all intoxication laws in Texas.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving – This nonprofit organization’s goal is to stop drunk driving and prevent accidents related to drinking and driving offenses. This organization also provides support and resources for individuals who have been involved and families of individuals who have been involved in alcohol-related car accidents.
Texas Penal Code – Intoxication Assault – Section 49.07 of the Texas Penal Code defines intoxication assault in Texas and the possible penalties for a conviction for DWI assault. Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code defines Texas’ intoxication laws.
Contact Law Office of Michael J. Price today for a consultation about your intoxication manslaughter offense throughout Williamson County in Texas. Michael J. Price is an experienced defense attorney in Georgetown who will make every effort to find applicable defenses or mitigating factors to the allegations against you. Contact our office at (512) 354-1880 for a consultation about your alleged DWI manslaughter throughout Williamson County and Bell County in Texas.

References: § 49
 § 19
 § 19
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 § 49
 § 545