Aggressive Houston Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer
X

Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter Charges

 

domestic-assault-attorney-houston
If you are alleged to have been intoxicated in connection with with an accident or collision in which someone else was injured or killed, you may be subject to prosecution for intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter in the state of Texas. Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter charges are classified as felonies and carry serious penalties for drivers. Ensuring that your case is represented by a knowledgeable Houston DWI lawyer can help you to avoid a lengthy jail sentence, a fine of up to $10,000, and the loss of your driving privileges for an extended period of time.

Intoxication assault is a third degree felony in Texas and is defined as the operation of a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs that results in serious bodily injury to another individual. The injured party may be a pedestrian, a driver or passenger in another car, or a passenger in the vehicle driven by the accused. The penalties for conviction on intoxication assault charges may include the following:

  • A minimum prison term of 2 years up to 10 years
  • A fine of as much as $10,000
  • Community service of up to 600 hours
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device that prevents drivers from starting or operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol

Intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony in Texas and is defined as the operation of a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs that results in the death of another individual by accident or mistake. The injured party may be a pedestrian, a driver or passenger in another car, or a passenger in the vehicle driven by the accused. The penalties for intoxication manslaughter are even harsher and include the following:

  • A minimum prison term of 5 years up to 20 years
  • A fine of up to $10,000
  • Community service of up to 800 hours
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device

These penalties apply even if the incident is your first brush with the law. Additionally, if you are convicted of intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter, you will have a felony conviction on your record for the rest of your life. This can seriously affect your ability to obtain employment, to gain acceptance to institutions of higher learning, and to acquire necessary professional licenses for certain career fields.

A knowledgeable Houston DWI attorney can provide you with the legal representation you need to fight these charges in court. Matthew Gallagher is a licensed and skillful Houston criminal attorney with experience in intoxication related cases. Matthew Gallagher can provide valuable legal advice and representation to those charged with intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter in the state of Texas.

To obtain a conviction a trial, prosecutors must be able to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused individual was intoxicated at the time of the accident and that the injury or death would not have occurred if the defendant had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Matthew Gallagher’s in-depth knowledge of the legal process can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.