Manslaughter Attorney in Friendswood

Penalties of a Manslaughter Conviction in Texas

A conviction for manslaughter in Texas is a second-degree felony, carrying a long list of severe penalties and collateral consequences that can affect you for the rest of your life. The penalties can include:

• Prison Sentence: Two to 20 years in state prison.
• Fines: Up to a $10,000 fine.
• Probation: In some cases, a judge or jury may grant probation, which can be up to 10 years.
• These are just the direct, legal penalties. A conviction also carries significant collateral consequences that can be even more damaging.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction will stay on your record forever. This makes it difficult to secure employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You may lose the right to vote and the right to own or possess firearms.
• Professional and Licensing Issues: Many professions require state licenses, which can be revoked or denied to individuals with a felony conviction.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a felony conviction can result in deportation or inadmissibility to the United States.

Our firm is committed to fighting to prevent these life-altering consequences. We have seen firsthand the devastating impact a conviction has on our clients and their families. Our experience as a former prosecutor gives us a unique advantage, allowing us to provide a robust defense and serve as a dedicated Friendswood manslaughter lawyer who will leave no stone unturned.

The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Manslaughter Charges

The legal process for a manslaughter charge is complex and unforgiving. Having a manslaughter attorney in Friendswood on your side from the very beginning can make all the difference. We will guide you through every step of this difficult journey, ensuring you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

1. Initial Investigation and Arrest: Law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation, which may include questioning you, gathering physical evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Remember, anything you say can be used against you. It is crucial to invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel immediately. We offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure you fully understand this critical right.
2. Arraignment: This is where you formally enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We will advise you to plead not guilty, which allows us to begin building your defense.
3. Discovery and Motion Practice: This is the most labor-intensive part of the defense. Our firm will obtain all evidence the prosecution has against you and may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the legality of the arrest, or dismiss the charges entirely if the prosecution's case is weak.
4. Plea Bargaining or Trial: Depending on the strength of the evidence and our assessment of the case, we will either negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor or proceed to trial. Our background as former prosecutors means we are skilled at negotiating with the other side and are not afraid to go to trial if it is in your best interest.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Manslaughter Defense

At the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our defense strategy for manslaughter charges is thorough and aggressive. Our experience as former prosecutors has taught us that no two cases are the same, and we tailor our approach to the unique facts of each client’s situation. Our team is composed of seasoned litigators who use our insight into the prosecution's strategies to build a more robust defense.

Our defense strategies for a manslaughter attorney in Friendswood may include:

• Challenging Recklessness: We can argue that your actions were not reckless. This may involve showing that you were not aware of a substantial risk or that you did not consciously disregard it.
• Challenging Causation: We may argue that your actions were not the direct cause of the victim's death. This could involve showing that a pre-existing medical condition, an intervening act by another party, or a medical malpractice error was the true cause of death.
• Self-Defense: We may argue that you acted in a reasonable belief that you were in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: We will meticulously review the initial police investigation to determine if your constitutional rights were violated. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, we will file a motion to have it suppressed.
• Bilingual Services: We offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure there are no communication barriers. This is especially critical in cases where witness statements or police interviews may have been misunderstood. Our ability to communicate effectively in your preferred language is a key part of our defense strategy.

Our firm's proven success is a testament to our dedication to our clients. We take your case personally and are dedicated to helping you achieve a positive outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a Manslaughter Lawyer in Friendswood Help Me?

A manslaughter criminal attorney in Friendswood evaluates your case specifics, gathering evidence and crafting a defense strategy to mitigate your charges. We stand by you, ensuring fair treatment under the law, taking into account the regional practices unique to Friendswood's judicial system.

What Should I Do If I Am Charged with Manslaughter?

Seek legal representation immediately and refrain from speaking to law enforcement without an attorney. At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we offer immediate consultations to assist you in understanding your charges and rights. Rapid response is crucial, as early intervention is often beneficial in court outcomes.

What Should I Expect When Going to Court for Manslaughter in Friendswood?

Understanding Friendswood’s court procedures is vital for a successful defense. Local courts have unique protocols, which our team understands thoroughly. We guide you through from pre-trials to verdict, offering insights into Friendswood courts to tailor interactions with court officials effectively.