Austin, Texas Defense Lawyers for DWI Causing Injury or Death

Attorneys in Travis County for Clients Charged with Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter

If you have ever been involved in a traffic accident, you know how frightening the situation can be. Things become much worse if the accident results in another person suffering serious injury or death—even more so if the crash occurred while you were driving while intoxicated (DWI). When you are accused of causing the death of or injury to another person due to DWI, your entire life is likely to be turned upside down. In this type of situation, you could face charges for intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault, both of which carry some of the harshest penalties available for DWI-related offenses in Texas.

At Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC., our seasoned criminal defense attorneys realize that prosecutors are often under tremendous pressure to obtain a conviction when a victim is injured or killed in a crash involving an alleged drunk driver. In many such cases, the media gets involved, and public opinion could have an effect on the proceedings. With this in mind, you need a law firm on your side that has the knowledge, experience, and resources to build an aggressive defense and to protect your rights in the midst of an uncertain situation.

The Offense of Intoxication Manslaughter In Texas

Under the Texas Penal Code, you can be charged with intoxication manslaughter if you are suspected of operating a car, truck, boat, airplane, or amusement-type ride while intoxicated, and your intoxication caused the death of another person. Unlike other forms of manslaughter addressed in Texas law, intoxication manslaughter does not require prosecutors to prove that a specific reckless act caused the victim's death. Instead, the intoxicated operation of a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or ride is effectively considered the reckless behavior. This means that prosecutors must only show that you were intoxicated and that your intoxication is what caused the victim's death.

An intoxication manslaughter charge is usually a felony of the second degree. The penalties for a conviction could include a state prison sentence of as many as 20 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. If the accident caused more than one death, each death could support a separate charge with penalties that could be stacked.

Understanding Intoxication Assault

The offense of intoxication assault is similar to that of intoxication manslaughter, but it applies in situations where another person was seriously injured instead of killed. You could face intoxication assault charges if you are accused of causing another person serious bodily injury due to your operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated. The law recognizes "serious bodily injury" as any injury that places the victim at "substantial risk of death," causes serious permanent disfigurement, or causes the protracted impairment of any bodily function or body part.

Intoxication assault is sometimes referred to as "DWI causing serious bodily injury," and the offense is usually handled as a felony of the third degree. If you are convicted, you will spend at least 30 days in jail (if probation is granted), and you could be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison. You will also face fines of up to $10,000. Additional charges are possible for each additional victim, and intoxication assault charges could be filed with charges of intoxication manslaughter depending on the circumstances.

Midland County Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Best Interests

When you choose Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. to handle your intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault case, you become our priority. We will carefully review the details of your case, including the results of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing, field sobriety tests, accident reports, and any other information that could be helpful in building your defense.

DWI cases that involve serious injury or death can hinge on a wide range of variables. With more than 50 years of combined criminal law experience, our lawyers are fully capable of managing the complexities of such cases. We understand what to look for, and we know how to get results, even in the toughest situations. You can depend on us to protect your best interests throughout every stage of the proceedings.

Call 512-474-2222 or 432-570-1499 for Help

To learn more about us and how we can assist you in defending against charges of intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter, contact our office. Call 512-474-2222 or 432-570-1499 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We represent clients in Travis County, Ector County, Williamson County, Hays County, and throughout the surrounding communities. Hablamos Español.