Intoxication Manslaughter DWI in Texas

Trusted Representation from a Seasoned Team in San Antonio

One of the most frightening experiences you may have is being involved in a car accident. Car accidents often involve injuries and property damage. The worst scenario may involve a death. If you're charged with driving while intoxicated following an accident that involved a death, you may face charges beyond drunk driving, such as a second-degree felony charge for intoxication manslaughter.

After a serious crash, law enforcement and prosecutors in Bexar County move quickly, and you may feel intense pressure to answer questions or accept a plea before you fully understand your options. When you work with a felony drunk driving attorney San Antonio defendants trust, you gain a guide who can explain the charges, outline the possible ranges of punishment, and help you decide how to proceed at each stage of the case. We can also help you understand how a felony allegation may affect your driver’s license, professional licenses, and background checks moving forward.

Call The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. today at (210) 787-2842 or contact us online to schedule a consultation!

Intoxication Manslaughter Vs. Involuntary Manslaughter

In Texas, intoxication manslaughter is defined differently from involuntary manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter occurs when an intoxicated person operates a motor vehicle in a public place and, as a result of intoxication, causes the death of another by accident. It is the only state with a charge of this kind on the books, and prosecutors come down hard on those accused of this crime.

If you have been accused of intoxication manslaughter or any other offense, Attorney Guillermo Lara can stand by your side. With a proven track record, San Antonio relies on his skill when accused of a crime. Contact him now for the legal advocacy you need during this time.

Many people are surprised to learn that the difference between intoxication manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter does not always depend on whether you intended harm, but instead on how the law treats intoxication and risk. Involuntary manslaughter often focuses on reckless behavior, while intoxication manslaughter centers on whether the state can prove you were intoxicated and that this intoxication caused the fatal crash. Because these legal standards are complex, having a felony drunk driving lawyer San Antonio residents can talk to about the facts, police reports, and any blood or breath tests is critical before making decisions about plea offers or trial.

Essential Elements of an Intoxication Manslaughter Charge

In order to be convicted of intoxication manslaughter, there are three important elements that must be proven by the prosecution. First, it must be shown that a death occurred in direct connection to the accident. Second, you must have voluntarily been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Someone that was unknowingly given an intoxicating substance cannot be convicted of intoxication manslaughter. Finally, it must be proven that you were in control of the vehicle when the accident occurred.

In many cases, the state tries to meet these elements with officer testimony, crash reconstruction, and lab results from a blood draw or breath test. A felony dui attorney San Antonio drivers turn to can carefully examine whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether field sobriety tests were conducted properly, and whether any blood sample was collected and stored according to state law. Challenging these building blocks can weaken the prosecution’s case and may open the door to reduced charges or alternative resolutions in court.

Common penalties and requirements in intoxication manslaughter cases can include:

• Lengthy prison sentences that may range from a few years to decades, depending on the facts of the case and any prior record
• Substantial financial fines that can place a major strain on you and your family
• Significant community service requirements that must be completed as a condition of probation or parole
• Driver’s license consequences such as suspension, making it harder to get to work, school, or medical appointments

Your rights and future are on the line when you have been accused of intoxication manslaughter. A DWI lawyer can help you stand up for yourself and your rights, securing the best possible outcome. Give yourself the chance to win. Beyond prison and fines, a conviction can affect almost every part of your life, including employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing, and even child custody disputes. Proceedings at the Bexar County Courthouse and any related license hearings can feel overwhelming if you try to navigate them alone. Working with a felony dui lawyer San Antonio individuals can reach quickly after an arrest allows you to build a defense strategy that addresses not only the criminal case, but also the long-term impact on your record and your ability to support your family.

What To Do After an Intoxication Manslaughter Arrest

In the hours and days after an arrest for intoxication manslaughter, you may feel confused about what to say, who to call, and how the criminal process will unfold. Your decisions during this time can affect the strength of your defense and the range of options available later. It is usually wise to avoid discussing the facts of the incident with anyone other than your lawyer, because anything you say to officers or other witnesses can be used in court. You also have the right to remain silent and to request counsel, and asserting those rights early helps protect you at every hearing in the Bexar County court system.

As your case moves forward, there will typically be an initial appearance, bond conditions, and later court settings where plea offers and trial dates are discussed. A felony dui attorney San Antonio families rely on can help you prepare for each appearance, gather important records like medical reports or employment information, and identify potential witnesses who can speak to your character or the circumstances of the crash. By acting quickly, we can begin preserving evidence such as 911 recordings, surveillance video, or photos from major roads like I-10 or Loop 410 before those materials are lost or deleted, giving you a stronger foundation for your defense.

Why Choose The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr.?

Manslaughter cases require the prosecution to prove you were not only guilty of the act, but also had some recognition of negligence when it was committed. However, intoxication manslaughter law allows the prosecution to have a lower standard of proof of the "guilty mind." In other words, they must only prove you were intoxicated. Contrary to what you may believe, you may still be able to win your case. When you retain Attorney Lara, you may have an improved chance of protecting your future.

When you contact us after a serious DWI accident in San Antonio, we take the time to listen to your side, review police reports, and evaluate any video from the scene or from inside the patrol car. We understand how cases move through Bexar County courts and use that knowledge to develop a defense that fits your circumstances, whether that means pushing for dismissal, contesting the evidence at trial, or negotiating for a resolution that limits the damage a felony allegation can cause. Our goal is to guide you through each decision so you are never left wondering what happens next or why a particular step is being taken in your case.