Fort Worth DWI Manslaughter Lawyer

A DWI manslaughter charge may result when someone drinks and then drives, gets into an accident, and someone dies as a result. In Fort Worth, this is known as intoxication manslaughter, and it does not always happen when someone has had too much to drink or even when they are intoxicated.

Sometimes mistakes happen or a person could simply be found in the wrong place at the wrong time. When they are, they may face charges of intoxication manslaughter. When facing this serious charge, the accused should speak to a Fort Worth DWI manslaughter lawyer right away. These are serious charges, but an experienced attorney could help defend you.

DWI Manslaughter Penalties

When a person is suspected of or charged with intoxication manslaughter, the state’s prosecution will work tirelessly to prove that they are guilty, even if they are not. They may take evidence out of context or overlook the fact that sobriety tests were taken illegally.

However, the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees those accused the right to an attorney. Experienced DWI manslaughter lawyers in Fort Worth know how to create the defense an accused person in Fort Worth is entitled to.

Intoxication manslaughter is a very serious charge. If convicted, a person could be facing:

• Two to 20 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Probation
• A loss of driving privileges
• Community service.

Taking advantage of the Sixth Amendment by working with a professional attorney can help those accused seek the best possible resolution.

Defense Strategies Available

While it may not seem like it to someone who has just been charged, there are several defenses to an intoxication manslaughter charge. The first is that the accused was not intoxicated, or not over the legal blood alcohol content limit at the time of the accident. If the accused is found to have been at fault for the accident, they may still face manslaughter charges. However, because there is no DWI involved, these charges can result in much less severe penalties.

The second defense is that the accused was not responsible for a person’s death. For instance, if a person had three drinks and then drove, it does not automatically mean any accident is their fault. If another driver ran a red light and hit the driver who drank, and the driver that ran the light was ultimately killed from the accident, the driver that drank would not be at fault for the person’s death. They may still be charged with a DWI, but the manslaughter portion of the charge could be dropped.

Even when a person is drunk while driving, the police still have certain protocols they need to follow. When they do not, any arrest may be considered unlawful. Following proper procedures is so important for police and other law enforcement that when they fail to do so, the charges can be thrown out completely.

These are just a few of the examples that may build a quality defense for intoxication manslaughter in Fort Worth. A Fort Worth DWI manslaughter attorney could help find one that fits the specific facts of a case.

When to Speak to a Fort Worth DWI Attorney

Law enforcement should always give those arrested or charged the chance to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Ideally, this would be done even before urine or blood tests were taken. If the opportunity is not offered, those accused should insist that they be able to speak to an attorney before proceeding.

If you have been charged with intoxication manslaughter, know that there is hope for your case. Speak to a Fort Worth DWI manslaughter lawyer who could help you with your case, build a defense, and ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the entire process.