Texas has one of the highest DWI fatal crash rates in the nation. Earlier this year, a passenger was reported to have died in a Fort Worth drunk driving crash.
The crash in August led to the death of a passenger in Boat Club Road in Fort Worth, reported the Star-Telegram.
The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office reported that Seth Lyde Esquivel, 34, of Fort Worth, was transported to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead of blunt force injuries about two hours after the wreck.
Police said Esquivel was riding in a car with a 22-year-old woman who was heading north on Boat Club Road. When the woman reached a right-hand curve, she lost control of her car. It skidded sideways and crashed into a vehicle approaching the other way. That car crashed into the passenger door, killing Esquivel.
The driver was later arrested and charged with the second-degree felony of intoxication manslaughter, according to a police report. Every year scores of passengers die in DWI crashes in the Lone Star State. Texas even has a dedicated offense for this.
Texas is unusual in having a specific charge of intoxication manslaughter, an offense that usually applies to deaths caused by drunk drivers.
Unlike many other states, Texas does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
Intoxication manslaughter is reserved for a death is caused by a defendant impaired by drugs or alcohol. This charge most often applies committed by impaired motorists.
All manslaughter charges in the Lone Star State are second-degree felonies. These crimes carry prison sentences of 2 to 20 years and fines up to $10,000.
If you are charged with intoxication manslaughter, you may receive a minimum sentence, meaning you must serve a specified amount of time in jail before you are eligible for parole and a mandatory 240-800 community services hours.
If you have been charged with a serious crime like intoxication manslaughter, it’s important to get help from an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer. These crimes can land you behind bars for a very long period of time. Call The Medlin Law Firm today for a free consultation about your case.
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