Are You Looking for the Best Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney?
If you’re looking for the best Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our award-winning attorneys bring significant experience to the table, and we have the victories to prove our effectiveness.
Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney FAQs
- How do I get a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?
- What does a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge really mean?
- What are some of the appellate cases that address Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas?
- How do Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide defense lawyers beat a Criminally Negligent Homicide case?
- How much does it cost to fight a Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide case?
- What happens at a Collin County arraignment?
- How can you modify your Collin County bond conditions after a Criminally Negligent Homicide arrest?
- What is the most common sentence for a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge in Collin County?
- What’s the difference between Criminally Negligent Homicide and Murder in Texas?
- What’s the difference between Criminally Negligent Homicide and Manslaughter in Texas?
- What Types of Homicide Charges are there in Texas?
- Other Must Know FAQs About These Cases
The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys thrive on serving individuals who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes. Our clients recognize the value of our legal expertise and want to hire the top attorneys in the field.
We’re not just Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.
In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. If the police have already arrested you for Criminally Negligent Homicide, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the state. You are not guilty unless and until the Collin County District Attorney proves its case in court.
If the police have already arrested you for Criminally Negligent Homicide in Collin County, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the Collin County District Attorney. You are not guilty unless and until they prove their case in court.
Contact a Collin County
Criminally Negligent Homicide Lawyer
When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.
Choosing The Right Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result
Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.
At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.
Do you need a Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney? Call us today at (888) 239-9305 to discuss legal representation.
How do I get a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?
In order to get a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge dropped in Collin County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §19.05.[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Criminally Negligent Homicide, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.
Thoroughly understanding both the Criminally Negligent Homicide statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Criminally Negligent Homicide statute in detail on the Criminally Negligent Homicide offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Criminally Negligent Homicide cases in Collin County.
One such case is Thedford v. State.
Thedford v. State
In Thedford v. State, a case decided on August 28, 2020, by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Fifth District, Dallas, Michael Shannon Thedford was convicted of Criminally Negligent Homicide after he inadvertently left his six-month-old daughter in a minivan in Collin County. The child tragically died from hyperthermia after being forgotten in the vehicle while Thedford, a high school physics teacher, went inside to sleep. The evidence suggested that Thedford had no reason to suspect that his actions would create a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death to his daughter, leading to his conviction being reversed and a judgment of acquittal being rendered.
The appeal focused on whether Thedford’s actions constituted criminal negligence. The court concluded that Thedford’s failure to perceive the risk did not amount to a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would have exercised under similar circumstances. It was noted that Thedford’s initial failure to admit he found his daughter in the minivan did not support a finding that he acted with criminal negligence when he left her.
This case underscores the critical nature of the legal standards for criminal negligence, particularly in the context of tragic accidents. The appellate court’s decision highlights the distinction between criminal negligence and unfortunate accidents, emphasizing that not all tragic outcomes result from criminally negligent behavior. This decision also reflects the courts’ role in ensuring that criminal convictions are reserved for actions that truly warrant such consequences based on the defendant’s awareness and conduct.
What does a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge really mean?
The general definition of the Texas charge of Criminally Negligent Homicide, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:
(a) A person commits an offense if he causes the death of an individual by criminal negligence.
What are some of the appellate cases that address Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas?
In Tello v. State, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals examined a case where the defendant was towing some dirt in a homemade trailer when the trailer unhitched from his truck. The trailer became unhitched and hit a pedestrian, causing the pedestrian’s death. The defendant had not used any safety chains. The state alleged at trial that the safety chains would have prevented the trailer from detaching from the truck. In addition, the trailer was not properly attached to the vehicle. The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction, holding that such conduct was a “gross deviation” from the standard of ordinary care and caused a “substantial and unjustifiable risk of death.”
In Chambless v. State, the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas examined a case where the defendant had fired his rifle several times from his porch in the dark. Apparently, he had the intent to scare away a loose dog, but it turns out that he had accidentally shot and killed his neighbor. Because he used a deadly weapon, the state sought an enhancement to a third degree felony. The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Collin County that Make Criminally Negligent Homicide Arrests
Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Criminally Negligent Homicide in Collin County. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County that most typically make Criminally Negligent Homicide arrests include:
- The Collin County Sheriff’s Office handles Criminally Negligent Homicide enforcement throughout Dallas County.
- McKinney Police Department – Serving the city of McKinney, the police department provides Criminally Negligent Homicide enforcement within the city limits.
- Plano Police Department – This municipal police department serves the city of Plano by investigating Criminally Negligent Homicide cases within the city’s limits.
- Frisco Police Department
- Allen Police Department
- Murphy Police Department
- Wylie Police Department
- Anna Police Department
- Princeton Police Department
- Farmersville Police Department
- Melissa Police Department
How do Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide defense lawyers beat a Criminally Negligent Homicide case?
To beat a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge in Collin County, Texas, you must use due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence, which includes disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. Winning requires a fight.
Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.
Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney Case Defense Strategy
Getting the best result in a Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.
But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.
As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.
How much does it cost to fight a Collin County, Texas, Criminally Negligent Homicide case?
Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $20,000 to $80,000 on average for Criminally Negligent Homicide cases in Collin County. Some Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Collin County case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.
When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.
What to Do if Falsely Accused of Criminally Negligent Homicide in Collin County
Even if someone has falsely accused you of Criminally Negligent Homicide, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.
If the state has charged you with Criminally Negligent Homicide, or if you are under investigation for the offense, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorneys.
How can you modify your Collin County bond conditions after a Criminally Negligent Homicide arrest?
Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.
If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.
Your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney will handle this process.
We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.
What happens at a Collin County arraignment?
At your arraignment, a Collin County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Collin County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.
If the police have arrested you for Criminally Negligent Homicide, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Collin County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Collin County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.
What is the most common sentence for Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide charge in Collin County?
The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Criminally Negligent Homicide convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Criminally Negligent Homicide as a state jail felony.
However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Criminally Negligent Homicide here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.
Furthermore, all good Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Criminally Negligent Homicide conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.
What’s the difference between Criminally Negligent Homicide and Murder in Texas?
In Texas, the distinction between Murder and Criminally Negligent Homicide hinges on the degree of intent and responsibility associated with causing another person’s death. Murder involves the intentional or knowing act of causing another person’s death. Conversely, Criminally Negligent Homicide occurs when someone’s criminal negligence leads to another’s death. This indicates that in Murder cases, the perpetrator specifically intends to kill the victim, whereas in Criminally Negligent Homicide, the defendant lacks the intent to kill but their negligent behavior or actions result in the victim’s death.
What’s the difference between Criminally Negligent Homicide and Manslaughter in Texas?
Manslaughter involves the unintentional killing of another person, whereas Criminally Negligent Homicide stems from an act of criminal negligence that leads to someone’s death. In Manslaughter cases, the perpetrator lacks a deliberate intent to kill, but their actions or negligence still result in the victim’s death. On the other hand, in Criminally Negligent Homicide, the perpetrator’s actions or negligence might not be reckless or intentional, but they demonstrate a failure to uphold the care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances, ultimately causing the victim’s death.
What Types of Homicide Charges are there in Texas?
Murder
Under §19.02 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual can charged with Murder if they (1) deliberately cause another’s death, (2) intended to inflict serious bodily injury and subsequently cause another’s death, or (3) caused the death of someone while attempting or committing another felony. Additionally, there are new ways to be charged with Murder in Texas, for instance, under the new Fentanyl Murder Law. Murder charges are treated as a first-degree felony and carry a penalty of 5 to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence, unless it is proven that the murder occurred in a moment of sudden passion.
Capital Murder
Capital Murder represents the most serious category of homicide offenses. Charges of Capital Murder arise when an individual causes someone’s death while incarcerated, if the victim is under ten years old, during the murder of multiple individuals, or when the victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or court employee. Additionally, the state can levy Capital Murder charges if a person causes a death while committing a kidnapping, robbery, burglary, sexual assault, arson, or terrorist act. As a capital felony, this offense can potentially lead to the death penalty for the defendant.
Manslaughter
If an individual recklessly causes someone’s death, they may face prosecution for Manslaughter. This could be classified as voluntary Manslaughter or Intoxication Manslaughter. All of these charges are felonies and can result in substantial prison sentences.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally Negligent Homicide is a charge applied when someone’s actions, which they should have known were dangerous, result in another person’s death. Both Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide involve intricate legal principles and invariably require the expertise of experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Are you under investigation for Criminally Negligent Homicide? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?
We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not always recommend consenting to an interrogation, occasionally we recognize circumstances where consenting to an interrogation may serve your best interest. However, you should never do a police interview without your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide lawyer present.
An arrest for Criminally Negligent Homicide can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.
In some cases we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. In general, we recommend avoiding police interrogations because of the extreme level of stress that you will likely experience. Even if you are innocent, the Collin County police and the community will likely judge the way you act and what you say negatively. We must carefully consider this because this negative perception will almost certainly impact your final case disposition. As your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.
About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense
If you want to hire us as your Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!
The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers
Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.
Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…
Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…
Awards
Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.
Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas
Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.
Victories
The Collin County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.
For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.
Reviews
One example review from a real client:
My life hung in the balance with some very serious accusations. I contacted a different attorney that referred Nick Toufexis. He indicated he would use him in his own defense or that of his families. I hired him and I am now a free man. I highly recommend him if you need confident and capable representation! 5 stars for sure.
– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.
See more client reviews and testimonials here.
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