Dallas Manslaughter Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Dallas Manslaughter Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Dallas Manslaughter attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Award-winning attorneys Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis expertly bring the firm’s full resources to bear in Dallas Manslaughter cases.

If you are charged with Manslaughter in Dallas, both your life and your freedom are on the line. Texas upholds a tough on crime reputation by vigorously prosecuting individuals accused of violent offenses. Texas is in fact a national leader in executions and has a significant population of death row inmates.

Experienced Defense Against Manslaughter Charges in Texas

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team represents clients who are seeking the top attorneys in the field. Accordingly, our attorneys have made consistently outstanding legal representation the hallmark of our boutique criminal defense practice. Whether you are a suspect in a Manslaughter case or a loved one is already facing Manslaughter charges in Texas, don’t wait another minute to protect yourself and your family.

We’re not just Dallas Manslaughter 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. As your Dallas Manslaughter attorney, we can handle every aspect of your case, both inside and outside the courtroom in Dallas.

If the police have already arrested you for Manslaughter in Dallas, 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 Dallas District Attorney. You are not guilty unless and until they prove their case in court.

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Contact a Dallas
Manslaughter 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.

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Choosing The Right Dallas Manslaughter 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.

How do I get a Manslaughter charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?

In order to get a Manslaughter charge dropped in Dallas, 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 §19.04. Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Manslaughter, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Manslaughter 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 Manslaughter statute in detail on the Manslaughter offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Manslaughter cases in Dallas.

One such case is State v. Hernandez.

State v. Hernandez

In State v. Hernandez, a decision dated June 15, 2023, by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Fifth District, Dallas, Ricardo Hernandez was convicted in Dallas County of Manslaughter. The case stemmed from an incident where Hernandez, during a heated argument at a party, fatally shot the victim. Hernandez claimed that the shooting was accidental, arguing he did not intend to fire the weapon. The prosecution, however, presented evidence showing Hernandez’s reckless handling of the firearm, including his failure to ensure the safety was engaged and waving it carelessly in a crowded area.

The court found that Hernandez’s actions constituted “reckless” behavior under the Texas Penal Code, which defines manslaughter as recklessly causing the death of another individual. Witnesses testified that Hernandez had been drinking heavily before the incident and had been showing off the gun throughout the evening, ignoring pleas from others to put it away. This behavior, coupled with his handling of a loaded gun in a public setting, led the jury to reject his claim of accidental discharge. The appellate court affirmed the conviction, underscoring that the evidence was sufficient to establish recklessness.

This case highlights the legal standards associated with manslaughter involving firearms. The appellate court’s decision emphasizes the importance of gun owners exercising proper caution and responsibility. The ruling serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from negligent handling of firearms, especially in public settings where the risk to others is elevated.

What Types of Homicide Charges are there in Texas?

There are several different homicide crimes in Texas law. Each type is described below:

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.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Dallas that Make Manslaughter Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Manslaughter in Dallas. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas that most typically make Manslaughter arrests include:

• The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department handles Manslaughter cases throughout Dallas County.
• Dallas Police Department serves as the primary municipal police department within Dallas County and plays a significant role in Manslaughter enforcement.
• Irving Police Department also contributes to investigating Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction in Dallas County.
• Mesquite Police Department serves the community of Mesquite within Dallas County and may handle Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction.
• Grand Prairie Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Grand Prairie and contributes to investigating Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Manslaughter case in Dallas?

To beat a Manslaughter charge in Dallas, 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 Dallas Manslaughter 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.

Dallas Manslaughter Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Just because someone died, even if the death was a homicide, does not automatically mean that a crime was committed. Our experienced Dallas Manslaughter attorneys are highly skilled in utilizing a multitude of defenses that you can use to beat Manslaughter charges, including self-defense, defense of others, absence of intent, and accidental death, among others.

In order to form a winning Manslaughter case defense strategy, our attorneys Paul Sapuuto & Nicholas Toufexis, with the assistance of our professional investigation team, must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Dallas Manslaughter attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Manslaughter case in Dallas, Texas?

Attorney’s fees for a Manslaughter charge typically range from $25,000 to $80,000 in Dallas, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Dallas Manslaughter lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Dallas, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Manslaughter in Dallas

Even when falsely accused of Manslaughter, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Dallas District Attorney has charged you with Manslaughter, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Dallas Manslaughter attorneys.

How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after a Manslaughter arrest?

Start by consulting with your Dallas Manslaughter attorney. Work closely with your attorney to build a compelling case for the requested modifications.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at a Dallas arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Dallas judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Dallas, 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 Manslaughter, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas Manslaughter charge in Dallas?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Manslaughter convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Manslaughter as either a first degree felony or a second degree felony, depending on the circumstances.

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 Manslaughter here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Dallas Manslaughter cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Dallas Manslaughter attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Manslaughter conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

Are you under investigation for Manslaughter? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?

We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not typically recommend consenting to a police interrogation or interview, there are circumstances when we consider it. However, you should never do a police interview without your Dallas Manslaughter lawyer present.

When police bring you in for an interview, they already believe that you committed the offense. Accordingly, this belief will inform their interpretation of your answers. Generally, when people believe something, they will only see things that confirm their belief. This is called confirmation bias, and this is what leads to police charging innocent people with crimes.

An arrest for Manslaughter 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 addition, remember that people do not usually communicate perfectly clearly under intense pressure. The extreme stress of a police interview can cause you to say something that police then misinterpret. And even the way you look during the interview significantly impacts the police decision to arrest you. For all of these reasons, we carefully consider the decision to interview because it will have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome your case.

In some cases, we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. As your Dallas Manslaughter attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Dallas Manslaughter 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

More Awards & Recognition…

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 Dallas Manslaughter 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:

While on duty I was forced to defend myself with lethal force. I contacted Mr. Paul Saputo the next day and he was very friendly and reassuring when I explained the events that took place. He said he would have his investigators out that day to go over the crime scene and he explained to me what to expect next and case scenarios. I felt after speaking with him I was in good hands with a capable attorney and confident I would be represented well. He was always available when I needed to speak with him and always friendly and professional. I was cleared in this shooting and having Mr.Saputo there made this whole ordeal manageable.

– Real client review posted on Mr. Saputo’s Avvo.com profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.