Denton Manslaughter Attorneys

Are You Looking for the Best Denton Manslaughter Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Denton Manslaughter 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.

Experienced Defense Against Manslaughter Charges in Texas

If you are charged with Manslaughter in Denton, 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. 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 Denton 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. When you are facing a criminal prosecution, you have a lot to worry about. Accordingly, our Denton Manslaughter attorney representation does not stop at the Denton courthouse door.

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

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Contact a Denton
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 Denton 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 Denton, Texas?

In order to get a Manslaughter charge dropped in Denton, 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.^[1] 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 Denton.

One such case is Leon-Gomez v. State.

Leon-Gomez v. State

In Leon-Gomez v. State, delivered on March 13, 2019, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Sixth District Texarkana, Hanyel Leon-Gomez was convicted of Manslaughter in Denton County and sentenced to twenty years following the fatal shooting of Deandre Wilson. This case traces back to an incident two months prior to the shooting, where Leon-Gomez “sucker punched” Wilson due to a misunderstanding involving a comment made to Leon-Gomez’s girlfriend, Victoria Lindsey. This previous altercation set the stage for the tragic event in the “Library Bar” in Denton’s Fry Street district in December 2016. Despite Leon-Gomez’s appeal asserting justifications of self-defense and necessity, and challenging the admission of evidence including 498 text messages between him and Lindsey, the court affirmed the trial court’s judgment.

The appellate court found legally sufficient evidence to support the conviction, emphasizing that there was no justification for Leon-Gomez’s use of deadly force against Wilson. Specifically, the court noted that there was no evidence of Wilson or his friends attempting to use deadly force against Leon-Gomez. The court’s analysis underlined that just the presence, number, and size of the individuals involved did not justify Leon-Gomez’s rapid decision to pull a gun and fatally shoot Wilson. The ruling clarified the legal standards for justifying the use of deadly force, affirming that mere fear of a physical altercation does not warrant such an extreme response.

Additionally, the court addressed the admission of text messages, concluding that any potential error regarding a few inadmissible hearsay messages was not preserved due to a lack of specific objection at trial. This decision underscores the importance of detailed objections to evidence at trial to preserve those issues for appeal. Ultimately, the appellate court’s affirmation of the trial court’s judgment highlights the rigorous scrutiny applied to claims of self-defense and necessity, particularly in cases involving deadly force, and the procedural requirements for challenging evidence in criminal appeals.

What does a Manslaughter charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Manslaughter, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if he recklessly causes the death of an individual.

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 Denton 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 Denton. Law enforcement agencies in Denton that most typically make Manslaughter arrests include:

• Denton County Sheriff’s Office – The sheriff’s office is responsible for making Manslaughter arrests in unincorporated areas of Denton County and operates the Denton County Jail.
• Denton Police Department – Serving the city of Denton, the police department makes Manslaughter arrests within the city limits.
• Lewisville Police Department – Serving the city of Lewisville, this municipal police department is responsible for law enforcement, including for Manslaughter cases, within the city limits.
• Flower Mound Police Department – This municipal police department serves the town of Flower Mound by providing law enforcement within the town.
• Highland Village Police Department – Serving the city of Highland Village, this municipal police department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits.
• target=”_blank”The Colony Police Department – The Colony’s police department handles Manslaughter cases within the city limits.
• Argyle Police Department – Serving the town of Argyle, this municipal police department enforces the Manslaughter law within the town.
• Lake Dallas Police Department – This municipal police department provides law enforcement services to the city of Lake Dallas within the city limits.
• Little Elm Police Department – This municipal police department serves the town of Little Elm for law enforcement related to Manslaughter cases within the town.
• Roanoke Police Department – The Roanoke Police Department investigates Manslaughter cases within the city limits.

How do I win a Manslaughter case in Denton?

To beat a Manslaughter charge in Denton, 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 Denton 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.

Denton 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 Collin County 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.

Getting the best result in a Denton Manslaughter case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Denton Manslaughter attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Denton 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 a lawyer charge for a Manslaughter case in Denton, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $25,000 to $80,000 on average for Manslaughter cases in Denton. Some Denton Manslaughter lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Denton 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 Manslaughter in Denton

Even if someone has falsely accused you of Manslaughter, 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 Manslaughter, 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 Denton Manslaughter attorneys.

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

Start by consulting with your Denton 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 Denton arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Denton judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Denton, 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 Denton 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 Denton 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 Denton Manslaughter charge in Denton?

The Texas Penal Code defines the penalty range for Manslaughter offenses across Texas. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Manslaughter as either a first degree felony or a second degree felony, depending on the circumstances. However, it is important to consider the potential collateral consequences of a Manslaughter conviction. These collateral consequences are additional penalties not directly outlined in the penal code’s penalty scheme, but nonetheless accompany the conviction. Your Denton Manslaughter attorney should discuss these consequences with you before you decide how to handle your case.

The exact penalty one might face from a Manslaughter conviction varies greatly, influenced by factors such as you prior criminal record and the offense specifics. You can find details on the penalty range for all Manslaughter here. For specifics on typical penalties in Denton Manslaughter cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book a consultation online.

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 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 Denton Manslaughter lawyer present.

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 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 Denton 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 Denton Manslaughter attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Denton 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 Denton 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.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §19.04.