Ector County Manslaughter Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Ector County Manslaughter Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Ector County Manslaughter attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. As you can see from our website, our award-winning attorneys have significant experience, and we have the victories to prove our effectiveness.

If you are charged with Manslaughter in Ector County, 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 Ector County 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 Ector County Manslaughter attorney, we don’t just represent you in court. We handle every aspect of your case.

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

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Contact an Ector County
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 Ector County 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 Ector County, Texas?

In order to get a Manslaughter charge dropped in Ector 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 §19.04.^[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 Ector County.

One such case is Rice v. State.

Rice v. State

In Rice v. State, decided on August 10, 2023, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Eleventh District Eastland, Courtney Chelle Rice was convicted of Manslaughter in Ector County. The conviction arose after Jose Hernandez died following a game of Russian roulette that escalated into a fatal shooting. Initially charged with murder, the jury found Rice not guilty of murder but convicted her of the lesser-included offense of manslaughter. The jury assessed her punishment at twenty years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, which the trial court confirmed.

The appellate review focused on several key issues, including the sufficiency of the evidence regarding Rice’s recklessness, the propriety of jury instructions, and the admissibility of certain text messages during the punishment phase. Rice argued that the trial court erred by including an overbroad definition of “recklessly” in the jury charge and improperly admitted text messages that she believed were more prejudicial than probative. The appellate court upheld the trial court’s decisions, finding the jury charge appropriate and the evidence sufficient to support the conviction.

This case highlights the complexities of legal definitions and the standards for appellate review in criminal cases. The affirmation of the manslaughter conviction underlines the importance of jury discretion in assessing evidence and determining appropriate legal outcomes based on the facts presented during the trial. The appellate court’s decision emphasizes the critical nature of establishing clear definitions and instructions to ensure fair trial processes.

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

• The Ector County Sheriff’s Office handles Manslaughter cases throughout Ector County, Texas.
• Odessa Police Department serves as one of the municipal police departments within Ector County and investigates Manslaughter cases within the city limits.
• University of Texas Permian Basin Police Department

How do I win a Manslaughter case in Ector County?

To beat a Manslaughter charge in Ector County, Texas, you must first secure the services of a skilled and experienced attorney who can build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific details of your case. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate the evidence, challenge any weaknesses or inconsistencies, and present a compelling case in court.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Ector County 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.

Ector County 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 Ector 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.

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 Ector County 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 Ector County, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $25,000 to $80,000 on average for Manslaughter cases in Ector County. Some Ector County Manslaughter lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Ector 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 You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Manslaughter in Ector County

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 Ector County 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 Ector County Manslaughter attorneys.

How can you modify your Ector County bond conditions after a Manslaughter 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 Ector County Manslaughter 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 an Ector County arraignment?

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

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

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Ector County 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 Ector County 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:

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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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §19.04.