Ellis County Manslaughter Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Ellis County Manslaughter Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Ellis County Manslaughter attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. The Saputo Toufexis partnership brings the significant experience of our award-winning attorneys, and we strive to maintain our history of success for our Rockwall Manslaughter defense clients.

Experienced Defense Against Manslaughter Charges in Texas

If you are charged with Manslaughter in Ellis 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. 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County District Attorney. You are not guilty unless and until they prove their case in court.

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Contact an Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County, Texas?

In order to get a Manslaughter charge dropped in Ellis 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 Ellis County.

One such case is Hardin v. State.

Hardin v. State

In Hardin v. State, delivered on March 17, 1926, by the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, Sam C. Hardin was convicted in Ellis County of Manslaughter and sentenced to four years in the penitentiary. The conviction stemmed from an incident where Hardin fatally shot Deandre Wilson. On appeal, Hardin argued that the trial court erred by refusing to instruct the jury that if they found he was justified in firing the first shot, and if the shots fired thereafter were part of a continuous transaction, they should acquit. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s decision, concluding that Hardin was only justified in continuing to fire as long as he reasonably believed his life or person was in danger.

The court addressed Hardin’s self-defense claim, emphasizing that the law of self-defense permitted him to defend himself without the need to retreat, but only so long as the danger appeared imminent. It was noted that if the assailant fled or desisted, and the danger no longer appeared imminent to Hardin, the justification for continued violence ceased. The court found that the instructions given were sufficient and correctly stated the law, including Hardin’s right to continue firing so long as he reasonably perceived an imminent threat to his life or person.

This case illustrates the legal principles surrounding self-defense, particularly the conditions under which a defendant may claim justification for using deadly force in a continuous transaction. The appellate court’s ruling also highlighted the importance of jury instructions that accurately reflect the law and the circumstances of the case. By upholding the trial court’s judgment, the appellate court affirmed the nuanced interpretation of self-defense laws in the context of manslaughter charges.

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

• The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office handles Manslaughter cases throughout Ellis County, Texas.
• Waxahachie Police Department serves as one of the municipal police departments within Ellis County and plays a significant role in Manslaughter cases.
• Midlothian Police Department is another key agency in Ellis County responsible for law enforcement and Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction.
• Red Oak Police Department serves the community of Red Oak within Ellis County and may handle Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction.
• Ennis Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Ennis and may contribute to Manslaughter arrests within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Manslaughter case in Ellis County?

To beat a Manslaughter charge in Ellis County, Texas, you must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.

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

Ellis 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 Rockwall 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 an Ellis County Manslaughter case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Ellis County Manslaughter attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Ellis 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 an Ellis County, Texas, Manslaughter case?

Attorney’s fees for a Manslaughter charge typically range from $25,000 to $80,000 in Ellis County, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Ellis County 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 Ellis County, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Manslaughter in Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County Manslaughter attorneys.

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

In Texas, judges wield considerable authority in establishing bail and bond conditions. However, there are instances where judges may impose excessively stringent conditions and unreasonably high bail amounts. If you want to change these bond conditions, start by consulting with your Ellis County Manslaughter attorney.

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 an Ellis County arraignment?

At your arraignment, an Ellis County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County Manslaughter charge in Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County Manslaughter attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Ellis 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 Ellis 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:

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.