Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. For Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide cases, our top-rated defense attorneys lead the firm in providing exemplary legal representation.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team seeks to represent discerning clients who value our commitment to achieving outstanding results. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation.

We’re not just Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide defense 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. Our comprehensive approach to handling Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide cases includes both advocacy in the courtrooms of Fort Worth and tackling the collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions.

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

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Contact a Tarrant 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.

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Choosing The Right Tarrant 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.

How do I get a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge dropped in Tarrant 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. 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 Tarrant County.

One such case is State v. Juneau.

State v. Juneau

In State v. Juneau, the Texas Court of Appeals dealt with a case where Kenneth Duane Juneau appealed his conviction of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and the 45-year sentence imposed due to his status as a repeat offender. The incident stemmed from a confrontation in a Fort Worth bar, where Juneau, after being provoked by another patron’s inappropriate behavior, assaulted the individual, leading to serious injuries. The trial court in Tarrant County found Juneau guilty, emphasizing his deliberate actions and the severity of the assault.

During the trial, a significant point of contention was the admissibility of impeachment evidence regarding a witness who was on deferred adjudication. Juneau’s defense aimed to introduce this to suggest a bias or motive in the witness’s testimony, which the court ultimately denied, ruling that the evidence of deferred adjudication was not a conviction and hence not suitable for impeaching the witness’s credibility. Furthermore, Juneau’s request for a jury charge on criminally negligent homicide was denied because it was determined not to be a lesser included offense of aggravated assault, a key issue that was upheld on appeal.

The appellate court upheld the lower court’s decisions, concluding that the denial of the impeachment evidence and the jury charge on criminally negligent homicide were appropriate. The court’s detailed analysis included considerations of the elements of both assault and criminally negligent homicide, determining that the latter does not naturally include the elements of the former, thus affirming the judgement against Juneau. This decision highlighted the rigorous standards applied in assessing the components of criminal charges and the admissibility of related evidence.

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 Tarrant County that Make Criminally Negligent Homicide Arrests

Officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, local police departments, county sheriffs, and other peace officers can make arrests for violations of Criminally Negligent Homicide throughout Texas. Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County that can make Criminally Negligent Homicide arrests include:

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Criminally Negligent Homicide cases in Tarrant County, Texas.
• Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Criminally Negligent Homicide cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Criminally Negligent Homicide within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Criminally Negligent Homicide arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Criminally Negligent Homicide cases within its jurisdiction.

How do Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide defense lawyers beat a Criminally Negligent Homicide case?

To beat a Criminally Negligent Homicide charge in Tarrant County, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and thoroughly investigate the case. Contest all evidence, including witness statements and forensic evidence. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.

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

Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney Case Defense Strategy

In order to form a winning Criminally Negligent Homicide case defense strategy, we 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 Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide 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 it cost to fight a Tarrant 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 Tarrant County. Some Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorneys.

How can you modify your Tarrant County bond conditions after a Criminally Negligent Homicide arrest?

Start by consulting with your Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide 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 Tarrant County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Tarrant County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide charge in Tarrant County?

The Texas Penal Code defines the penalty range for Criminally Negligent Homicide offenses across Texas. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Criminally Negligent Homicide as a state jail felony. However, it is important to consider the potential collateral consequences of a Criminally Negligent Homicide conviction. These collateral consequences are additional penalties not directly outlined in the penal code’s penalty scheme, but nonetheless accompany the conviction. Your Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide attorney should discuss these consequences with you before you decide how to handle your case.

The exact penalty one might face from a Criminally Negligent Homicide 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 Criminally Negligent Homicide here. For specifics on typical penalties in Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book a consultation online.

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 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 Tarrant County Criminally Negligent Homicide 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 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 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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.

As a member of the prestigious Texas Bar College, he presently trains other lawyers in best practices and himself attends many hours of continuous legal education with some of the best lawyers, judges, and law professors in the country.

Mr. Saputo graduated from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the law school as Southern Methodist University. 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 Tarrant 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:

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.