Tarrant County Manslaughter Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Manslaughter Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Manslaughter attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our distinguished lawyers have significant experience, but our history of success speaks for itself.

If you are charged with Manslaughter in Tarrant 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

Our boutique criminal defense practice at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently high-level legal representation in cases just like this. We believe in providing extraordinary service to our clients, and we seek to represent clients who expect as much. 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 Tarrant 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. When you hire us as your Tarrant County Manslaughter attorney, we fight to win. From the courtrooms of Fort Worth to the battleground of social media, we fight to clear your name and your record.

If the police have already arrested you for Manslaughter 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.

---

Contact a Tarrant 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.

---

Choosing The Right Tarrant 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 Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get a Manslaughter 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 §19.04.^[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 Tarrant County.

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

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Manslaughter 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 Manslaughter cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Manslaughter within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Manslaughter arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Manslaughter cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Manslaughter case in Tarrant County?

To beat a Manslaughter charge in Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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.

Tarrant 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 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.

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

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

What to Do if Falsely Accused of Manslaughter in Tarrant County

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 Tarrant County Manslaughter attorneys.

How can you modify your Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 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 Manslaughter, 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 Manslaughter charge in Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County Manslaughter attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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.

---

Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §19.04.