Manslaughter is a serious felony charge in Texas that can change your life in an instant. Under Texas law, manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another through reckless conduct. Defined under Texas Penal Code §19.04, manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A conviction carries not only severe criminal penalties, but also lifelong consequences for your freedom, reputation, and future. When everything is on the line, experienced legal defense is critical.
Varghese Summersett represents people charged with manslaughter throughout Denton County. Our criminal defense team includes Board Certified specialists and former chief prosecutors with decades of experience handling high-profile cases.
With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our 70-member team has secured over 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions. The firm operates four offices across Texas in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake. We’ve handled manslaughter cases in Denton County and achieved favorable outcomes including dismissals.
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What People Ask About Manslaughter Charges
When someone faces manslaughter charges in Denton County, they want to know what differentiates this charge from murder, how prosecutors prove it, what defenses exist, and whether they can avoid prison. They ask about bond amounts, the timeline of criminal proceedings, and whether prior dismissals in similar cases mean anything for their situation.
The distinction between manslaughter and murder centers on intent. Murder requires intentionally or knowingly causing death, or intending serious bodily injury that results in death. Manslaughter involves reckless conduct that causes death without the intent to kill. Understanding this difference is essential because it affects everything from charging decisions to potential defenses to punishment range.
What Texas Law Says About Manslaughter
Under Texas Penal Code §19.04(a), a person commits manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of an individual. The statute defines “reckless” under §6.03(c) as being aware of but consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death will occur.
The State must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant caused the death of another person
- The defendant acted recklessly in causing that death
The burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. They must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard in American law. The defendant has no burden to prove innocence or offer any explanation. If the State cannot meet this standard on even one element, the jury must return a not guilty verdict.
Causation requires proof that the defendant’s conduct was a substantial factor in bringing about the death. The State must show the death would not have occurred but for the defendant’s reckless conduct. In cases involving multiple potential causes, prosecutors must prove the defendant’s actions were a substantial contributing factor.
Recklessness is more than ordinary negligence but less than intentional conduct. It requires conscious awareness of the risk and a deliberate decision to disregard it. The difference between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide lies in this awareness. Criminally negligent homicide involves failing to perceive a substantial risk that a reasonable person would have recognized.
Penalties for Manslaughter in Texas
Manslaughter is a second-degree felony under Texas law. The punishment range includes:
- Prison: 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Fine: Up to $10,000
- Community supervision (probation): Available in some cases
A manslaughter conviction carries lifetime consequences beyond prison time. Convicted felons lose voting rights, firearm rights, and professional licensing opportunities. Employment background checks reveal felony convictions permanently. Many employers, landlords, and educational institutions deny opportunities to people with violent felony records.
Bond Amounts in Denton County Manslaughter Cases
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 12,937 bonds in Denton County during 2025, manslaughter cases show significant variation in bond amounts.
| Charge Level | Typical Bond Range | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Manslaughter (Second-Degree Felony) | $10,000 to $200,000 | $10,000 |
Bond amounts depend on several factors. Judges consider the defendant’s criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, and perceived flight risk. The specific facts of the case matter significantly. Cases involving driving conduct may have lower bonds than those involving physical altercations. Prior felony convictions typically result in higher bonds.
For comparison, murder cases in Denton County averaged $465,500 with most bonds set at $500,000. The lower bond amounts for manslaughter reflect the less culpable mental state compared to intentional killings.
Defendants unable to post bond remain in the Denton County Jail pending trial. Long pretrial detention can take months or even years for complex cases. Experienced Denton County criminal defense attorneys can request bond reductions by presenting evidence of ties to the community and lack of flight risk.
How Defense Attorneys Challenge Manslaughter Charges
Defense strategies attack the State’s case at multiple points. The prosecution must prove both causation and recklessness beyond a reasonable doubt. Skilled defense attorneys identify weaknesses in either element.
Challenging Causation
Many manslaughter cases involve intervening causes. If someone else’s actions contributed to the death, the defense argues the defendant’s conduct was not the substantial cause. Medical errors, pre-existing conditions, or the victim’s own choices can break the chain of causation.
In vehicular cases, mechanical failure or road conditions may have caused the accident rather than the defendant’s driving. Expert witnesses can testify about alternative explanations for the crash.
Challenging the Mental State
Recklessness requires conscious awareness of the risk. If the defendant genuinely did not perceive the danger, they acted negligently at most, not recklessly. The difference matters because criminally negligent homicide carries a lighter sentence as a state jail felony.
Evidence showing the defendant acted reasonably under the circumstances undermines the recklessness element. Character witnesses, workplace safety records, or past conduct can demonstrate the defendant typically exercises appropriate caution.
Self-Defense
Texas law permits deadly force in self-defense under limited circumstances. Penal Code §9.32 allows using deadly force when reasonably believing it’s immediately necessary to protect against another’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force.
Self-defense is an affirmative defense requiring the defendant to present some evidence supporting it. Once raised, the State must disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt. Successful self-defense claims often result in acquittal.
Defense of Others
Similar to self-defense, Texas law allows using force to protect third parties. If the defendant reasonably believed someone else faced imminent danger requiring deadly force protection, this defense applies.
Lack of Evidence
The most straightforward defense is insufficient evidence. If the State cannot prove what happened or relies on circumstantial evidence with multiple interpretations, reasonable doubt exists. Witness inconsistencies, lack of physical evidence, or credibility problems with State witnesses create reasonable doubt.
Constitutional Violations
Evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced confessions, or other constitutional violations may be suppressed. Without that evidence, the State’s case may collapse. Defense attorneys file motions to suppress before trial, potentially securing dismissals when crucial evidence is excluded.
The Criminal Process in Denton County
Understanding the timeline and procedures helps defendants navigate their case.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Following arrest, defendants appear before a magistrate within 48 hours for an initial appearance. The magistrate informs them of charges, sets bond, and appoints counsel if indigent. This is not the time to discuss the case. Say nothing about the facts to anyone except your attorney.
Grand Jury Indictment
Denton County grand juries meet regularly to review felony cases. Prosecutors present evidence without defense participation. The grand jury votes whether to indict. They need only probable cause, a much lower standard than proof beyond reasonable doubt. Most cases are indicted.
Defense attorneys sometimes present evidence to the grand jury hoping for a no-bill. This happens rarely but can result in charges being dismissed before arraignment.
Arraignment
At arraignment, defendants enter their plea. Most enter not guilty pleas and begin the pretrial process. The judge sets hearing dates and addresses procedural matters.
Discovery and Investigation
The discovery phase involves exchanging evidence. Prosecutors must provide police reports, witness statements, lab results, and exculpatory evidence. Defense attorneys conduct independent investigations, interview witnesses, hire experts, and develop trial strategy.
In homicide cases, this phase often takes months. Forensic evidence requires analysis. Expert witnesses need time to review materials. Defense attorneys may visit the scene, obtain surveillance footage, and recreate events.
Pretrial Motions
Defense attorneys file motions challenging evidence, seeking dismissals, or requesting hearings on specific issues. Common motions include motions to suppress evidence, motions for speedy trial, and motions challenging the indictment’s legal sufficiency.
Plea Negotiations
Most cases resolve through plea agreements. Negotiations occur throughout the pretrial period. Defense attorneys seek dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable sentencing recommendations. The defendant always makes the final decision whether to accept any offer.
Trial
If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to jury trial. Texas felony juries have 12 members. They must unanimously agree on guilt. Even one juror finding reasonable doubt results in acquittal or mistrial.
Manslaughter trials typically last several days. Both sides present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue their case. If convicted, the same jury determines punishment within the statutory range.
Prior Manslaughter Case Results
Varghese Summersett has successfully defended clients in manslaughter cases. While past results do not predict future outcomes, they demonstrate our team’s experience handling serious homicide charges.
Every case depends on its unique facts, evidence, and circumstances. An experienced defense attorney evaluates each case individually and develops tailored strategies.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
We treat every client facing manslaughter charges with the seriousness their situation demands. Our approach begins with a thorough case evaluation. We review all evidence, interview witnesses, and identify potential defenses. Many clients feel overwhelmed by the system. We explain each step clearly and answer questions promptly.
Our investigation goes beyond police reports. We hire investigators, consult forensic experts, and reconstruct events. In appropriate cases, we retain accident reconstructionists, medical experts, or toxicologists. Expert testimony can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
We challenge the State’s evidence aggressively. This includes filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, cross-examining State witnesses thoroughly, and presenting alternative explanations for events. We hold prosecutors to their burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Communication matters. Clients receive regular updates about their case’s progress. We respond to calls and emails promptly. You’re never left wondering what’s happening with your case.
Our team includes five Board Certified attorneys, representing the highest level of specialization recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board certification requires substantial experience, passing rigorous examinations, and maintaining ongoing education. Less than one percent of Texas attorneys achieve board certification in criminal law.
We prepare every case for trial while remaining open to favorable resolutions. Sometimes the best outcome is a dismissal. Other times it’s a charge reduction or favorable plea agreement. We discuss all options and provide honest assessments of your case’s strengths and weaknesses.
For clients unable to afford bond, we work to secure release through bond reductions or personal recognizance bonds. Remaining in jail makes defending the case harder. It affects employment, family responsibilities, and the ability to participate in the defense.
If you or someone you care about faces manslaughter charges in Denton County, call us at (940) 252-2220 for a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Murder vs. Manslaughter in Texas
Many people ask about the difference between murder and manslaughter. This video explains the key legal distinctions between these offenses under Texas law:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between manslaughter and murder in Texas?
Murder requires intent to kill or cause serious bodily injury that results in death. Manslaughter involves recklessly causing death without intent to kill. The key difference is the mental state. Murder is knowing or intentional. Manslaughter is reckless. This distinction affects both the charges filed and the punishment range. Murder is a first-degree felony with potential life imprisonment. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony with a maximum 20-year sentence.
Can manslaughter charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Prosecutors may reduce charges based on insufficient evidence, witness problems, or alternative explanations for the death. Charges can be dismissed entirely if the State cannot prove both elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Self-defense claims sometimes result in no-bills from the grand jury. Our case results include manslaughter dismissals, demonstrating that favorable outcomes are possible even in serious homicide cases.
What happens if someone dies after I get in a fight?
If death results from a fight, charges depend on your mental state and actions. If you intended to kill or cause serious bodily injury, prosecutors may charge murder. If you recklessly endangered someone during the fight and they died, manslaughter charges are possible. If you acted in self-defense and used only reasonable force, you may have a complete defense. The specific facts matter enormously. Assault charges can escalate to homicide charges if the victim dies.
How long does a manslaughter case take in Denton County?
Felony cases typically take six months to two years from arrest to resolution. Complex cases with expert witnesses or forensic evidence take longer. The speedy trial statute requires bringing defendants to trial within a certain timeframe, but continuances extend this deadline. Discovery, motion practice, and plea negotiations all take time. Defendants out on bond generally prefer longer timelines allowing thorough case preparation. Those in custody want faster resolution.
Will I go to prison if convicted of manslaughter?
Prison is possible but not mandatory. Judges can grant community supervision (probation) for second-degree felonies. This typically requires cooperation with prosecutors, lack of prior felony convictions, and mitigating circumstances. First-time offenders have better chances of probation. Cases involving vehicular manslaughter or genuine accidents have better probation prospects than those involving violence. Each case requires individual evaluation based on its specific facts and the defendant’s background.
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Contact a Denton County Manslaughter Defense Attorney
Manslaughter charges carry severe consequences including decades in prison. You need attorneys who understand both the law and the local courts. Varghese Summersett has successfully defended clients in Denton County homicide cases.
We offer free consultation. During your consultation, we review your case’s facts, explain the charges, discuss potential defenses, and answer your questions. You have nothing to lose by calling and everything to gain.
Call (940) 252-2220 now to speak with an experienced Denton County manslaughter defense attorney. Your future depends on the decisions you make today.
