Austin Manslaughter Attorney

Why Our Team Defends Manslaughter Cases

When you are accused of causing someone’s death, experience and perspective are critical. At Lance Kennedy Law, our attorneys bring decades of collective criminal practice, including time as an Assistant United States Attorney, an Assistant District Attorney, and other former government lawyers who handled serious felony cases from the prosecution side before moving into defense work.

That background matters in a manslaughter case because it shapes how we evaluate evidence. We understand how detectives build timelines, how prosecutors think about intent and recklessness, and how charging decisions are made. We use that knowledge to anticipate arguments and identify weaknesses that may not be obvious from the outside.

Our trial record is another key difference. Collectively, our team has handled thousands of criminal matters and tried hundreds of jury trials in Texas and federal courts. Prosecutors negotiate differently when they know the defense is prepared to present a case to a jury. From the start of a manslaughter case, we prepare as though it may go to trial, which also positions clients for stronger discussions about reductions or plea options when appropriate.

We recognize that cost is a real concern after an arrest, especially when families are already dealing with bond and lost income. We offer payment plans to help clients secure the level of representation that a manslaughter charge demands. Throughout the case, we provide straightforward counsel about risks, likely paths forward, and the decisions that will need to be made, so there are no surprises.

How Texas Law Treats Manslaughter

Understanding how Texas law defines manslaughter can help you make sense of the accusations against you. In general terms, manslaughter in Texas involves causing the death of another person through reckless conduct. The key issue is usually whether the state can try to prove that the accused was aware of a substantial risk and consciously disregarded it, rather than intending to kill.

Manslaughter is typically charged as a second-degree felony. That means a potential prison range of two to twenty years, as well as a possible fine and long-term consequences such as limits on employment, housing, and firearm possession. The precise exposure in any case depends on the facts, any prior record, and whether there are alleged aggravating circumstances.

Prosecutors sometimes consider other charges alongside or instead of manslaughter. They may evaluate whether they believe they can pursue intent for a murder charge, or whether the conduct fits better as criminally negligent homicide. In some situations involving a vehicle and alleged intoxication, intoxication manslaughter may be part of the discussion. These are legal distinctions, but they have very real consequences for sentencing and future options.

How these decisions are made often depends on the evidence presented to the grand jury, the views of the assigned prosecutor, and local policies in the office handling the case. As former federal and Texas prosecutors, we understand how these choices are evaluated and which facts tend to influence outcomes. When we take on a manslaughter or related homicide case here in the Austin area, we look closely at the charging documents, the investigative file, and any available video or forensic material to identify arguments that may support a different way of viewing the events.

Every case turns on its own facts. Our role is to translate those facts into legal arguments about whether the government has met its burden and whether the charged offense accurately reflects what actually happened.

Steps To Take After A Manslaughter Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest involving a death are often chaotic. You may be trying to post bond, manage work and family obligations, and respond to people who have questions. What you do during this period can affect both the legal case and your personal life, so it helps to move carefully and deliberately.

First, it is important to protect your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Speaking with law enforcement, or with anyone else, about the details of what happened can create statements that later appear in reports or at trial. Even well-intentioned comments to friends, family, or social media can be taken out of context. We generally advise clients to avoid discussing the facts of the case until they have met with a lawyer and to let their attorney handle communications with investigators.

Second, early involvement of a defense team can matter. In Travis County and neighboring counties, bond conditions, no-contact orders, and other restrictions can be in place quickly. We work to help clients understand and comply with these rules, because violations can lead to additional accusations or revocation of bond. Early legal representation also allows us to begin gathering information, preserving potential evidence, and assessing any immediate steps that may help shape how the case is viewed.

There may also be practical steps you can take to help your defense, such as preserving text messages, photos, or names of people who were present before or after the event. These details can be important later, but they are often lost if not identified early. We talk with clients about what to save and how to avoid unintentionally deleting or altering information.

If you have been arrested or expect to be charged, these steps are often helpful:

• Limit conversations about the incident and avoid posting anything related to it online.
• Contact a defense team with serious felony experience as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
• Gather documents or information you already have, such as court papers, bond paperwork, or contact details for potential witnesses.
• Follow all instructions from the court related to bond, travel, and contact with specific people.
• Write down your recollection of events for your attorney, not for anyone else, while the details are still fresh.

Every situation is different, and not all of these steps will apply to every case. When we meet with you, we discuss the specific circumstances of your case in and around Austin and outline a plan tailored to those facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sentence could I face for manslaughter?

Manslaughter in Texas is generally a second-degree felony, with a potential prison range of two to twenty years and a possible fine. The specific sentence depends on the facts, any prior record, and how the court views the case. We explain realistic exposure during a consultation.

How will former prosecutors help my manslaughter case?

Former prosecutors understand how cases are investigated, charged, and tried, including how manslaughter is evaluated against other homicide offenses. Our team uses that insight to anticipate the government’s approach, identify weaknesses in evidence, and make targeted arguments to judges and juries.

Do all manslaughter cases go to trial?

Not all manslaughter cases go to trial. Some resolve through dismissal or negotiated outcomes, and others proceed to a jury. Because outcomes depend on the evidence and the prosecutor’s position, we prepare each case thoroughly so you are positioned for both negotiation and trial.

Can I afford your firm on a manslaughter charge?

We know cost is a real concern after an arrest. At Lance Kennedy Law, we offer payment plans to help clients access a defense team with substantial criminal trial experience. During an initial consultation, we discuss fees openly so you can make informed decisions.

How quickly can your team start on my case?

We can usually begin evaluating a case soon after contact, often while bond and conditions are still being addressed. Early involvement allows us to review initial reports, discuss your concerns, and start planning a strategy tailored to courts in and around Austin.