Driving while intoxicated is a serious problem that affects the entire United States and Texas is no exception. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, “About every 20 minutes in Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol.” Because of this epidemic, TxDOT urges all Texas drivers to not drink and drive.
Have you ever wondered what would happen to someone if they accidentally killed someone while drunk or drugged driving? After all, people get into car crashes all the time and kill people, but that doesn’t mean they face criminal charges. Now driving while intoxicated – that’s a different story.
We know that it’s a crime in the U.S. We know there are hefty penalties involved. So, what are the consequences of killing another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Texas?
Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter
In Texas, if you kill another person (including your own passenger) while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, you are guilty of intoxication manslaughter under Section 49.08 of the Texas Penal Code. An offense under Sec. 49.08 is generally classified as a felony of the second degree.
A felony of the second degree is punishable by:
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- $10,000 fine
In our experience, an intoxication manslaughter charge is absolutely devastating to individuals – individuals who usually don’t have a criminal record and made a big mistake. Often, such a client is a father with a wife and children at home, a mom with children under the age of 18, or a straight A college student with an entire future before him or her.
Related: What if I Hurt Someone While Drunk Driving?
If you’re facing this serious charge after taking someone else’s life, your future and your freedom are at stake. You do NOT want to face this alone. You need an experienced DWI defense attorney who knows how to seek the best possible outcome for your case. We are aware of what you stand to lose and pledge to fight hard on your behalf. We urge you to contact our Plano DWI firm at once to explore your defense options.
