Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
The call from jail. The disbelief in your family’s voices. The sickening reality that someone died in what should have been just another drive.
Now you’re facing vehicular manslaughter charges, and the truth is stark: Texas prosecutors won’t see this as an accident. They’ll paint you as reckless, criminal, indifferent to human life. While you struggle to process what happened, they’re already building a case designed to put you away for years.
For over three decades, our Criminal Defense Lawyers have turned these nightmares around – often with a single phone call. Our approach gets results without the endless court appearances and sleepless nights you’re imagining.
One free case review is all it takes to start turning this around. Call (972) 528-0116 now, and within minutes you’ll have a clear path forward and the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone powerful is handling this for you.
Many people use the terms “vehicular manslaughter” and “vehicular homicide” interchangeably, but there are important distinctions to understand:
Vehicular Manslaughter generally refers to causing death through reckless driving behavior without intent to harm. In Texas, this typically falls under Penal Code § 19.04, which addresses reckless conduct resulting in death.
Vehicular Homicide is not a specific charge in Texas but often refers to more serious cases that might be charged as murder when there are aggravating factors like extreme recklessness, prior DWI convictions, or evidence suggesting a greater degree of culpability.
While Texas law doesn’t have a specific statute titled “vehicular manslaughter,” prosecutors throughout Texas pursue several criminal charges when a death occurs while operating a motor vehicle. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for your defense:
| Charge | Legal Statute | Classification | Definition | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manslaughter | Tex. Penal Code § 19.04 | Second-degree felony | Recklessly causing the death of another person | Person consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk |
| Criminally Negligent Homicide | Tex. Penal Code § 19.05 | State jail felony | Causing death through criminal negligence | Person should have been aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk |
| Intoxication Manslaughter | Tex. Penal Code § 49.08 | Second-degree felony (First-degree if victim was first responder) | Causing death while driving intoxicated | • Operating motor vehicle while intoxicated • Causing death as a result |
The key difference between manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide is your awareness of the risk—with criminal negligence, you should have been aware of the risk but weren’t, while with recklessness, you were aware of the risk but disregarded it.
The consequences of a vehicular homicide conviction in Texas are severe and can impact every aspect of your life:
| Offense Classification | Prison/Jail Term | Fine | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $4,000 | License suspension, permanent criminal record |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of voting rights, employment restrictions |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Employment & housing difficulties |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of professional licenses |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life | Up to $10,000 | Loss of civil rights |
Beyond these legal penalties, a conviction can result in:
According to Texas Department of Transportation data, certain driving behaviors significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents. Vehicular manslaughter charges in Texas typically arise from situations like:
| Behavior | Legal Classification | Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Driving while intoxicated (DWI) | Intoxication Manslaughter | Involved in 25% of all Texas traffic fatalities |
| Excessive speeding | Reckless Driving/Manslaughter | Factor in 32% of fatal crashes in Texas |
| Street racing | Racing on Highway causing death | Increasing problem in urban areas statewide |
| Distracted driving/texting | Negligent Homicide | Contributes to approximately 20% of fatal accidents |
| Running red lights/stop signs | Reckless Driving/Manslaughter | Common in urban intersection fatalities |
| Driving with a suspended license | Can enhance other charges | Often indicates pattern of unsafe driving |
| Drowsy driving | Can constitute negligence | Most common in late night/early morning accidents |
Even momentary lapses in judgment can result in tragedy and subsequent criminal charges. Our defense team understands that good people can make mistakes or be falsely accused, and we’re committed to protecting your rights.
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you acted recklessly or with criminal negligence. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand that not every traffic fatality is a crime.
We will thoroughly investigate your case to build the strongest possible defense, which may include:
Our firm has successfully defended numerous clients facing serious intoxication and DWI charges that could have resulted in vehicular manslaughter charges had accidents occurred. Here are some notable case results from our records:
“About a year ago I was driving home from a work event and I got into a car accident. The other driver was injured and it was determined that my blood alcohol level was 0.15. My friend recommended Richard McConathy. Right away he told me how serious the charges were. I was being charged with intoxication assault and I had no idea what that even meant, but it carried a penalty up to 10 years in prison. For me ten years would have been a death sentence. I would have lost my career, my family, my reputation. For me everything was on the line. But Richard’s team was tenacious. They told me they were gonna fight this to the end in court. I felt like he cared about me and my best interests and treated me like I was family. They were able to get the blood test dismissed and my case was dismissed. I can’t thank Richard and his team enough.”
— Former Client, Intoxication Assault Case
Note: This analysis provides additional details about the case mentioned in the testimonial above.
Case Background: The client whose testimonial appears above was charged with intoxication assault after a car accident in which another driver was injured. Police reported a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15—nearly twice the legal limit. The client was facing serious penalties including potential prison time up to 10 years.
Our Approach:
Result: Through our meticulous investigation and legal strategy, we were able to get the blood test evidence dismissed. Without this key evidence, the prosecution was unable to proceed with the case, resulting in a complete dismissal of all charges.
This case demonstrates our commitment to examining every detail and fighting aggressively for our clients facing serious intoxication-related charges.
When your freedom is at stake, experience matters. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy offers:
If you’ve been charged with vehicular manslaughter, understanding the legal process ahead is crucial:
As your defense team, we guide you through each step, explaining options and fighting for the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in Texas, don’t face these serious charges alone. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will evaluate your case, explain your options, and develop a strategic defense plan tailored to your specific situation. Our Criminal Defense Lawyers serve clients throughout Irving, Dallas, Carrollton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Texas.
Liberty or death isn’t just our motto—it’s our commitment to your defense
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
