Manslaughter Defense

Unlike other homicide and murder charges, which may be capital and first-degree felonies, Manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony in the state of Texas.  Manslaughter usually implies some level of lessened blame or culpability.

Unlike murder cases, manslaughter cases generally have no accusation of premeditation or planning on the part of the accused individual.  Instead, the actor will often be accused of acting recklessly or failing to consider the risks.

In Texas, Manslaughter is defined as an offense a person commits when he or she "recklessly causes the death of an individual."  The key to a manslaughter charge is that causation must be shown, as in the death was caused by your reckless behavior.  Reckless is one step above negligent but one step below intentional.  Reckless behavior can be characterized as not only an actual act but can also be a failure to act.