San Antonio Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney
Experienced Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorneys in San Antonio, Texas
Criminally negligent homicide is a criminal offense in the state of Texas, defined in Texas Penal Code section 19.05. It involves causing the death of another person through criminal negligence, which is a type of behavior that falls short of reckless or intentional wrongdoing.
In San Antonio, Texas, there are four main types of homicide: murder, manslaughter, capital murder, and criminally negligent homicide. Murder is the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without intent, but with recklessness. Capital murder is a murder that involves certain aggravating factors like that it occurred during the commission of another felony or there are multiple victims. Criminally negligent homicide is the causing of another person’s death through criminal negligence.
Criminal negligence differs from civil negligence in that it involves a higher level of disregard for the safety of others. To prove criminal negligence, it must be shown that the defendant had a duty to act with care towards the victim and that their actions (or lack thereof) constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation. Civil negligence, on the other hand, involves a failure to use reasonable care that results in harm to another person but does not necessarily rise to the level of recklessness or disregard for safety.
Criminal law is the body of law that deals with the punishment of individuals who have been accused of committing crimes. In contrast, civil law is the body of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving monetary damages. While criminal cases are brought by the government against individuals accused of crimes, civil cases are brought by individuals or organizations seeking monetary or other forms of relief from other individuals or organizations. A San Antonio criminally negligent homicide attorney at Thornton Criminal Defense can provide vital representation to those accused of this offense, helping to build a defense based on the specific circumstances of the case and the intent behind the actions.
Vehicular Negligent Homicide
Criminally Negligent Homicide is a criminal offense in San Antonio that involves causing the death of another person through criminal negligence. One context in which this offense may occur is in the context of car crashes.
If a person is driving in a reckless or negligent manner and causes a crash that results in the death of another person, they may be charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide. This can include actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws. In order to prove that the defendant was criminally negligent, the prosecutor must show that the defendant had a duty to act with care towards the victim and that their actions (or lack thereof) constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation.
If you have been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in the context of a car crash in San Antonio, it’s important to seek out experienced legal representation from our San Antonio criminally negligent homicide lawyer. Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly qualified and skilled criminal defense attorney who has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. He is a former chief prosecutor and leader on the vehicular crimes team for the district attorney’s office, and has training in crash and accident reconstruction.
With his extensive experience and knowledge, Brad Thornton is well-equipped to defend his clients against criminal charges related to car crashes. If you have been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in the context of a car crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brad Thornton, one of the best criminally negligent homicide attorneys in San Antonio for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the “other side” and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
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Criminal Penalties for Criminally Negligent Homicide in San Antonio, TX
Criminally Negligent Homicide involves causing the death of another person through criminal negligence, which is a type of reckless behavior that falls short of intentional wrongdoing. If you are facing criminal charges for Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas, you may have defenses available to you that can help you avoid a conviction.
One possible defense to Criminally Negligent Homicide is that you did not act with criminal negligence. In order to prove criminal negligence, the prosecutor must show that you had a duty to act with care towards the victim and that your actions (or lack thereof) constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation. If you can show that you were acting with due care and caution at the time of the incident, you may be able to argue that you were not criminally negligent.
Another defense is that you did not cause the victim’s death. In order to be found guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide, the prosecutor must show that your actions were a direct and proximate cause of the victim’s death. If you can show that the victim’s death was caused by an intervening factor, such as a medical emergency or the actions of a third party, you may be able to argue that you were not responsible for the victim’s death.
Additionally, you may be able to argue that you acted in self-defense or defense of others. If you can show that you were protecting yourself or someone else from imminent harm, you may be able to claim that your actions were justified and therefore not criminal.
If you are facing criminal charges for Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas, it’s important to consult with an experienced criminally negligent homicide attorney who can help you evaluate your options and build a strong defense to the charges against you.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
Criminal Penalties for Criminally Negligent Homicide in Texas
In Texas, Criminally Negligent Homicide is classified as a state jail felony. This means that the punishment for a conviction may include a term of imprisonment in a state jail facility for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days, as well as a fine of up to $10,000. The specific penalty will depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.
It’s worth noting that a person can be charged with both Criminally Negligent Homicide and another crime, such as intoxication manslaughter, if the death was caused by the defendant’s actions while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this case, the defendant may face additional penalties for the intoxication offense in addition to those for Criminally Negligent Homicide.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a conviction for Criminally Negligent Homicide can also have collateral consequences, which are consequences that extend beyond the punishment ordered by the court. These can include the loss of professional licenses, difficulty finding employment, and damage to personal and professional relationships. It’s important for individuals facing criminal charges to be aware of the potential collateral consequences and to discuss them with a criminal defense attorney.
Reach Out To Our San Antonio Criminally Negligent Homicide Lawyers Today
If you have been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in San Antonio, Texas, it’s important to take the charges seriously and to seek out the best legal representation available. One option to consider is board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton; a top San Antonio criminally negligent homicide defense attorney.
Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney who deeply understands the criminal justice system. He is a former chief prosecutor, which means that he has extensive experience on the other side of the courtroom and knows how prosecutors think and build their cases. This experience gives him a unique advantage in defending his clients against criminal charges.
In addition to his experience, Brad Thornton is also board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is a mark of excellence that is only awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated a high level of competence and experience in their practice area. When you choose a board-certified attorney like Brad Thornton, you can have confidence that you are working with a highly qualified legal professional who is capable of handling your case.
If you have been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in San Antonio, it’s important to act quickly and seek out experienced legal representation. Brad Thornton is available for a free consultation at 210-439-5627 to discuss your case and help you understand your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him and start exploring your legal options.