Manslaughter and Homicide Defense Attorneys Serving Dallas

If you’re facing manslaughter or homicide charges in Dallas, you need an aggressive, personalized defense. Texas takes violent crimes seriously. A conviction can lead to decades or life in prison. It can also permanently damage your reputation, immigration status, career, and personal relationships.

Texas law distinguishes between different types of homicide offenses, each with its own definitions and penalties under the Texas Penal Code. Whether you’re accused of criminally negligent homicide or first-degree murder, the prosecution will aggressively pursue a conviction. You need a defense team that’s just as committed to protecting your rights.

At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we know that every story has more than one side. Our attorneys fight to ensure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your case is handled carefully.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested with one of these serious crimes, you need a Dallas manslaughter and homicide defense attorney immediately. Call 214-949-4117. Early legal intervention can make a major difference—and we’re ready to step up immediately.

Dallas Office 14800 Quorum Dr STE 247, Dallas, TX, 75254 214-949-4117

Table Of Contents

    Why You Need a Homicide Defense Attorney in Dallas

    Homicide cases are among the most serious and complex charges under Texas law. Whether the allegation is murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide, the consequences of a conviction are life-altering. If you’re facing these charges in Dallas, you need an experienced, aggressive defense attorney to represent your case.

    The Texas Penal Code outlines several different homicide offenses, each with distinct legal standards and consequences. Each of these statutes has specific elements the prosecution must prove, ranging from intent and recklessness to negligence. The classification of your charge depends heavily on the facts of the case. Your attorney may have room to argue for a reduced charge or complete dismissal.

    Convictions for homicide-related offenses carry harsh punishments:

    • Capital murder: Life without parole or the death penalty
    • Murder: Five to 99 years or life in prison (first-degree felony)
    • Manslaughter: Two to 20 years in prison (second-degree felony)
    • Criminally negligent homicide: 180 days to two years in a state jail (state jail felony)

    A skilled defense attorney from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer can begin protecting your rights immediately by:

    • Challenging a grand jury indictment before formal charges are filed
    • Working to reduce charges from murder to manslaughter or negligent homicide
    • Securing expert testimony to challenge cause of death or intent
    • Preserving evidence and identifying key witnesses early in the process

    The sooner you involve our team, the more options you may have to fight the charges or minimize their impact. Call 214-949-4117 to start building your defense today.

    Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to Handle My Case?

    When your future is on the line, you need a skilled legal team devoted to fighting for you. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer brings decades of combined trial experience to every case we handle. Our attorneys know how the district attorney’s office builds its case—and how to counter those strategies in court.

    Our roots in the Dallas legal community give our clients a valuable advantage. We know how grand juries in Dallas County operate, and we’re familiar with the judges, court staff, and prosecutors handling homicide and manslaughter cases. This local knowledge helps us anticipate challenges and negotiate for better outcomes than you’d get on your own or with a busy public defender.

    From the moment we take your case, we begin building an aggressive defense. We conduct our own investigation, which often includes reviewing autopsy reports, analyzing forensic evidence, and reconstructing the scene if needed. We consult with expert witnesses such as pathologists, mental health professionals, and forensic analysts to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. We also work to suppress statements or evidence obtained in violation of your Constitutional rights.

    Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. Most importantly, we offer strategic, honest legal advice based on your goals, whether that’s fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a plea, or taking your case to trial. My Dallas Criminal Lawyer believes everyone deserves a strong defense—reach out today to find out how we can help you.

    Types of Manslaughter and Homicide Cases We Handle

    Homicide charges in Texas cover a range of conduct and intent levels, from deliberate acts to tragic accidents. We defend clients against:

    Murder

    Murder involves intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person. It also includes the felony murder rule, which applies when someone dies during the commission of a separate felony, even if death wasn’t the original intent.

    Capital Murder

    Capital murder is the most serious homicide charge in Texas. It carries the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty. This charge typically applies to killings involving specific victims (peace officers, children) or circumstances (multiple victims, murder-for-hire, murder during aggravated robbery or sexual assault).

    Manslaughter

    Manslaughter involves recklessly causing another person’s death. It does not require intent to kill, only a disregard for risk. These charges are common in cases involving fatal car accidents, accidental shootings, or mishandled firearms.

    Criminally Negligent Homicide

    This charge involves failing to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk that leads to someone’s death. It’s frequently charged when someone’s conduct doesn’t rise to recklessness but still leads to fatal consequences. It can be considered a lesser-included offense of manslaughter, depending on the facts.

    Vehicular Homicide

    Texas does not have a standalone statute for vehicular homicide, but fatal crashes are often prosecuted as:

    • Manslaughter (if reckless behavior like speeding or texting is involved)
    • Criminally negligent homicide (if the driver failed to act with care)
    • Intoxication manslaughter (if the driver was impaired under Tex. Penal Code § 49.08)

    Self-Defense and Justifiable Homicide

    Some homicides are legally justified. We evaluate every case to determine if the use of force was lawful under the Texas self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property statutes.

    No matter the charge, My Dallas Criminal Lawyer provides a thorough, fact-driven defense grounded in Texas law.

    Talk to an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today

    Homicide and manslaughter charges are serious. You need experienced counsel who can get to work immediately and protect your rights.

    My Dallas Criminal Lawyer doesn’t wait for the prosecution to set the narrative. Whether you’re accused of reckless conduct or intentional harm, our team is ready to build a defense based on the facts, the law, and your goals. Call 214-949-4117 or contact us online to speak with a Dallas homicide defense lawyer today.

    Dallas Office 14800 Quorum Dr STE 247, Dallas, TX, 75254 214-949-4117
    Last Updated: November 4, 2025
    Request a Free Consultation

    Collin County

    August 2025

    Acquitted

    Driving While Intoxicated Jury Trial

    Collin County

    August 2025

    Dismissed

    Second-Degree Felony Sexual Assault of a Child

    Ellis County

    August 2025

    Dismissed

    Assault Causes Bodily Injury to a Family Member

    Collin County

    August 2025

    Felony Reduced

    State Jail Felony DWI with Child Reduced to Misdemeanor

    Denton County

    July 2025

    NO-BILL

    3 Counts of Manslaughter & 3 Counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    Dallas County

    June 2025

    Dismissed

    Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon

    Denton County

    June 2025

    Felony No-Billed & Motion to Revoke Withdrawn

    State Jail Felony Injury to Elderly & Motion to Revoke Misdemeanor Probation

    Dallas County

    May 2025

    Deferred Adjudication

    Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities

    What Our Clients Say
    MDCL-Icon

    Lybbie

    star

    I trust Justin for any legal related questions and he certainly delivers. I recommend him 100% as he is committed to you from start to end- no matter the situation.

    MDCL-Icon

    Cristal D.

    star

    Absolutely the best team you could ask for. From start to finish, the entire office was professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated. They made me feel heard, respected, and confident during one of the most stressful times of my life. Their communication was consistent, and you can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their outcomes.

    If you’re looking for a lawyer who is sharp, honest, and will fight for you like it’s personal – this is the team you want on your side. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did. They truly are the best in the business.

    MDCL-Icon

    Natalie M.

    star

    Justin Harris was an exceptional lawyer- he is hardworking and dedicated and will reach your needs and more.

    He was reliable and professional in every way. He makes sure that you are not only heard but seen. When working with Justin- it gave me strong trust that he cared and that he is a man of his word.

    Highly recommend this law firm. Justin and the team handled my case with the upmost care, always kind and professional, and let me know all the details every step of the way.

    MDCL-Icon

    Prof. Carlos R.

    star

    My first impression with Justin and Heidi was that they are a first class law firm, very professional and very open to answering questions and making a person feel appreciated. I am glad I met both at Formation in Frisco Texas.

    MDCL-Icon

    Alex C.

    star

    I have come to know Justin and his team through my practice as a civil lawyer, and Justin has always impressed me with the way he treats his clients, and his ability to clearly explain options. He works tirelessly to be prepared for all his cases, and always treats others with professionalism and respect.

    MDCL-Icon

    Joshua J.

    star

    Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to any one who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.

    MDCL-Icon

    Yoker V.

    star

    I highly recommend Justin 100%, the total positive experience started the moment we first spoke. Justin is a complete and total professional and a highly skilled lawyer outside and especially inside the courtroom. My case had its challenges but Justin skillfully did his research and presented the court and jury a master class. At the end of trial the judge looked at prosecutor and said ” that’s how its done” YLV

    MDCL-Icon

    Donna D.

    star

    Knowledgeable, patient, listened to what my situation needed. Impressed with my Attorney and his service.

    MDCL-Icon

    Mukesh K.

    star

    I have absolutely no hesitation in declaring that Justin is one of the finest attorneys you will ever find to represent your case most effectively yet very ethically. He is extremely professional and very deliberate in his advice and charting the right course of action appropriate for the situation. I used him for a DUI case and cant stress enough how much trust he developed in me and got the best outcome possible for me by getting the case dismissed. Good luck to the reader. Go with Justin.

    MDCL-Icon

    Haley W.

    star

    From my very first conversation with Justin Wilson at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, I knew this was the right law firm for me. Justin took the time to carefully go over every detail of my case and never made me feel rushed. Throughout the entire process, he and his team kept me updated so I was never left wondering what would happen next. They fought hard on my behalf and ultimately got my felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. I always felt supported and well-prepared, as Justin walked me through exactly what to expect at every stage. I highly recommend My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to anyone in need of strong, reliable legal representation.

    Dallas Office Hours
    Our team is available by phone 24/7Office Hours
    Monday8AM – 5PM
    Tuesday8AM – 5PM
    Wednesday8AM – 5PM
    Thursday8AM – 5PM
    Friday8AM – 5PM
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed
    Frisco Office Hours
    Our team is available by phone 24/7Office Hours
    Monday8AM – 5PM
    Tuesday8AM – 5PM
    Wednesday8AM – 5PM
    Thursday8AM – 5PM
    Friday8AM – 5PM
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed