Njeri London
Co-Founding Partner
- Texas Bar No.: 24043266
- Licensed since: 2006
- Law school: Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- Memberships: State Bar of Texas, TCDLA
Charge We Defend
Texas Manslaughter Defense
Free, confidential consultation 24/7 across the DFW Metroplex. Call (214) 466-1398.
Quick Answer
Texas manslaughter defense under Penal Code §19.04. Reckless conduct, mens rea challenges, lesser-included strategy. Free 24/7 consultation across the DFW Metroplex. Call (214) 466-1398.
What Is Manslaughter Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Penal Code §19.04, a person commits manslaughter when they recklessly cause the death of another. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in TDCJ and a fine up to $10,000.
"Recklessly" under §6.03(c) means the defendant was aware of but consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur. The risk must constitute a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would exercise.
Penalties Under Texas Law
Manslaughter is prosecuted under §19.04. The classification, punishment range, and parole eligibility are summarized in the FAQ below. A deadly weapon finding under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.054 — applicable in many homicide cases — requires service of at least half the imposed sentence before parole eligibility under Government Code §508.145.
How We Defend Texas Manslaughter Defense
Every defense begins with the offense report and indictment, but the work that produces results is independent — our own investigation, our own forensic experts, our own witness interviews. We do not rely on the State's narrative. We test it.
For texas manslaughter defense cases specifically, the elements that drive outcomes include the State's mens-rea proof, chain of custody on physical and forensic evidence, witness identification reliability, constitutional compliance with the stop and arrest, and any expert methodology behind toxicology, accident reconstruction, or pathology testimony.
Our Five-Step Defense Process
- 01
Free Consultation + Triage
You call. We identify the most urgent deadlines first (bond hearing, license report, employer notice), determine the exact charge, and lock in the next steps.
- 02
Discovery + Evidence Audit
We obtain the offense report, body and dash cam, autopsy and toxicology, accident reconstruction, witness statements, and 911 transcripts. We audit every link in the State's evidence chain.
- 03
Expert Retention + Investigation
For homicide and vehicular cases, we retain accident reconstructionists, toxicologists, ballistics experts, and forensic pathologists where the facts warrant. Independent investigation often produces evidence the State did not develop.
- 04
Negotiation + Lesser-Included Strategy
We negotiate from strength — using forensic gaps, mens-rea ambiguities, and constitutional issues. Reductions to lesser-included offenses (manslaughter from murder; criminally negligent homicide from manslaughter) and probation eligibility are explored where supported.
- 05
Trial-Ready + Sentencing Mitigation
If trial is the right call, we are ready. Voir dire, expert cross-examination, jury-charge negotiation. At sentencing, we present mitigation — character witnesses, mental-health evaluations, employment history — to seek the lowest possible punishment.
Texas Criminal Defense Counsel
Reggie London
Co-Founding Partner
- Texas Bar No.: 24043514
- Licensed since: 2005
- Law school: Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- Former: Dallas County District Attorney’s Office
Recent Client Reviews & Case Results
★★★★★ Average rating 4.8 / 5 · Read all reviews on Google
“Reggie was direct from the first call. He told us what was realistic and what was not. The case ended with a dismissal we did not think was possible.”
— Verified Google Review
“Njeri walked us through every step. She answered our calls at night and never once made us feel like another file number.”
— Verified Google Review
“The team prepared the case as if it was going to trial. The DA reduced the charge significantly because they could see we were ready.”
— Verified Google Review
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is evaluated on its own facts.
Educational Resource
Background Reading on Texas Manslaughter Defense
Frequently Asked Questions
Under §19.04, a person commits manslaughter if they recklessly cause the death of an individual. It is a second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in TDCJ and up to a $10,000 fine.
Under §6.03(c), a person acts recklessly when they are aware of but consciously disregard a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would exercise.
Yes. A jury can convict on manslaughter as a lesser-included offense of murder when the evidence raises a fact issue on whether the conduct was reckless rather than intentional or knowing. Defense strategy in many murder trials focuses on getting the manslaughter instruction submitted to the jury.
Yes, in some cases. Negotiated reductions to criminally negligent homicide (state jail felony, §19.05), aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury (§22.02), or even simple assault depend on the facts and the State's evidence on mens rea.
Most manslaughter cases involve a deadly weapon finding under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.054, which requires the defendant to serve at least half the sentence (or 30 years, whichever is less) before parole eligibility under Government Code §508.145.
Yes, in some circumstances. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony eligible for probation, but a deadly weapon finding and prior convictions can disqualify. Negotiated outcomes may include deferred adjudication where eligibility exists, with strict conditions.
Self-defense (§9.32), accident or misfortune, lack of recklessness (the conduct was at most negligent), causation challenges, sudden emergency doctrine, and constitutional challenges to evidence collection.
Yes, almost certainly. Manslaughter typically qualifies as both an aggravated felony under 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(43)(F) (crime of violence with sentence of 1+ year) and a crime involving moral turpitude. Defense must address immigration consequences from intake.
Texas Manslaughter Defense — Intake Form & Quick Reference
Confidential PDFs you can fill out at home and bring or email to us. No form submission required — everything is reviewed by a licensed attorney.
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Texas Manslaughter Defense Intake Form
PDF intake form — case background, prior history, witnesses, evidence preservation. Save and email back.
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What to Do If You Are Charged or Under Investigation
One-page quick reference. Print, save to your phone, or share with family. Critical first 24-hour steps.
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Need defense for Manslaughter?
Free, confidential consultation. An attorney personally handles every initial case review.
Attorney Advertising
This website is for general information purposes only and constitutes attorney advertising under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its facts and circumstances. L and L Law Group, PLLC is licensed in Texas; we do not represent clients in jurisdictions where we are not licensed.