Manslaughter Attorney In Fort Bend County

Serious Felony Charges Require Focused Defense

A Texas manslaughter charge means your freedom, your record, and your future are all on the line. If you or someone you care about is accused of causing another person’s death, you are likely overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. You may also be facing pressure from investigators and upcoming court dates.

At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we represent people facing life-changing felony accusations, including manslaughter, in Fort Bend County. Our attorney, Brandon Sims, has more than 20 years of criminal law experience and previously served as a felony prosecutor. We draw on that background to evaluate how the State may build its case and how to respond.

From the moment you contact us, our goal is to protect your rights and start building a thoughtful defense. We take the time to listen, explain the process, and give you clear next steps so you are not facing this situation alone. To discuss your case in a confidential consultation, you can call (713) 766-1445.

Texas Manslaughter Charges Explained

Understanding what you are accused of is an important first step. In Texas, manslaughter generally involves causing another person’s death by acting recklessly. That means the State claims you were aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death and chose to disregard it. This is different from an intentional killing, which is usually charged as murder. Manslaughter is typically a second-degree felony. The punishment range under Texas law can include a significant prison sentence and a large fine. Beyond that, a felony conviction can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. When you face a charge this serious, working with a manslaughter criminal attorney in Fort Bend County can help you understand what penalties might realistically apply in your case.

Manslaughter is also different from criminally negligent homicide, which involves a lower level of awareness of risk. How the State labels the conduct and what facts it relies on can make a major difference in the possible outcome. Because Attorney Brandon Sims has handled serious felony cases from both sides, he can assess how prosecutors may try to frame your conduct and what evidence they need to support that position. In Fort Bend County, felony manslaughter charges are usually handled in the district courts at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. The court your case is assigned to commonly depends on the type of charge and how the indictment is filed. We walk our clients through these details so they know where to appear and what each setting means.

How We Defend Manslaughter Cases

No two manslaughter cases are the same. The facts, the people involved, and the evidence can vary widely. We treat each case as its own situation, not as a template. When you contact our firm, we begin by listening carefully to your account of what happened, how law enforcement became involved, and what has occurred so far in the investigation.

After that initial conversation, we work to gather available information, such as police reports, witness statements, video, 911 recordings, and medical or forensic records. Our firm places strong emphasis on a full investigation at the outset because key details can be overlooked when events unfold quickly. We look for gaps in the State’s version of events and evidence that may support a different explanation. Attorney Brandon Sims’ experience as a former felony prosecutor is an important part of how we approach a manslaughter defense. Having previously made charging decisions and prepared cases for trial, he has seen how prosecutors evaluate risk, what they tend to prioritize, and where cases may be vulnerable. We use that insight when we analyze whether the State can prove recklessness, whether causation is clear, and how a jury might view the circumstances.

We also take into account your history, your relationship to the person who died, and any factors that may affect how a judge or jury interprets the situation. Some cases may involve car crashes, others may involve firearms, fights, or accidents during other activities. A manslaughter defense attorney in Fort Bend County should tailor the strategy to those specific facts rather than relying on a single approach for all cases. Our team discusses possible defense themes with you, such as challenging whether your conduct was truly reckless, questioning the reliability of witnesses, or examining whether other factors played a major role in the death. We explain the options that may be available, including negotiations and trial, and we give candid feedback about risks. Although no lawyer can promise a particular result, we work to build the strongest defense we can for your situation.

Facing Manslaughter Charges In Fort Bend County

The process of a manslaughter case can feel confusing, especially if you have not been through the criminal system before. Some cases begin with an arrest at the scene of a fatal incident, while others start later, after a period of investigation. In either situation, decisions made early can affect bond, charges, and how the case is viewed by the court and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

After an arrest, you are generally taken for booking and then brought before a judge for an initial appearance or magistrate hearing. At this stage, bond conditions may be set. Later, manslaughter cases commonly move into one of the district courts at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. Each court may handle scheduling a little differently, but in every court, you have important rights that must be protected.

People often ask what they should do immediately after an arrest or when they believe law enforcement is investigating a fatal incident. Some practical steps to consider include:

• Refrain from discussing the facts of the incident with officers, friends, or on social media until you have legal advice.
• Keep any documents you receive from law enforcement or the court in a safe place.
• Make a list of potential witnesses or people who were present, and their contact information.
• Contact a manslaughter criminal defense attorneyin  Fort Bend County as soon as you can so your rights can be protected early.

It can be tempting to try to explain what happened to investigators in the hope that they will see things your way. However, statements given without counsel present can create challenges later. When you hire our firm, we can communicate with law enforcement and the prosecution on your behalf, and we can advise you about when, if ever, it makes sense to provide a statement. We also understand how stressful this process is for families. Our team works to explain upcoming court settings, whether you must appear, and what decisions may arise at each stage. Our goal is to keep you informed, so you are not caught off guard by the process in this county.

Why Choose Our Firm For Manslaughter Defense

When you are looking for a manslaughter lawyer in Fort Bend County, you need more than general criminal law knowledge. You need someone who understands serious felonies, local courts, and how the prosecution thinks. Attorney Brandon Sims has over 20 years of criminal law experience and previously served as a felony prosecutor before focusing his practice on defending people accused of crimes. That background gives our firm a practical understanding of how the State may build and present a manslaughter case. We use that perspective to anticipate potential strategies from the prosecution, to identify weaknesses in their evidence, and to prepare for negotiations or trial. This type of insight can be especially important when the distinction between recklessness and an accident is at the heart of the case.

We also place strong emphasis on how we treat our clients. Facing an accusation tied to another person’s death is emotionally heavy. Many clients feel guilt, grief, and fear, even before a court has heard the facts. At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we strive to provide a respectful environment where you can talk openly about what happened, ask questions, and receive clear answers. Our process begins with a detailed review of your case, followed by a full investigation and ongoing communication about developments. We explain your options at each decision point so you can make informed choices about how to proceed. While no attorney can guarantee a dismissal or a reduced charge, we work to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome available under the circumstances.

If you or a loved one is facing a manslaughter allegation here in Fort Bend County, you do not have to navigate this alone. We are prepared to talk with you about the charges, the process, and how we can help.

Call (713) 766-1445 to schedule a confidential consultation with our firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for manslaughter?

Texas manslaughter is usually a second-degree felony, which carries a significant potential prison range and fines. The exact punishment depends on the facts, your history, and other factors. We review these details with you so you understand realistic exposure in your specific case.

How soon should I contact your firm after an arrest?

We encourage you to contact us as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early involvement allows us to advise you before important decisions are made, help address bond issues, and begin preserving evidence that may be critical to your defense.

How does a former prosecutor approach my defense?

As a former felony prosecutor, Attorney Brandon Sims has insight into how the State evaluates and prepares serious cases. That background helps us anticipate likely strategies, charging decisions, and evidence issues, and then plan defenses and negotiations that take those tendencies into account.

Will you keep my family informed about my case?

We recognize that family members often carry a large part of the worry in serious cases. With your permission, we communicate with your loved ones, explain upcoming court settings, and answer their questions so they understand what is happening and how they can support you.

Can you get my manslaughter charge dismissed or reduced?

No lawyer can honestly promise a dismissal or reduction. Outcomes depend on the facts, the available evidence, and how the court and prosecution respond. Our role is to analyze the case, challenge weaknesses, and pursue the most favorable resolution that the circumstances allow.

Call The Sims Law Firm, PLLC at (713) 766-1445 to schedule your consultation today, or get in touch with us online using our easy-to-use online contact form.