Houston Intoxication Assault Intoxication Manslaughter Lawyer

Houston Intoxication Assault Lawyers

Fighting for Clients Throughout the Greater Houston Area

An intoxication assault charge is one of the most serious offenses arising from a DWI allegation. These cases typically involve accusations that a person, while intoxicated, caused serious bodily injury to another individual.

Because intoxication assault is a felony offense with severe penalties and long-term consequences, a strong and strategic defense is critical. Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC provides disciplined, trial-ready representation for individuals facing intoxication assault charges, with a focus on protecting freedom, rights, and future.

Call (713) 526-6300 or connect with us online for an in-office or virtual consultation with a Houston intoxication assault attorney. Hablamos español. Available 24/7.

Our Defense Representation for Intoxication Assault Cases

Intoxication assault cases demand immediate and meticulous legal action. Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC begins by closely examining the traffic stop, arrest, and investigation to determine whether law enforcement followed constitutional and statutory requirements. Any violation of your rights, including improper stops, unlawful searches, or flawed field sobriety testing, can form the foundation of a powerful defense.

Our firm also scrutinizes the evidence used to establish intoxication, such as breath or blood test results, chain of custody, testing procedures, and expert testimony. In many cases, intoxication is assumed rather than proven. We challenge whether the prosecution can meet its burden beyond a reasonable doubt.

Equally important is the issue of causation. The prosecution must prove not only intoxication, but that the alleged intoxication directly caused a serious bodily injury. Our team analyzes accident reconstruction evidence, medical records, and witness statements to challenge fault, intervening causes, and the severity of alleged injuries.

When appropriate, our firm negotiates aggressively for reduced charges or prepares for trial with a defense built on precision and credibility.

What Is Intoxication Assault Under Texas Law?

Intoxication assault is defined under Texas Penal Code § 49.07. A person commits this offense if they operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated and, by reason of that intoxication, cause serious bodily injury to another person.

Because intoxication assault arises from an alleged DWI, it is commonly charged as an enhanced DWI offense. However, it is a standalone felony offense and carries significantly harsher penalties than a standard DWI.

Penalties for Intoxication Assault

Classification: Generally a third-degree felony
Prison sentence: Two to 10 years
Fines: Up to $10,000
Community service: 160 to 600 hours.
Mandatory jail: If granted probation, the judge must still order at least 30 days in county jail as a condition.

Enhancements

Second-degree felony (Two –20 years): If the victim is a firefighter or emergency medical personnel on duty, or if the injury causes a traumatic brain injury resulting in a persistent vegetative state.
First-degree felony (Five – 99 years or life): If the victim is a peace officer or judge performing official duties.

Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas

Intoxication assault is closely related to intoxication manslaughter under Texas law. While intoxication assault involves serious bodily injury, intoxication manslaughter applies when an intoxicated person causes the death of another by accident or mistake. Both offenses focus on intoxication as the driving factor behind the harm caused.

Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter

Classification: Generally a second-degree felony.
Prison sentence: Two to 20 years in state prison.
Fines: Up to $10,000.
Community service: 240 to 800 hours.
Mandatory jail: If granted probation, the judge must order at least 120 days in county jail.

New 2025 Enhancements:

Multiple victims: Effective September 1, 2025, if the defendant causes the death of more than one person in the same transaction, the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony (five–99 years or life).
Grayson's Law (unlawful status): If the defendant is unlawfully present in the U.S. at the time of the offense, the mandatory minimum prison sentence increases to 10 years, with no eligibility for parole or probation until those 10 years are served.
First responder victims: If the victim is a peace officer, firefighter, or EMS personnel, the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony.

Talk to a Houston Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter Lawyer Today

An intoxication assault or manslaughter arrest can instantly change your life. You will likely face felony charges, high bond conditions, license suspension, and intense public scrutiny. These cases frequently involve serious injuries to others, which increases emotional stress and prosecutorial pressure.

Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC brings thorough preparation, strategic aggressiveness, and trial experience to these cases. When a DWI allegation escalates into a felony offense, our firm works to help you fight for the best possible outcome.

Call (713) 526-6300 or complete our online contact form to request a consultation about your case today.

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At the lowest point in my life, I found Nicole DeBorde
“At the lowest point in my life, I found Nicole DeBorde after a thorough AI search for top-notch criminal law firms led me to HOCHGLAUBE & DEBORDE, PC in Houston, TX. I was drawn to the firm’s 60 years of combined legal experience and its direct communication model, where clients work closely with named partners rather than simply junior associates or paralegals.

Nicole did not disappoint me. As expected, she is competent, thorough, and comfortable in the courtroom. In addition, I was deeply appreciative that she showed a great deal of empathy and compassion for me as a person during my ordeal.

Nicole was very proactive in my case. I believe she played a huge role in securing a “No Bill” return from the grand jury. I have no doubt that her wealth of experience as a former Harris County prosecutor (from 1994 to 2002) and skilled defense attorney since was instrumental in producing the grand jury’s decision not to indict.

Nicole removed what felt like the weight of the world from my shoulders. I am extremely thankful for the outcome of the case and forever grateful for her experience, dedication, preparedness, and strong work ethic.”
Thank you, Nicole, and your team, for saving my life.
“I don't know where to begin to explain how thorough, professional, effective and awesome this law firm is. Nicole Deborde and her team did a fantastic job in representing me in a very serious, 2nd-degree felony criminal case. End result, the case was dropped. God forbid any of you ever need a criminal defense attorney in the state of Texas, but if you do, I recommend this firm, 100%. Thank you, Nicole, and your team, for saving my life”

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