
Imagine this: you’re involved in a tragic accident, and before you can fully process what happened, you’re facing accusations of vehicular homicide. It’s a terrifying thought—one moment that changes everything. While the charges are serious, it’s important to remember that an accusation is not a conviction. You have the right to defend yourself, and the law requires the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
At the John T. Floyd Law Firm, our Houston criminal defense attorneys focus on standing up for those accused of serious crimes, ensuring your voice is heard. Reach out to us today to start building your defense.
What Is Vehicular Homicide?
Vehicular homicide, also referred to as intoxication manslaughter or reckless homicide in some cases, is a severe criminal charge in Texas. It applies when someone is accused of causing another person’s death while operating a motor vehicle. Unlike intentional crimes, vehicular homicide often arises from allegations of negligence or recklessness, such as driving under the influence, distracted driving, or excessive speeding.
Key Elements of a Vehicular Homicide Case
- Negligence or Recklessness: The prosecution must show that your actions behind the wheel were more than just a simple mistake. They must establish that you acted negligently or recklessly, putting others at risk.
- Causation: It is not enough to show that you were driving negligently. The prosecution must also prove that your actions directly caused the death in question.
- Unlawfulness: In some cases, vehicular homicide charges arise from violating traffic laws, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while intoxicated.
Common Defenses to Vehicular Homicide Charges

No two vehicular homicide cases are alike, and the defenses available depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the incident. Below are some of the most common defenses that can be employed to challenge vehicular homicide charges:
- Lack of Causation: One of the most effective defenses is showing that your actions did not directly cause the fatality. For example, if there were other contributing factors, such as a third-party driver’s negligence, poor road conditions, or a pedestrian’s unexpected behavior, this can weaken the prosecution’s argument.
- No Negligence or Recklessness: Not every accident is the result of negligence. A skilled attorney can present evidence that your actions were reasonable. For instance, you may have been forced to take evasive action to avoid a sudden hazard.
- Mechanical Failure or Medical Emergency: If your vehicle experienced a sudden and unforeseeable mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowout, or if you suffered a medical emergency like a heart attack or seizure while driving, this can serve as a strong defense.
- Mistaken Identity: In cases where multiple drivers or vehicles were involved, it’s possible that law enforcement identified the wrong individual as the at-fault driver. An attorney can investigate evidence like witness statements and video footage to establish whether you were behind the wheel at the time of the incident.
- Violation of Rights: Law enforcement must follow proper procedures when investigating vehicular homicide cases. If your rights were violated—such as being subjected to an illegal search or improperly administered sobriety tests—your attorney can work to have key evidence suppressed.
- Challenges to Intoxication Evidence: If the charge involves allegations of driving under the influence, the validity of BAC test results or other sobriety testing methods can be questioned. Faulty equipment, improper calibration, or procedural errors may render this evidence inadmissible.
At John T. Floyd Law Firm, we analyze every detail of your case to determine which defenses may apply and ensure that your side of the story is heard in court.
Seek Legal Help from a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer
A vehicular homicide charge is a serious matter, but it doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. Defending your rights starts with the right legal representation. John T. Floyd, a Houston criminal defense attorney, has a proven track record of handling complex and high-stakes cases with dedication and precision. His team is committed to protecting your future and crafting a strong defense tailored to your situation. Don’t wait—your defense starts now. Call John T. Floyd Law Firm at 713-224-0101 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation today.